Impatiens are one of the most popular annual flowers for adding color to shaded areas, but they present a common dilemma for gardeners living near wildlife. The straightforward answer to whether deer like them is yes; impatiens are a highly preferred food source for browsing deer. They are not considered deer-resistant plants, and their presence often attracts unwanted attention to garden beds and containers. This creates a frustrating cycle where the ease of growing the annual is offset by the constant threat of consumption.
Why Impatiens are a Deer Favorite
The primary reasons deer target impatiens (genus Impatiens) are rooted in the plant’s physical and chemical composition. Impatiens are characterized by soft, succulent stems and smooth leaves that are easy for a deer to chew and digest. This tender texture provides a satisfying contrast to the tougher, more fibrous wild forage deer often encounter.
The plant also has a high water content, making it attractive during dry or hot periods when deer are seeking hydration. Furthermore, impatiens lack natural defense mechanisms that deter browsing animals, such as strong odors, bitter compounds, or rough foliage. The sweet taste of the flowers and leaves, combined with the absence of these deterrents, makes the entire plant a palatable meal.
Local Factors Driving Browsing Behavior
While impatiens are inherently appealing, the severity of browsing is heavily influenced by the immediate environment and local deer population dynamics. The density of the local deer population is a major factor; in areas with high numbers of white-tailed deer, the pressure on all available vegetation increases, leading to less selectivity.
Food scarcity, especially during periods of drought, late winter, or early spring, can override natural preference, making well-watered garden plants an attractive target. The proximity of the garden to wooded areas or natural cover also increases the risk, as deer feel safer grazing in locations where they can quickly retreat. If more abundant alternative food sources are available nearby, impatiens may be temporarily ignored, demonstrating that browsing is often driven by necessity.
Strategies for Protecting Existing Plants
Gardeners committed to keeping their impatiens must employ a layered strategy focused on both taste and physical deterrence. Repellents are a common first line of defense, working by creating either an unpleasant taste or a frightening smell. Taste-based contact repellents, like those containing capsaicin or egg solids, must be applied directly to the foliage to make the plants unpalatable. Scent-based area repellents use odors like blood meal or rotten eggs to create an environment deer find distasteful.
For maximum effectiveness, both types of repellents require consistent reapplication, especially after rain or new growth emerges, and should be rotated to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent. For physical exclusion, a vertical barrier must be at least eight feet tall to reliably prevent deer from jumping over it. Temporary enclosures using fine-mesh netting or chicken wire can protect smaller beds and containers.
Planting Alternatives
If constant protection becomes too burdensome, substituting impatiens with deer-resistant annuals offers a more permanent solution. Deer tend to avoid plants that possess strong aromatic oils, fuzzy textures, or bitter compounds.
Annuals with a pungent scent, such as Marigold (Tagetes spp.) or Salvia (Salvia spp.), are often avoided because their strong aroma masks the appealing smell of other plants. Other successful substitutions include plants with a distinct texture, like Dusty Miller (Senecio cineraria) or Verbena (Verbena spp.) which has a hairy feel. Flowering Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) and certain Euphorbia varieties are also good choices, as their sap or bitter taste acts as a natural chemical deterrent. Strategically planting these alternatives at the perimeter of a garden bed can discourage deer from entering the area.