Salvia, commonly known as sage, is a popular genus of flowering plants used in gardens for its vibrant blooms and aromatic foliage. Gardeners often choose Salvia because it is widely recognized as a plant that naturally deters deer browsing. This resistance helps maintain ornamental plantings against hungry herbivores.
The Reason Salvia is Deer Resistant
Deer generally avoid Salvia plants due to naturally occurring compounds known as secondary metabolites. These chemicals, specifically terpenoids, give Salvia its characteristic strong, pungent aroma and bitter taste. Deer instinctively bypass plants that signal unpalatability because of their highly sensitive sense of smell and taste.
These terpenoids are concentrated in the plant’s essential oils, which are stored in specialized glands on the leaves and stems. When a deer bites or brushes against the foliage, the oils are released, creating an immediate and strong deterrent.
The physical texture of many Salvia varieties also contributes to their resistance. Numerous species have leaves covered in a fine, fuzzy layer of trichomes, or small hairs. This hairy or woolly texture is unpleasant for deer to chew, adding a tactile element to the plant’s unappetizing nature.
Not All Salvias are Equal
While the genus Salvia is broadly considered deer-resistant, the level of protection varies significantly across species and cultivars. The concentration of deterrent essential oils is not uniform, meaning some varieties are much more resistant than others. This difference explains why one type of sage might be ignored by deer while another is occasionally browsed.
Highly resistant Salvias are often perennial varieties with intensely aromatic foliage, such as Salvia nemorosa (Meadow Sage) or the culinary herb Salvia officinalis (Common Sage). These plants typically have lower water content and a high density of terpenoids. This amplifies the bitter taste and strong scent that deer dislike.
Less resistant types tend to be annuals or those bred primarily for large, showy flowers with reduced foliage scent, such as certain ornamental Salvia splendens varieties. These cultivars often have a higher water content, making them more succulent and potentially less bitter, especially in young, tender growth. In situations where food is scarce, such as during a drought or harsh winter, deer may choose to browse these less-protected varieties out of desperation.
Managing Salvia in High Deer Traffic Areas
Even highly resistant Salvia is not entirely deer-proof, especially in areas with high deer populations or limited alternative food sources. Gardeners in these locations should employ management strategies for additional protection. Physical barriers, such as temporary netting or fencing, are effective methods around newly planted or vulnerable areas.
Companion planting can also enhance Salvia’s natural defense by confusing deer with a mix of unpalatable textures and scents. Placing Salvias near other strongly aromatic plants deer avoid, like lavender or rosemary, creates a combined odor barrier.
Commercial deer repellents can be applied to the foliage of ornamental Salvias to provide a temporary, chemical deterrent. These products work by smell, taste, or both, but they must be reapplied regularly, particularly after heavy rain. To prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single product, gardeners should rotate between different types of repellents that use varying active ingredients.