Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a popular, low-growing annual known for forming a dense carpet of tiny flowers, often in shades of white, pink, or purple. Gardeners value it for its long bloom time and distinct, sweet fragrance. This plant is frequently used as a flowering ground cover or for edging garden beds. For homeowners in areas with high deer activity, determining if this fragrant plant is safe from browsing dictates planting choices.
The Deer Resistance Rating of Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum is classified as “Rarely Damaged” or “Seldom Severely Damaged,” making it a safe choice for areas with high deer populations. This resistance stems from the plant’s natural defense mechanisms.
As a member of the Brassiceae (mustard) family, Sweet Alyssum contains compounds that give its foliage a bitter taste deer find unpalatable. Furthermore, the plant’s strong aroma acts as a natural deterrent, leveraging the deer’s acute sense of smell. These characteristics ensure it is one of the least preferred food sources available.
Factors That Override Deer Plant Preferences
No garden plant is completely immune to browsing, and certain environmental conditions can override a deer’s natural aversion to Sweet Alyssum. The primary factor is extreme scarcity of food. Intense hunger, often due to starvation or high population density, forces deer to consume plants they would normally ignore, overriding the plant’s bitter taste.
Deer also demonstrate selective feeding, often seeking new, tender growth rich in protein and moisture. This can include the fresh tips of resistant plants. Additionally, young deer may not have learned which plants to avoid and will sample a wider range of foliage. Localized taste preferences also exist.
Protecting Your Garden From Deer Damage
Gardeners can employ several strategies to mitigate damage, even on resistant plants like Sweet Alyssum. The most effective method is physical exclusion. For low-growing plants, this involves installing a temporary, low-profile fence or netting around the bed during peak deer activity.
Chemical repellents offer a second line of defense and work through two mechanisms. Taste-based repellents are applied directly to the foliage using foul-tasting ingredients. Scent-based repellents rely on strong odors applied near the plants to mask the plant’s appeal. Both types require consistent reapplication, especially after rain or new growth emerges, to maintain effectiveness.
Companion planting is another tactic, involving strategically placing Sweet Alyssum near plants with stronger, offensive scents or toxic properties, such as lavender, sage, or foxglove. This helps mask the alyssum and confuse the deer.