The New Guinea Impatiens (Impatiens hawkeri) is an annual plant known for its bright, continuous blooms and ability to thrive in shaded or partially shaded garden spaces. Homeowners use these flowers to add vibrant color to containers and beds where sunlight is limited. Gardeners in areas with active wildlife often worry if this popular plant can survive the grazing habits of white-tailed deer, a common challenge when cultivating landscapes near natural habitats.
Deer Preference for New Guinea Impatiens
New Guinea Impatiens are generally categorized as deer-resistant, meaning they are not a preferred food source, but this does not make them deer-proof. The foliage and stems of these plants are not as appealing to deer as many other common garden annuals. This resistance is attributed to the plant’s slightly tougher texture and chemistry, resulting in a less palatable taste compared to the succulent leaves of other flowers.
Deer browse on plants based on a ranking of desirability, and the New Guinea Impatiens usually falls lower on this list. Horticultural ratings often place this variety in the “seldom severely damaged” category, suggesting minimal browsing in most circumstances. This inherent lack of appeal offers protection for the plant under normal feeding conditions. However, the designation of “resistant” simply reflects a reduced palatability, not immunity from being eaten.
Factors Influencing Deer Browsing Behavior
A deer’s diet is not static, and external environmental pressures can quickly override a natural preference for avoiding the New Guinea Impatiens. These animals are opportunistic foragers, and their choices are heavily influenced by the availability and nutritional content of other food sources. When preferred browse plants become scarce, deer will readily turn to less palatable options in the garden.
Periods of seasonal food scarcity, such as prolonged drought or late winter, will increase a deer’s hunger, making them less selective about what they consume. High local population density also contributes to this increased pressure, as greater competition forces individuals to expand their foraging to include plants they would normally ignore. An extremely hungry deer will consume almost any vegetation, regardless of its typical resistance rating. Furthermore, young deer often learn their diets by sampling a wide variety of plants, occasionally causing damage to resistant species as they explore new tastes.
Reliable Deer-Resistant Alternatives to Impatiens
Gardeners seeking vibrant color in shady spots with high deer pressure should consider alternatives to the Impatiens genus. Tuberous Begonias offer large, colorful blooms and glossy foliage, making them a good substitute for containers and window boxes. These are not typically browsed due to their texture and chemistry.
Wax Begonias (Begonia semperflorens) provide continuous, dense color and are widely recognized as resistant to deer damage. For areas that receive more sun, Lantana is a deer-resistant option, featuring clusters of brightly colored flowers and possessing a distinct odor that deer generally avoid. Certain varieties of Salvia are also suitable, as their aromatic foliage makes them undesirable to foraging deer while still providing vertical color in garden beds.