The simple, frustrating answer to whether deer eat pansy flowers is a definitive yes. Deer consider pansies (Viola x wittrockiana) a readily available and palatable food source, especially when other vegetation is scarce. These vibrant, low-growing annuals are frequently targeted, making protection necessary for gardeners in areas with moderate deer activity.
Pansies in the Deer Diet
Deer are selective herbivores, and their diet is heavily influenced by the palatability and availability of plants. Pansies are generally preferred, often rated as “frequently severely damaged.” The preference stems from their soft, lush texture and high water content, making them an appealing and easily digestible snack.
Deer are more likely to seek out pansies when forage is limited, such as in late winter, early spring, or during a summer drought. Pansies’ tender new growth and sweet-tasting blooms offer essential nutrients and hydration, drawing deer to garden beds. Their easy access, often planted in beds or containers, also contributes to their vulnerability as a convenient target.
Identifying Deer Damage Versus Other Pests
Accurately identifying the culprit is the first step in effective protection, as deer damage looks distinct from that caused by other common pests. Deer lack upper incisor teeth, instead using a tough dental pad against which their lower teeth press. When feeding, a deer bites down and pulls, resulting in a characteristic tearing action.
This tearing leaves the remaining stems and leaves with ragged, shredded, or torn edges. In contrast, rabbits and rodents have sharp incisors that create a clean, angled cut on the plant material. Deer browsing damage is typically found above one to two feet, while rabbits usually feed close to the ground. Deer often strip entire flower heads and buds overnight, leaving only jagged remains.
Practical Methods for Protecting Pansies
The most successful strategy for protecting pansies involves a layered approach that combines physical barriers with sensory deterrents.
Physical Barriers
Fencing is the most reliable method for excluding deer, but it requires significant height to be fully effective. A deer-proof fence needs to be at least eight feet tall, as deer can jump seven feet or higher. For smaller, high-value areas like a flower bed, temporary plastic netting or wire mesh enclosures can be effective if securely anchored. If a full-height fence is impractical, a shorter, double-row fence spaced about five feet apart can confuse the deer’s depth perception and discourage jumping.
Chemical Repellents
Repellents work by making the pansies unappealing through taste or smell. Taste-based repellents are applied directly to the foliage to make the plants bitter. Scent-based products, often using strong odors like putrescent egg solids or mint, deter deer before they take a bite.
It is important to rotate between different types of repellents, using both taste and scent formulas, to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent. Reapplication is necessary after heavy rain or when new growth appears, as fresh foliage will be unprotected.
Cultural Practices and Location
Strategic planting location can significantly reduce browsing. Placing pansies in containers on a porch or deck, or planting them close to a house or high-traffic areas, makes deer hesitant to approach. Deer are naturally skittish and avoid areas where human activity is frequent.
Companion planting can also provide a buffer. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong, aromatic scents or fuzzy textures. Integrating deer-resistant herbs like rosemary or lavender, or strongly scented flowers such as marigolds, around the pansies may help mask their appealing scent and deter browsing.