When gardeners install phlox, a popular perennial and ground cover, they often face conflict with local deer populations. Deer can quickly ruin a carefully planned garden, making a plant’s palatability a matter of landscape preservation. Understanding a deer’s dietary preferences for the Phlox genus is the first step in protecting these fragrant, colorful blooms. This helps gardeners determine the level of risk and decide on preventative measures.
The Deer Verdict: Are Phlox Plants Palatable?
Phlox is generally classified as “deer-resistant,” but this does not mean “deer-proof.” Deer tend to avoid phlox due to its slightly fuzzy leaf texture and the aromatic oils produced by the foliage. These characteristics act as a natural deterrent, making phlox a less desirable option compared to other available plants.
The Rutgers University deer resistance scale rates phlox as a plant that is “occasionally severely damaged,” indicating a moderate risk. While deer usually bypass phlox, they will browse it if they are hungry enough. The plant is typically safe but not entirely immune to grazing pressure, especially if it is the only food source nearby.
Factors Influencing Deer Grazing Habits
Whether phlox is eaten depends on environmental and behavioral factors that override a deer’s general preference. High deer density increases browsing pressure on all available vegetation, meaning less-favored plants are more likely to be consumed. When competition for food is high, deer become less selective about what they eat.
Food scarcity plays a significant role, especially during late winter and early spring when primary food sources are dormant or hidden. During these times, a deer’s menu expands out of necessity, making phlox a more viable option. New, tender growth is also more appealing than established plants, making recently planted or emerging spring foliage a primary target.
Variety Differences
Not all phlox varieties are equally resistant. Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is often considered tougher and less palatable than tall garden phlox (Phlox paniculata). Creeping phlox has tougher foliage and a lower growth habit, making it less accessible and less appetizing. Tall garden phlox, with its upright stems and more succulent leaves, is sometimes favored by deer, posing a greater risk.
Strategies for Protecting Your Phlox
Gardeners can employ several actionable strategies to minimize the risk of deer damage to their phlox plants. The most reliable method for complete exclusion is using physical barriers. A tall fence needs to be at least eight feet high to prevent deer from jumping over it. For smaller areas or individual plants, temporary netting or wire cages placed over the foliage can protect young or newly planted phlox while they establish themselves.
Repellents offer another line of defense and fall into two categories: taste-based and scent-based. Taste-based repellents, often containing ingredients like putrescent egg solids, make the plant unappetizing upon contact, deterring the deer after the first bite. Scent-based repellents work by emitting odors that deer find offensive, such as strong herbal or garlic mixes.
Effective use of repellents requires consistent reapplication, especially after heavy rainfall or when new growth emerges, as the protective coating can wash off or be eaten. It is also helpful to rotate different types of repellents, as deer can become accustomed to a single scent or taste over time, reducing its effectiveness. Strategic placement of phlox can also help, such as planting them closer to the house or mixing them with highly scented plants like lavender or catmint, which deer actively dislike, to mask the phlox’s scent and create a natural barrier.