Calendula, often known as the Pot Marigold, is an annual or short-lived perennial prized by gardeners for its vibrant yellow and orange blooms. This plant is a popular choice for adding continuous color to borders and containers throughout the growing season. A frequent concern for gardeners, especially those in rural or suburban areas, is whether this cheerful flower can withstand the appetite of foraging deer. This article explores the plant’s natural defenses, the specific conditions that may compromise them, and the steps gardeners can take to protect their plantings.
Calendula’s Resistance Level
Calendula is generally categorized by horticultural experts as deer-resistant, a designation that stems from the plant’s chemical and physical characteristics. Its primary defense mechanism is a strong, pungent aroma emitted by the foliage and flowers, which is unpleasant to a deer’s sensitive olfactory system. This strong scent often signals an undesirable meal.
The leaves also possess a slightly bitter taste, adding a secondary deterrent that reinforces the initial sensory warning. The combination of strong odor and unappealing flavor leads deer to bypass calendula. It is important to recognize the distinction between “deer-resistant” and “deer-proof”; resistance means the plant is low on a deer’s preference list, not that it is immune to being eaten.
Variables That Influence Deer Browsing
While calendula is resistant, its survival is not guaranteed, as various environmental factors can override a deer’s natural aversion. The most significant variable is the level of browsing pressure, which increases dramatically during periods of food scarcity, such as severe winter weather or drought. When preferred food sources are unavailable, deer become opportunistic feeders and will consume plants they would normally avoid.
The maturity and life stage of the plant also play a role in its vulnerability to browsing. Young seedlings and new transplants have not yet fully developed the concentration of bitter compounds or the strong, defensive aroma of a mature plant. New calendula plantings are often more susceptible to being sampled or eaten. Additionally, a deer’s diet can vary significantly by region, with local populations sometimes developing a tolerance for plants widely considered unpalatable elsewhere.
Practical Steps for Garden Protection
For gardens in high-deer-traffic areas, relying solely on calendula’s natural resistance is often not enough to ensure the plant’s safety. Implementing physical barriers provides the most reliable protection against browsing damage. Temporary wire cages or netting can be placed over individual plants or small groups of seedlings until they mature.
The strategic use of commercial repellents is another effective measure, especially those that trigger a fear or taste aversion, such as formulas containing putrefied eggs or dried blood. These repellents must be reapplied regularly, typically every 10 to 14 days or immediately following heavy rain, to maintain their efficacy. Rotating between different types of repellents is also advisable to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single scent or flavor. Gardeners can also employ strategic placement by planting calendula closer to the house or near other highly fragrant, naturally resistant plants.