Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii) are popular ornamental plants native to South Africa, prized globally for their vibrant, colorful blooms. These flowers, which resemble large daisies, are a common sight in gardens and as cut flowers, brightening landscapes with shades of red, pink, orange, and yellow. While they are generally categorized as deer-resistant, no plant is entirely deer-proof. This means deer typically avoid them, but they may still browse them under specific conditions.
Gerbera Daisies and Deer Palatability
Deer generally avoid Gerbera daisies due to several unappealing characteristics that affect their palatability. The leaves have a slightly fuzzy or coarse texture, which deters deer seeking smooth, tender foliage. This physical characteristic makes the leaves less desirable to chew and digest compared to softer garden plants.
The foliage also contains chemical compounds that lend a bitter taste, making the plant an unpleasant food source. Gerbera species naturally contain coumarin derivatives, which contribute to this unappealing flavor profile. Deer rely heavily on scent and taste to select their food, and these sensory cues signal that the daisy is low-priority forage.
Because of these natural defenses, Gerbera daisies are consistently ranked as less likely to be damaged by deer than many other common garden flowers. They are usually only sampled when preferred food sources are unavailable. The term “resistant” signifies that a deer will choose almost any other available meal before resorting to the Gerbera daisy.
Environmental Factors That Increase Browsing Risk
The feeding habits of deer are heavily influenced by the environment and the availability of other food, often overriding a plant’s natural resistance. When natural forage is scarce, such as during drought or late winter, deer become less selective. This scarcity forces them to consume plants they would normally ignore simply to meet their caloric needs.
High population density also increases the likelihood of browsing damage, as competition for food forces deer to expand their diet. Newly planted Gerbera daisies are also at higher risk, as deer often sample new additions to a landscape. Furthermore, the strong scent and bitter taste that deter deer may not be fully developed in young, newly established plants, making them temporarily more vulnerable.
Active Protection Methods for Gerbera Daisies
Gardeners in high-risk areas can employ several physical and chemical strategies to safeguard their Gerbera daisies from browsing. The most reliable method is a physical barrier, such as a sturdy fence at least eight feet tall, which is necessary to exclude deer. For smaller garden patches, protective netting or chicken wire can be temporarily installed around individual plants or beds.
Applying chemical deterrents is another viable option, typically using commercial repellents that contain active ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin. These products work by creating an unpleasant smell or taste. They must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness. Strategically placing the daisies can also help, such as planting them close to the house or near strongly scented herbs, like lavender or rosemary, which deer dislike.