Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata and its many cultivars) is a beloved perennial that provides vibrant color and fragrance to summer gardens. Deer browsing is a common concern, as it can quickly destroy months of growth. Gardeners need definitive information on the plant’s appeal to wildlife and effective strategies for protection. This article addresses the palatability of garden phlox and outlines practical methods to ensure its survival against grazing pressure.
How Palatable is Garden Phlox to Deer?
Garden phlox is generally classified as a low-preference plant, meaning deer tend to leave it alone if better food sources are available. This resistance is attributed to the plant’s strong, aromatic scent and the slightly fuzzy texture of its leaves and stems. These features make phlox less appealing compared to highly palatable plants like hostas or tulips. However, “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof,” and browsing behavior is highly variable. Rutgers University lists garden phlox as a plant that is occasionally severely damaged, especially when new growth and tender shoots emerge in the spring.
Environmental Factors Driving Deer Browsing
Deer browse on less-preferred plants like phlox primarily due to a lack of alternative food sources or high population pressure. High local deer density increases competition for preferred forage, forcing animals to consume whatever is available. This explains why phlox may be ignored in one area but consumed in a nearby neighborhood. Seasonal changes also influence browsing patterns, especially during periods of environmental stress. When native vegetation is scarce in late winter or during summer drought, the tender growth of phlox becomes an accessible meal.
Practical Methods for Protecting Phlox
Implementing physical barriers offers the most reliable defense against deer damage, as they completely block access to the plant. For individual plants or small groups, temporary wire cages or netting can be erected around the phlox until its foliage hardens. The only guaranteed protection for an entire garden is a tall, permanent fence, typically measuring at least eight feet high.
Chemical and scent-based deterrents provide a less invasive, though more labor-intensive, solution. Commercial repellents often use foul-smelling compounds, such as putrescent egg solids, which deter deer by simulating a predator or spoiled food source. Consistent reapplication is necessary for these products to remain effective, especially following rainfall or when new growth emerges. Since deer quickly habituate to a single scent, rotating between two or three different repellent formulations every few weeks is necessary to maintain effectiveness.
Another effective strategy involves companion planting, which uses plants that deer consistently avoid to mask or surround the vulnerable phlox. Deer are deterred by strong, pungent odors, making highly fragrant plants like lavender, Russian sage, and catmint excellent choices for creating a perimeter barrier. Placing these naturally repelling plants around the phlox can discourage deer from approaching the area.