Plumeria, also known as frangipani, are cherished by gardeners for their striking beauty and intoxicatingly fragrant blooms. These plants are a popular choice in warm climates, gracing gardens with vibrant flowers. A common concern for gardeners, especially where wildlife is prevalent, is potential deer damage. This article explores why plumeria are generally less appealing to deer and provides effective strategies for their protection.
Deer and Plumeria: The Interaction
Plumeria is largely considered a deer-resistant plant, meaning deer generally tend to avoid browsing on it. This resistance stems from the plant’s natural defenses. The primary reason deer typically bypass plumeria is the presence of a milky, latex-like sap found throughout its stems, leaves, and unripe seed pods. This sap contains compounds that are toxic to deer if ingested, often leading to gastrointestinal upset.
Beyond its toxicity, the sap also possesses a bitter taste and an unpalatable consistency that deer find undesirable. This unpleasant sensory experience acts as a natural deterrent, discouraging deer from taking more than an exploratory nibble. Deer are primarily browsers, and their diets consist largely of tender, palatable foliage, shoots, and twigs. Plumeria’s tough, leathery leaves and the unpleasant nature of its sap do not align with their preferred food sources, making it a low-priority target.
While plumeria is generally avoided, rare instances of deer browsing can occur, particularly when deer are under extreme hunger or when other food sources are scarce. Young, tender plumeria plants might also be more susceptible to initial nibbling compared to mature ones. Deer usually learn quickly to avoid plumeria after a single unpleasant experience with its sap.
Protecting Your Plumeria from Deer
Despite plumeria’s natural deer resistance, gardeners in areas with high deer populations can implement several preventative measures. Physical barriers offer the most reliable defense. Fencing, at least 7 to 8 feet high, is highly effective, especially for young plants, as deer are capable jumpers. For individual plants, protective cages or netting can provide a localized barrier against browsing.
Deer repellents can make plumeria less appealing. Commercial repellents often use strong odors or tastes that deer dislike, such as putrescent egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin (chili pepper extract). These can be taste-based, applied directly to the plant, or scent-based, creating an unpleasant aroma in the area. Natural alternatives include hanging strongly scented bar soaps, or applying homemade sprays containing ingredients like garlic, hot pepper, or a mixture of eggs and milk. Repellents require reapplication, especially after rain or as new growth emerges, typically every 2 to 4 weeks for liquid sprays.
Strategic planting, known as companion planting, can also deter deer. Placing strongly scented herbs or flowers that deer dislike, such as lavender, rosemary, marigolds, catmint, or yarrow, near plumeria can help mask its scent or create an uninviting environment. Considering the location and elevation of plumeria can reduce deer access. Planting them in less accessible areas of the garden or in raised beds and containers can make them harder for deer to reach.