Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Autumn Joy,’ commonly known as Autumn Joy Sedum, is a popular, late-blooming perennial prized for its architectural form and ability to thrive in poor soils. This succulent plant offers vibrant flowers in late summer and fall, providing color when many other garden plants have finished their cycle. Gardeners often seek this low-maintenance option, leading to a common question for those in areas with wildlife: is it a target for deer? This article explores the factors that determine whether deer will browse this perennial.
The Deer Resistance Status of Autumn Joy
The definitive answer for most gardeners is that Autumn Joy Sedum is considered highly resistant to deer browsing. Horticultural experts often place this perennial in the “Rarely Damaged” category, meaning deer prefer nearly any other food source over it. This classification does not imply the plant is completely immune, but rather that its characteristics make it an undesirable meal choice. Deer resistance is a preference ranking, not a guarantee of immunity.
The plant’s succulent nature, while beneficial for drought tolerance, is not appealing to a deer’s palate. When other forage is plentiful, deer bypass this sedum entirely. It remains untouched throughout the peak growing season when more palatable plants like hostas and daylilies are readily available. This reputation makes Autumn Joy Sedum a reliable choice for gardens subject to routine deer traffic.
Factors Contributing to Deer Avoidance
The primary reasons deer avoid Autumn Joy Sedum are the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of the plant itself. The leaves and stems are thick and fleshy, an adaptation that allows the plant to store water. This succulent nature results in an unpleasant, rubbery mouthfeel that deer find highly undesirable.
The foliage also contains chemical compounds that impart a bitter or pungent flavor. Deer are selective foragers, and this taste profile signals a low-preference food. The plant offers relatively low nutritional value compared to the tender, high-protein browse deer seek out. These characteristics make the sedum a poor choice when other options are present.
When Deer Ignore Their Preferences
Despite its strong resistance, “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof,” and browsing damage can occur under specific environmental conditions. Deer are driven by survival, and a lack of preferred forage will override their natural dislikes. Damage is common during periods of environmental stress, such as severe drought when native vegetation dries up, limiting available water and food.
Late fall and winter scarcity will prompt deer to sample plants they normally ignore as they search for remaining green material. High population density can also overwhelm the food supply, forcing a herd to consume less desirable plants. Deer may also sample the tender, new shoots that emerge in the early spring before the foliage develops its characteristic thickness and bitterness.
Practical Tips for Protecting Your Plants
Gardeners in high-pressure areas can take steps to minimize the risk of damage. One effective strategy is using taste- or scent-based commercial deterrents applied directly to the foliage. These products rely on foul flavors or smells, often containing ingredients like putrescent egg solids, to make the plant unappealing to a hungry deer.
Repellents must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness. Strategic placement can also offer protection; planting the sedum close to the house or in heavily trafficked areas may deter timid deer. During periods of extreme scarcity, temporary physical barriers, such as netting or wire caging, can provide a final defense until other food sources become available.