by Derrick |
Last Updated: October 2, 2023 Deer can be a significant problem for gardeners and landscapers. They can cause extensive damage to plants, shrubs, and trees. As a result, many people are curious about which plants deer prefer and which ones they avoid. One plant that people often wonder about is phlox. The question is, do deer eat phlox?
The answer is yes, deer will eat phlox. In fact, they will eat the blooms, buds, leaves, and stems of the plant. Phlox is attractive to deer because it is usually well-watered, fertilized, and tastes good to them. This can be a problem for gardeners who want to grow phlox in their gardens. A single deer can eat several pounds of plants each day, so deer eating phlox can cause serious damage to a garden.
However, there are some factors that may make phlox less attractive to deer. Phlox has hairy, thorny leaves that deer tend to avoid, and the plant’s overpowering scent can also be a turn-off for them. Additionally, unfavorable circumstances such as hunger or unfavorable weather conditions may drive deer to eat phlox. Despite this, it is still important for gardeners to take steps to protect their phlox from deer if they want to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
Do Deer Eat Phlox
Phlox is a beautiful flowering plant that is a popular choice for gardeners. However, one of the concerns that gardeners may have is whether deer will eat their phlox plants. Here’s what you need to know.
Do Deer Eat Phlox?
Yes, deer do eat phlox, but it’s not their first choice. Phlox has hairy, thorny leaves that deer tend to avoid, and the plant’s overpowering scent can also be a turn-off for them. However, unfavorable circumstances such as hunger or unfavorable weather conditions may drive deer to eat phlox.
How to Protect Your Phlox from Deer
If you want to protect your phlox from deer, there are several things you can do:
- Plant deer-resistant varieties of phlox, such as Phlox subulata or Phlox stolonifera.
- Use physical barriers such as deer fencing or netting to keep deer away from your phlox plants.
- Use noise deterrents such as wind chimes or motion-activated sprinklers to scare deer away from your garden.
- Use deer deterrent sprays that contain natural ingredients such as garlic or hot pepper.
It’s important to note that no method is foolproof, and hungry deer may still find a way to eat your phlox. However, by using a combination of these methods, you can greatly reduce the chances of deer damaging your phlox plants.
Understanding Deer Diet
Deer are herbivores, which means they only eat plants. They have a varied diet and will eat whatever plants are available to them. Their diet can vary depending on the season, location, and availability of food. In general, deer prefer to eat plants that are high in protein and carbohydrates.
Deer are known to eat a wide range of plants, including trees, shrubs, and flowers. They are particularly fond of plants with soft, succulent foliage, such as hostas and daylilies. They will also eat fruits, nuts, and seeds when they are available.
Deer have a unique digestive system that allows them to extract the maximum amount of nutrients from their food. They have a four-chambered stomach that allows them to ferment their food, breaking it down into smaller pieces that can be more easily digested. This allows them to extract more nutrients from their food than other herbivores.
Deers are known to be opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat whatever plants are available. They will often browse on plants that are not normally part of their diet if they are hungry or if their preferred food sources are unavailable. This can sometimes damage gardens and crops, as deer will eat whatever plants are available.
Phlox: An Overview
Phlox Species
Phlox is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Polemoniaceae. There are over 60 species of phlox, which vary in size, shape, and color. Some species, such as tall phlox, can grow up to 5 feet tall, while others, such as creeping phlox, are low-growing and make excellent ground covers. Phlox flowers come in a range of colors, including pink, purple, white, and red, and they have a sweet, pleasant fragrance that makes them popular among gardeners.
Phlox Nutritional Value
Phlox plants are not only beautiful, but they also have some nutritional value. They contain compounds such as tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, phlox plants are a good source of nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
However, it is important to note that phlox plants are not a significant source of nutrition for deer. While deer may occasionally eat the blooms, buds, leaves, and stems of phlox, they are not a preferred food source. This may be due to the potent scent of phlox flowers, which makes them less appealing to deer.
In summary, phlox is a diverse and beautiful genus of flowering plants that have some nutritional value. While deer may occasionally eat phlox, they are not a preferred food source due to the potent scent of the flowers.
Deer-Phlox Interactions
Factors Influencing Deer Eating Habits
Deer are known to be opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide variety of plants, including phlox. However, their eating habits can be influenced by several factors such as the availability of food, the season, and the presence of other food sources. In times of food shortage, deer may consume phlox even if it is not their preferred food. Additionally, deer tend to avoid strongly aromatic flowering plants, which includes some species of phlox.
Phlox Damage by Deer
Deer can cause significant damage to phlox plants, particularly during the growing season. They may browse on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, which can stunt its growth and reduce its overall health. In severe cases, deer browsing can even kill the plant.
To prevent damage to phlox by deer, several techniques can be employed. These include the use of netting, ultrasonic repellents, and planting deer-resistant alternatives to phlox. Additionally, pruning and fertilizing phlox can help to promote its growth and make it more resilient to deer browsing.
Overall, while deer may eat phlox, their eating habits can be influenced by several factors, and there are measures that can be taken to prevent damage to phlox plants.
Preventing Deer from Eating Phlox
Garden Planning
When planning a garden, it’s important to consider deer-resistant plants. While phlox is generally not a preferred food source for deer, they may still consume it if other options are scarce. To minimize the risk of deer eating phlox, consider planting it in areas that are less accessible to deer. This can include planting it near thorny or prickly plants, or in areas that are difficult for deer to reach.
Deer Deterrents
There are several deer deterrents that can be used to prevent deer from eating phlox. These include:
- Fencing: Fencing can be an effective way to keep deer out of a garden. A fence that is at least 8 feet tall and made of a sturdy material like metal or wood can effectively keep deer out.
- Repellents: There are several types of deer repellents on the market, including sprays, granules, and electronic devices. These products work by emitting an unpleasant scent or sound to deer, causing them to avoid the area.
- Scare devices: Scare devices like motion-activated sprinklers or noisemakers can effectively deter deer from entering a garden.
- Companion planting: Companion planting involves planting certain plants together that can help repel deer. Plants like garlic, chives, and lavender have strong scents that deer find unpleasant.
By incorporating these deer deterrents into a garden plan, it is possible to minimize the risk of deer eating phlox. However, it’s important to note that no method is 100% effective, and it may be necessary to use a combination of methods to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
In summary, phlox is generally not a preferred food for deer due to its strong fragrance and bitter taste. However, deer may resort to eating phlox in times of food scarcity or if there are no other options.
Gardeners who want to protect their phlox from deer can use various techniques such as physical barriers, noise deterrents, deer deterrent sprays, and planting deer-resistant alternatives. It is important to note that no method is foolproof, and deer may still find a way to access phlox.
It is also worth considering that while phlox may not be a preferred food for deer, it may still attract other garden pests such as rabbits and slugs. Therefore, gardeners may want to take additional measures to protect their phlox from these pests as well.
Overall, while phlox is not completely deer-resistant, it is still a beautiful and worthwhile addition to any garden. With proper protection and care, gardeners can enjoy the beauty of phlox without worrying about deer damage.