Phlox is a popular garden perennial, prized for its vibrant, long-lasting blooms and sweet fragrance. Gardeners often seek out this plant because it is frequently listed as “deer-resistant.” However, this classification does not mean it is deer-proof; a hungry animal will eat almost anything if other food is scarce. The answer to whether deer eat Phlox depends on the specific variety and the conditions surrounding the plant.
Phlox Varieties and Palatability
The two most common types of Phlox found in home gardens are Creeping Phlox and Tall Garden Phlox. Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata), which forms a dense, low mat, is the less vulnerable variety. Its foliage is small, dense, and somewhat needle-like in texture, making it less appealing to browse. Its dense growth can sometimes deter access altogether.
Tall Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) presents a more inviting meal, especially to younger or hungrier deer. This upright variety features softer, more succulent leaves and stems, particularly when putting on new growth in the spring. The softer texture and higher moisture content make the new shoots a more palatable target. Damage to this variety can impact summer flowering.
The aromatic nature of Phlox is often cited as a natural deterrent, but this defense is not absolute. While deer may initially avoid the strong-smelling leaves, their preference shifts under pressure. If a deer is forced to consume less preferred foods, the soft new growth of Tall Garden Phlox is often chosen before the tougher foliage of Creeping Phlox.
Factors That Influence Deer Foraging
Deer grazing behavior is influenced by surrounding environmental factors, not solely by a plant’s taste. The density of the local deer population is a major factor, as high numbers increase competition for food, leading to less selective browsing. When resources are strained, even low palatability plants like Phlox become viable food sources.
Seasonal availability of natural food sources dictates when Phlox is most at risk. Deer are more inclined to eat low-preference plants during the winter and early spring when preferred forages are dormant or covered by snow. Conversely, the tender, new growth of Phlox in the spring can also be attractive as deer seek out fresh, succulent greenery after a long winter.
If a deer’s natural habitat is limited by development or affected by drought, the pressure on garden plants increases. Deer will turn to whatever is easiest to access and consume if their usual browse is unavailable. This lack of alternative food is a primary reason why a plant considered deer-resistant in one area may be heavily browsed in another.
Effective Strategies for Protecting Plants
Protecting Phlox requires a multi-faceted and consistent approach, as no single method is effective against determined animals. Repellents offer a good first line of defense and fall into two categories. Odor-based repellents deter deer before they take a bite, while taste-based repellents make the plant unpalatable after an initial nibble. Taste repellents must be applied directly to the plant, while odor repellents can be used as an area barrier.
It is important to rotate the type of repellent used every few weeks, changing the active ingredient to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent. Reapplication is necessary, particularly after heavy rainfall or when new growth emerges, as unprotected fresh foliage is attractive. Commercial repellents often contain ingredients like dried blood, garlic, or hot pepper, which target the deer’s sensitive sense of smell and taste.
Physical barriers are the most reliable method for areas with extreme deer pressure, though they do not always require permanent, tall fencing. Temporary netting or wire cages can be placed over vulnerable young plants in the spring until they become established. If browsing is repeated, consider planting susceptible varieties of Phlox closer to your home or within a fully fenced area.
A final strategy is companion planting, where you mix Phlox with strong-smelling, deer-resistant herbs like lavender, catmint (Nepeta), or sage. These aromatic plants can help mask the scent of the Phlox, making it less likely to be investigated by a browsing deer.