When planning a garden, one must consider not only the aesthetic beauty of the plants but also their resistance to wildlife, such as deer. Deer can be quite destructive to a well-curated garden. But are dahlias deer resistant? This question is common among gardeners, and this article aims to answer it comprehensively. Also, scroll down to discover a few deer resistant plants.
Are Dahlias Deer Resistant?
Let’s get straight to the point: Dahlias are not deer resistant. Deer are herbivores with a vast diet, and they love to feast on a wide variety of plants, especially those with lush, juicy leaves and flowers. Dahlias, unfortunately, fall into this category due to their appealing texture and vibrant blooms.
Do Deer Eat Dahlias?
Yes, deer do eat dahlias. Dahlias are high on the list of a deer’s preferred menu. The fragrant aroma and colorful petals of dahlias are practically an open invitation to hungry deer. While dahlias are not the only flowers that deer feed on (and there are other plants deer would prefer to eat), they are certainly among their favorites.
Also Read: What Colors Can Deer See?
How to Protect Dahlias from Being Eaten by Deer
While dahlias are not deer resistant, you can still take steps to protect these gorgeous flowers from becoming a deer’s dinner.
- Fencing: Erect a sturdy fence around your garden. Ensure it is high enough (at least 8 feet), as deer are good jumpers.
- Deer Repellents: Use commercially available deer repellents. These products have a taste or smell that deer find unpleasant. Remember to reapply regularly, especially after rain.
- Home Remedies: Many gardeners swear by homemade remedies such as hanging bars of strongly scented soap or sprinkling human hair around the garden. These methods work on the principle of strong odors deterring deer.
- Plant Placement: Plant dahlias close to your house or high-traffic areas. Deer are wary creatures and tend to avoid areas with high human activity.
- Introduce Deer Resistant Plants: growing your dahlias alongside deer resistant plants should keep deer away. These flowers give off distinct scents that deer try to avoid. Such plants include sage, rosemary, lavenders or daffodils.
How to Keep Dahlias Safe
Apart from deer, several other factors can cause harm to your dahlias. Pests, diseases, and environmental conditions can all damage these delicate blooms. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of disease or infestation. Implement a watering and fertilization schedule suited to dahlias, and consider using mulch to control weeds and maintain soil moisture.
What Other Flowers Are Deer Resistant?
If deer are a significant concern in your area, you might want to consider planting deer-resistant flowers. These include lavender, marigolds, foxgloves, daffodils, alliums, or astilbes. These plants have characteristics – such as strong scents or toxic compounds – that deer generally avoid.
What Other Animals Eat Dahlias?
Besides deer, other animals also enjoy nibbling on dahlias. Rabbits, gophers, and groundhogs are known to eat dahlia flowers and leaves. At the same time, slugs, snails, and caterpillars damage the plant by chewing holes in the foliage.
In conclusion, while the answer to “Are dahlias deer resistant?” is a resounding no, you can still take measures to protect your dahlias and enjoy their vibrant blooms. It requires some extra effort, but the resulting display of dahlias in your garden is worth it.
Also Read: Where Do Deer Sleep?