The Coleus plant, recognized for its vibrant, richly colored foliage, is a popular ornamental choice for gardeners seeking shade-tolerant annuals. Its lush appearance and easy maintenance make it a staple in containers and flower beds. In regions with white-tailed deer populations, gardeners often wonder if these striking leaves are a tempting snack, prompting the need to understand the plant’s palatability.
Are Coleus Plants Deer Resistant?
Coleus plants are generally categorized as deer-resistant, but they are not deer-proof. Their defense mechanism is due to a slightly bitter taste and an aromatic quality in the leaves that deer find unappealing compared to other garden fare. This low palatability means deer typically bypass Coleus in favor of preferred plants like hostas or tulips.
University extension services, such as Rutgers, rate Coleus as only “Occasionally Severely Damaged.” This rating acknowledges that while the plant is not a preferred food source, browsing damage can occur. The slight toxicity present also contributes to its low appeal.
The resistance level depends entirely on the availability of other food sources and the hunger level of the local deer population. If a deer samples the plant and tolerates the taste, it may consume it again, establishing a local preference.
Situational Factors That Increase Consumption
When natural forage is scarce, the deer’s feeding hierarchy shifts, and they become less selective about what they consume. This is most common during periods of severe drought or in the late winter months when typical food supplies are depleted or inaccessible under snow cover.
The density of the local deer population is another significant factor. In areas with high numbers of deer competing for limited resources, the animals are forced to browse plants they would normally ignore.
Young Coleus plants with new, tender growth are much more vulnerable to browsing than mature, established plants. The leaves in this early stage are often more succulent and lack the full concentration of the compounds that create the bitter taste.
Effective Strategies for Protecting Coleus
Physical Exclusion
Physical exclusion provides the most reliable form of protection against deer damage. A low fence or fine-mesh netting can be installed around small beds or container groupings to create a barrier. While deer can easily jump high fences, a short enclosure often acts as a sufficient deterrent by disrupting easy access to the foliage.
Repellents
Repellents offer another layer of defense, working through either taste or scent to discourage browsing. Taste-based repellents are applied directly to the foliage, making the plant unpalatable. Scent-based products use strong odors, such as sulfur or predator urine, to warn deer away from an area. It is important to rotate the type of repellent used every few weeks to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single product.
Strategic Placement
Strategic placement in the landscape can also minimize the risk of damage. Planting Coleus near areas of high human activity, such as close to the house or a frequently used patio, often deters deer. Another method is to surround the Coleus with plants known to be highly unpalatable, such as those with aromatic foliage or prickly textures, creating a protective border.