Damaged peonies, with unopened buds, ragged leaves, or missing stems, often indicate animal activity. While these perennials are robust, certain creatures find their tender parts appealing, especially when other food sources are scarce. Understanding which animals are responsible and their damage patterns provides the foundation for effective protection.
Common Animal Culprits
Deer are often a concern for gardeners, though peonies are not their preferred food source due to their bitter foliage. Despite this, deer may still browse on new shoots and tender leaves, particularly in spring when plants are emerging or during drought. They rarely consume the mature blooms themselves.
Rabbits also pose a threat to peonies, feeding on leaves and stems. They may still nibble on young plants, and damage to woody peonies can occur during winter months when other vegetation is scarce.
Slugs and snails are common garden pests that chew holes in leaves and petals. They might still consume them if more desirable food sources are unavailable, often targeting tender new leaves and buds.
Identifying Animal Damage to Peonies
Deer typically leave ragged tears on foliage, as they lack upper incisors and tend to pull and tear at plants. Their browsing often occurs higher up on the plant, affecting young shoots and leaves.
Rabbit damage usually presents as clean, sharp cuts on stems and leaves, often close to the ground. Evidence of rabbit activity is typically seen on lower parts of the plant, including young stems and emerging foliage. During colder months, rabbits might gnaw on the bark or woody parts of the plant.
Slugs and snails leave irregular holes in leaves and sometimes petals. A tell-tale sign of their presence is a shiny, silvery slime trail they leave behind as they move across plant surfaces. These pests tend to feed from the outer edges of leaves, creating a chewed appearance.
Protecting Peonies from Animal Damage
Physical barriers offer a reliable method for protecting peonies from larger animals. Fencing made of chicken wire or hardware cloth can deter rabbits, with a height of at least two to three feet recommended, and the bottom buried approximately six inches deep to prevent burrowing. For deer, an eight-foot-tall fence is generally effective, as they are less likely to jump over such a barrier. Individual plants can also be protected with wire cages or netting.
Repellents provide another layer of defense, working through taste or scent to discourage animals. Commercial deer repellents often contain ingredients like predator urine, garlic, rotten eggs, or hot pepper oils. Homemade sprays can be made from hot sauce, garlic powder, liquid dish soap, and water, applied directly to the plants. For rabbits, commercial repellents or DIY sprays with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or strong essential oils like peppermint can be effective. It is beneficial to rotate different types of repellents to prevent animals from becoming accustomed to a single deterrent.
Cultural practices and visual deterrents can also contribute to a comprehensive protection strategy. Planting deer-resistant companion plants with strong scents, such as lavender, rosemary, or allium, near peonies can help deter deer. Keeping garden areas tidy by removing brush piles and tall grass reduces hiding spots for rabbits. Motion-activated sprinklers, wind chimes, or reflective objects like old CDs can startle deer and rabbits, making them wary of the area.