Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is a favored perennial valued for its colorful and diverse foliage. These plants offer a wide spectrum of leaf shades, ranging from deep purples and reds to vivid lime green, providing year-round visual interest in shaded or partially shaded landscapes. For gardeners in areas with wildlife, a recurring question is whether Coral Bells are safe from browsing deer. Deer populations continue to grow and adapt to suburban environments, often turning gardens into opportunistic food sources. The answer lies in understanding the plant’s natural defenses and the specific conditions that drive deer to eat almost anything.
Heuchera’s Status as a Deer-Resistant Plant
Coral Bells are widely considered to be a deer-resistant plant, meaning they are generally not a preferred food source for deer. This resistance stems from a combination of physical and chemical characteristics that make the foliage unpalatable to grazing animals. The leaves of Heuchera often possess a slightly leathery or coarse texture, which deer find abrasive to chew. On a chemical level, the plant contains compounds that contribute to its low appeal. These secondary metabolites, such as saponins or tannins, give the leaves an astringent or bitter taste that deer avoid after an initial exploratory bite.
Factors That Influence Deer Browsing of Heuchera
Although Heuchera is naturally resistant, deer browsing is not impossible and depends heavily on environmental context and the animal’s hunger level. When preferred food sources are scarce, such as during severe winter weather or prolonged drought, deer become opportunistic feeders. Under these high-pressure conditions, a deer will browse plants it would normally ignore, including Coral Bells, simply to obtain necessary calories and hydration.
Vulnerable Plant Parts
Deer may also target the newest, most tender growth on the plant, even if the mature leaves are avoided. This soft, emerging foliage or the delicate flower stalks can be more appealing to a hungry animal. Furthermore, some newer, highly hybridized cultivars with softer or brightly colored foliage may offer slightly less resistance than older, tougher varieties. Regional differences in deer diet and learned behavior can also mean that a local herd might develop a preference for a plant generally considered resistant elsewhere.
Strategies for Deterring Deer from Heuchera
Gardeners who observe browsing damage on their Heuchera plants can employ a multi-faceted approach to protect their investment.
Repellents and Barriers
The use of commercial deer repellent sprays that utilize unpleasant tastes or scents can be effective, provided they are applied frequently and rotated. Rotation prevents the deer from becoming habituated to a single formula. For new or particularly vulnerable plantings, temporary physical barriers provide protection until the plants are established. Simple methods like draping bird netting or placing small sections of wire fencing around the plant physically block access to the foliage.
Companion Planting
Strategic companion planting also helps by placing strongly aromatic plants, such as lavender, sage, or ornamental alliums, near the Coral Bells. The intense scent of these plants helps mask the Heuchera and confuses the deer’s sensitive sense of smell, directing them away from the area.