Geraniums, appreciated for their vibrant blooms and diverse foliage, are a popular choice in gardens and containers. While these plants generally thrive, gardeners sometimes face the challenge of animal damage. Understanding which animals are attracted to geraniums and how they interact with the plants can help in protecting these cherished garden additions.
Common Animal Pests of Geraniums
Several animals feed on geraniums, each leaving distinct signs. Deer often browse on tender shoots and leaves, especially new growth, causing ragged tears rather than clean cuts. They feed on plants up to several feet off the ground.
Rabbits are another common pest, targeting young geranium plants and fresh growth. They clip stems cleanly, leaving a sharp, angled cut, often consuming the entire plant down to the ground if left undisturbed. Their damage is observed closer to the ground, within a foot or two of soil level.
Rodents, such as voles and mice, cause damage to geraniums. Voles feed on roots, leading to wilting or death without obvious above-ground signs, or they may girdle stems at the base. Mice nibble on leaves or flowers, leaving smaller, irregular chew marks.
Slugs and snails are common garden pests that leave irregular holes in geranium leaves and flowers. Their feeding activity is accompanied by a silvery slime trail, visible on leaves or surrounding surfaces. Various insects, including caterpillars, Japanese beetles, and earwigs, chew on geranium foliage and flowers, leaving holes or ragged edges.
While “geranium” commonly refers to plants in the Pelargonium genus, true Geraniums, also known as cranesbills, are perennial plants targeted by these same animals. Both types offer palatable foliage and flowers.
Identifying the Animal Culprit
Identifying the animal responsible for geranium damage involves observing specific clues. The type of damage provides insight; ragged tears or torn leaves indicate deer browsing, while clean, angled cuts on stems suggest rabbits. Damage occurring close to the ground, under two feet, points towards smaller animals like rabbits or rodents.
Examining the surrounding area for animal droppings helps identify the pest. Deer droppings are small, pellet-like and found in clusters, whereas rabbit droppings are round and pea-sized. Rodent droppings are smaller and rice-grain shaped. Silvery slime trails confirm slug or snail activity.
Looking for tracks in soft soil around the plants provides identification. Deer leave distinct cloven hoof prints, while rabbits have smaller, four-toed prints. Observing when the damage occurs, whether during the day (diurnal) or at night (nocturnal), further narrows possibilities. Physically observing the animal feeding on the plants is the most direct method.
Protecting Your Geraniums
Once the animal culprit is identified, several strategies protect your geraniums. Physical barriers are the most effective method, such as fencing. For deer, fences should be at least eight feet tall. For rabbits, a two-foot-tall fence buried a few inches into the ground is sufficient. Netting or cages also protect individual plants or smaller beds.
Repellents deter animals through taste or scent. These products contain ingredients that are unpalatable or emit offensive odors, discouraging feeding on treated plants. Their effectiveness varies depending on environmental conditions and pest persistence, requiring reapplication after rain or over time.
Maintaining garden cleanliness and removing potential hiding spots reduces pest populations. Clearing away leaf litter, weeds, and debris makes the area less appealing for rodents, slugs, and snails. Proper drainage reduces slug and snail activity, as they prefer moist environments.
Companion planting involves placing certain plants near geraniums that deter pests. Some strong-smelling herbs, for example, can confuse or repel certain animals, though this method’s effectiveness varies. While no geranium variety is completely immune to animal damage, some may be less palatable than others, offering a deterrent.