Protecting a garden from browsing deer is a common concern for many homeowners. The search for a reliable, low-maintenance plant that deer consistently avoid often leads to the popular shade groundcover, Pachysandra. This plant is frequently cited as a resilient option, offering an attractive solution for difficult planting spots.
Defining Pachysandra and Its Appeal
Pachysandra, most commonly Pachysandra terminalis or Japanese Spurge, is a popular evergreen groundcover. It spreads by underground stems, forming a dense, low carpet of foliage that typically reaches 8 to 12 inches in height. The leaves are rich, dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, clustering in whorls at the ends of the stems.
Gardeners choose this plant primarily for its exceptional tolerance of deep shade, a condition where many other plants fail to thrive. Its dense growth habit effectively suppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion. The plant’s ability to thrive in these challenging environments and maintain its color year-round contributes to its wide appeal.
The Verdict on Deer Resistance
Pachysandra is classified as highly deer-resistant by horticulturists and landscapers. The resistance is due to a chemical defense mechanism within the plant itself, not its texture. The plant belongs to the Boxwood family (Buxaceae) and contains various secondary metabolites, including steroidal alkaloids.
These alkaloids, such as epipachysamines and pachysamines, are bitter-tasting and slightly toxic to large herbivores like deer. The unpleasant flavor and potential for digestive upset cause deer to reject Pachysandra in favor of more palatable food sources. This biological deterrent ensures that the plant is one of the last choices on the menu.
When Deer Ignore Resistance
While the chemical makeup of Pachysandra provides a strong defense, the term “deer-resistant” does not mean “deer-proof.” Deer are adaptive browsers whose feeding habits are dictated by environmental stress and the availability of preferred forage. Resistance most commonly fails during harsh winters or late spring when other food is scarce or covered by deep snow.
When deer populations are high, or when the animals are facing starvation, they will consume almost any vegetation, regardless of its unpalatability. Newly established Pachysandra plantings are also more vulnerable. The tender, young growth may contain lower concentrations of deterrent alkaloids, making it slightly more appealing.
Practical Strategies and Alternative Groundcovers
For gardeners dealing with extreme deer pressure, a multi-faceted approach offers the best chance of protection. New plantings should be temporarily protected with wire cages or netting until they are fully established, as deer are attracted to the nutrient-rich new growth. Commercial deer repellents, often containing putrefied egg solids or capsaicin, can also be applied regularly to the foliage during periods of peak browsing.
If Pachysandra is consistently damaged in your landscape, several other groundcovers offer reliable deer resistance. Epimedium, also known as Barrenwort, is a shade-loving perennial with leaves unappealing to deer. For sunny or dry areas, Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) provides a tough, evergreen alternative that deer avoid due to its pungent scent and sharp needles. Vinca minor, or Periwinkle, is another shade-tolerant, vine-like groundcover that deer bypass because of its bitter taste and low toxicity.