Are you tired of deer munching on your garden and ruining your carefully cultivated landscape?
Fear not, there are plenty of ground cover options that deer will not eat. Not only do these plants deter deer, but they also add an interesting and aesthetically pleasing look to your garden.
From the glossy leaves of Pigsqueak to the delicate flowers of Lily-of-the-Valley, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best deer-resistant ground covers and how they can enhance your outdoor space.
Say goodbye to deer damage and hello to a beautiful, thriving garden.
What Ground Cover Will Deer Not Eat
Deer can be a major problem for gardeners, especially when it comes to ground covers. Fortunately, there are many low-growing perennials and shrubs that deer will not eat.
One such plant is Pigsqueak, a clump-forming perennial with leathery, glossy, dark green leaves that add an interesting look to the shade garden. Not only do these leaves deter deer, but they also form an attractive groundcover over time.
Lily-of-the-Valley is another great option for deer-resistant ground cover. These tiny bell-shaped flowers are a wedding favorite and the emerald green leaves come up in early spring and last until frost to form a dense cluster of weed-stopping foliage. Lily-of-the-Valley likes moist soil with a layer of organic mulch and is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 9.
Sweet Woodruff is a woodland plant that makes a great groundcover to deter deer. The 8- to 12-inch plants have 6 to 8 lance-shaped leaves arranged in a swirl and produce delicate white flowers in the spring. It prefers moist, but well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Wild Ginger is another native woodland plant with naturally deer-resistant heart-shaped leaves. Although not related to the culinary version, the roots have the reminiscent aroma of ginger. It prefers moist, but well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
If you’re looking for a low-growing evergreen ground cover, consider Pachysandra. The commonly used Japanese pachysandra (P. terminalis), also known as Japanese spurge, is valued as one of the cold-hardiest evergreen ground covers, bringing a splash of green to fall and winter gardens in northerly climates. The native Allegheny spurge (P. procumbens) is a less aggressive alternative, though it is only semi-evergreen.
It’s important to note that while these plants are generally deer-resistant, if a deer is hungry enough, almost any plant is fair game. However, planting these ground covers can help minimize deer damage and add beauty to your garden.
Why Deer Are Attracted To Certain Ground Covers
Deer are attracted to certain ground covers because they prefer tender young leaves, buds, and nutrient-rich vegetation. This means that ground cover plants with soft, succulent foliage are more likely to be eaten by deer.
Additionally, some ground covers have a more attractive scent or taste to deer than others. For example, deer tend to avoid plants with thorny or prickly leaves and stems, herbs with pungent aromas, plants with hairy leaves, and poisonous plants.
It’s also important to note that deer are more likely to browse on ground covers in areas where they are a problem and food sources are limited. In these situations, it’s best to choose ground covers that are known to be deer-resistant or use other methods of deterring deer such as fencing or repellents.
Understanding Deer-Resistant Ground Covers
When it comes to selecting deer-resistant ground covers, it’s important to understand what types of plants deer tend to avoid. Generally, deer will steer clear of groundcovers with thorny or prickly leaves and stems, herbs with pungent aromas, plants with hairy leaves, and poisonous plants.
Deer prefer tender young leaves, buds, and nutrient-rich vegetation, so choosing groundcovers that don’t fit this description is key. It’s also worth noting that while some plants may be labeled as deer-resistant, hungry deer may still nibble on them if other food sources are scarce.
When selecting deer-resistant ground covers, it’s a good idea to consult with your local cooperative extension to determine which plants are best suited for your specific area. Additionally, it’s important to consider the growing conditions in your garden, such as sunlight exposure and soil type.
Some examples of deer-resistant ground covers include Pigsqueak, Lily-of-the-Valley, Sweet Woodruff, Wild Ginger, and Pachysandra. These plants have naturally deer-resistant qualities and can add beauty and interest to your garden while helping to deter deer damage.
Top 5 Deer-Resistant Ground Covers For Sunny Areas
When it comes to sunny areas, there are still plenty of deer-resistant ground covers to choose from. Here are the top 5 options:
1. Creeping Thyme: This low-growing herb is perfect for sunny areas and has fragrant foliage that deer tend to avoid. It also produces small, pink or purple flowers in the summer, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.
2. Sedum: This succulent ground cover is not only drought-tolerant and easy to care for, but it’s also deer-resistant. It comes in a variety of colors and textures, making it a versatile option for any garden.
3. Ice Plant: This colorful ground cover is known for its vibrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and red. It’s also drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it a great option for sunny areas.
4. Blue Star Creeper: This low-growing plant produces small, star-shaped blue flowers in the spring and summer. It’s also deer-resistant and can tolerate both sun and shade.
5. Carpet Bugleweed: This fast-spreading ground cover has glossy, deep green leaves that turn bronze in the fall. It also produces spikes of blue or white flowers in the spring and is deer-resistant.
By planting these deer-resistant ground covers in your sunny areas, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without worrying about deer damage.
Top 5 Deer-Resistant Ground Covers For Shaded Areas
If you’re looking for deer-resistant ground covers for shaded areas, here are some great options to consider:
1. Pigsqueak: This clump-forming perennial has leathery, glossy, dark green leaves that add an interesting look to the shade garden. Not only do these leaves deter deer, but they also form an attractive groundcover over time.
2. Lily-of-the-Valley: These tiny bell-shaped flowers are a wedding favorite and the emerald green leaves come up in early spring and last until frost to form a dense cluster of weed-stopping foliage. Lily-of-the-Valley likes moist soil with a layer of organic mulch and is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 9.
3. Sweet Woodruff: This woodland plant makes a great groundcover to deter deer. The 8- to 12-inch plants have 6 to 8 lance-shaped leaves arranged in a swirl and produce delicate white flowers in the spring. It prefers moist, but well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
4. Wild Ginger: This native woodland plant has naturally deer-resistant heart-shaped leaves. Although not related to the culinary version, the roots have the reminiscent aroma of ginger. It prefers moist, but well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
5. Pachysandra: If you’re looking for a low-growing evergreen ground cover, consider Pachysandra. The commonly used Japanese pachysandra (P. terminalis), also known as Japanese spurge, is valued as one of the cold-hardiest evergreen ground covers, bringing a splash of green to fall and winter gardens in northerly climates. The native Allegheny spurge (P. procumbens) is a less aggressive alternative, though it is only semi-evergreen.
By planting these deer-resistant ground covers in shaded areas, you can add beauty to your garden while minimizing deer damage. Remember, while these plants are generally deer-resistant, if a deer is hungry enough, almost any plant is fair game.
How To Plant And Maintain Deer-Resistant Ground Covers
When planting deer-resistant ground covers, it’s important to choose the right location. Most of these plants prefer partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Be sure to prepare the soil by removing any weeds and adding organic matter such as compost or leaf mold.
Once you’ve chosen your plants, space them according to their mature size and water them well. Mulching around the plants will help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
To maintain your deer-resistant ground covers, it’s important to keep them healthy and weed-free. Regular watering and fertilizing will help keep them looking their best. If you notice any signs of disease or insect damage, treat them promptly to prevent further damage.
It’s also a good idea to periodically check for deer damage and take measures to deter them if necessary. This can include using deer repellents, installing fencing or netting, or planting additional deer-resistant plants as a buffer.
By following these tips, you can successfully plant and maintain a beautiful garden of deer-resistant ground covers that will add color and texture while keeping pesky deer at bay.
Other Ways To Deter Deer From Your Garden
Aside from planting deer-resistant ground covers, there are other ways to deter deer from your garden. One effective method is to use strong-smelling herbs and plants that deer avoid. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, oregano, thyme, catmint, garlic, and chives are just a few examples of plants that have powerful smells that deer dislike. Planting these around your garden can help keep deer away.
Another option is to use fencing or netting. A small chicken wire fence around each tree or shrub can help protect them from deer until a larger fence can be built. Fishing line with stinky herbs, marigolds, or lambs ear on the outside of the fence can also be effective at deterring deer. Additionally, using netting around plants or trees can help keep deer away until they grow large enough to be less tempting.
Human hair is another natural deterrent for deer. Scatter hair clippings from your barber or hairdresser around your garden beds, or stuff them into pantyhose and hang them throughout your landscape. The scent of human hair can help prevent deer from entering your garden.
Finally, it’s important to remember that springtime finds deer at one of their hungriest states. To minimize damage to your garden, avoid growing large amounts of plants that are particularly attractive to deer during this time, such as English ivy, lettuces, beans, peas, hostas, impatiens, pansies, and fruit trees like strawberries and peaches.
By incorporating these methods into your gardening routine, you can help keep deer away from your garden and protect your plants from damage.
