Gardening in areas with a deer population presents a persistent challenge, often turning a beautiful landscape into an unexpected food source. Homeowners frequently seek clarity on which annuals can survive this browsing pressure, especially when considering popular, colorful options. This article focuses on the vulnerability of pansies and petunias to deer feeding habits. Understanding the appeal or deterrent qualities of these plants, along with the broader dynamics of deer diets, is the first step toward protecting a thriving garden.
Pansies: A Preferred or Avoided Snack?
Pansies (Viola tricolor and its hybrids) are generally considered a highly palatable target for deer. The tender, succulent growth and high water content of the foliage and blooms make them an attractive, easily digestible food source. Deer are attracted to the soft texture and nutritional benefits, especially when newly planted or well-fertilized.
The damage to pansies is often severe, characterized by cleanly clipped stems where the entire flower head or young shoot has been removed. This browsing is common during periods of food scarcity, such as late winter or early spring, when natural forage is limited. While pansies can sometimes recover after being grazed, continual targeting by deer can quickly decimate an entire planting.
Petunias: Are They Truly Deer Resistant?
Petunias (Petunia spp.) are frequently labeled as deer-resistant, but this term is often misleading as it does not mean deer-proof. They possess characteristics that are less appealing to deer, such as a sticky texture and a mild, musky scent. This combination means petunias are not a deer’s first choice when other, more palatable options are available.
However, petunias are still subject to browsing. The Rutgers University deer resistance rating for this plant is “Occasionally Severely Damaged,” indicating that while they are not a preferred food, hungry or stressed deer will readily eat them. Deer are especially drawn to the moist foliage and new growth during dry periods, and they are capable of causing immense damage to a petunia bed overnight.
Why Deer Diets Change
Deer exhibit opportunistic and adaptive feeding behaviors, meaning their preference for a plant can change based on environmental and biological pressures. A primary influence is local population density, which directly impacts the available food supply. When deer populations are high, competition for preferred forages increases, forcing them to eat plants they would normally avoid, such as petunias.
Seasonal availability also dictates browsing habits, as deer must select forages. Winter conditions or drought reduce the quality and quantity of natural food sources, increasing the pressure on cultivated plants like pansies and petunias. Deer can also develop learned behaviors, where individuals in a local herd may acquire a taste for certain plants, leading to localized, consistent browsing that defies general resistance ratings.
Effective Strategies for Protecting Your Flowers
Physical barriers provide the most reliable method for protecting vulnerable plants like pansies and petunias from deer access. A perimeter fence must be at least eight feet tall to deter deer from jumping, or a double fence arrangement of two parallel five-foot fences can create a psychological barrier. For smaller garden beds or containers, temporary wire cages or netting secured over the plants offer a simple, cost-effective solution.
Chemical repellents work by creating either an offensive odor or an unpleasant taste, often using ingredients like rotten eggs, garlic, or capsaicin. Consistent reapplication is necessary for these products to remain effective, especially after rain or when new plant growth appears. It is important to rotate between different types of repellents, as deer can become habituated to a single scent or taste, rendering it ineffective.
Strategic placement and companion planting can also reduce browsing pressure. Placing highly palatable plants, such as pansies, close to the house, deck, or other areas with frequent human activity can discourage deer from approaching. Planting strongly scented, truly repellent herbs like lavender, rosemary, or thyme around the edges of a flower bed can create a scent barrier that deer are less likely to cross to reach the more appealing plants inside.