Cyclamen, with their unique upswept petals and intricate foliage, are popular choices for adding color to gardens and indoor spaces. These tuberous perennials are known for blooming during cooler months, often bringing life to the landscape when other plants are dormant. Many gardeners, especially those in areas with active wildlife populations, frequently consider how to protect their cherished plants from deer browsing.
Cyclamen and Deer Interaction
Cyclamen plants are generally considered deer-resistant, meaning deer typically avoid them. This is due to the plant’s natural defense mechanisms. Cyclamen contains toxic compounds, primarily saponins, which are concentrated in the tubers but present throughout the entire plant. These compounds are unpalatable and can be harmful to deer if ingested, leading to gastrointestinal upset. The plant’s thick, waxy leaves also contribute to its unappealing nature for deer. Because of these qualities, cyclamen is often recommended for gardens in deer-prone areas. While no plant is entirely “deer-proof,” cyclamen’s toxicity and taste make it a low-priority food item for deer, safeguarding it from regular browsing.
Factors Affecting Deer Browsing
While cyclamen is largely deer-resistant, deer might still browse on them in rare circumstances. Deer are opportunistic feeders, and their dietary habits can shift based on food availability and environmental stress. In situations of extreme hunger or scarcity of preferred food sources, deer may sample plants they would normally avoid, including cyclamen, especially if other vegetation is limited during harsh winter months or droughts.
Young or inexperienced deer might also be less discerning and occasionally try plants that older deer have learned to avoid. Signs of deer browsing include leaves and stems with a rough, torn, or shredded appearance, as deer lack upper incisors and tend to rip rather than cleanly cut plants. You might also notice hoof prints or scat in the vicinity of damaged plants.
Protecting Your Cyclamen from Deer
To provide additional protection for your cyclamen, especially in areas with high deer pressure, several strategies can be employed. Physical barriers are highly effective; an 8-foot tall fence is generally recommended to prevent deer from jumping over. For smaller garden beds or individual plants, netting or row covers can create a physical deterrent.
Deer repellents, available as taste-based or scent-based formulas, can also be applied. Taste repellents make plants unpalatable, while scent repellents use odors like rotten eggs, garlic, or predator urine that deer dislike. It is often beneficial to rotate different types of repellents to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single one. Planting cyclamen in less accessible areas, such as close to the house or within a densely planted bed, can also reduce their exposure. Interplanting cyclamen with other strongly scented, deer-resistant plants like lavender, rosemary, or marigolds can further deter deer from the area.