Comments on: Deer Proof Perennials

By: martha

martha — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:20:39 +0000

I recommend a new book, Creating a Deer & Rabbit Proof Garden by Peter Derano.
great book, worth the money
http://www.creatingadeerproofgarden.com

By: admin

admin — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:40:25 +0000

Something is taking off the heads of my flowers . What can i do about it.

Probably, rabbits or deer are enjoying your culinary delights. There are several repellants which can be used before damage occurs or the animal has tasted the plant. Thiram a fungicide is recommended as an animal repellant. Deer Away & Hinder seem to get good results for both deer and rabbits. People have tried baby powder, blood meal and lion feces with mixed results. They do not weather well and need to be re-applied on foliage every 5 days or after any rain or dew. Hot peppers (capsaisin)and another interesting one is coffee grounds mixed in the soil. Coffee is high in nitrogen and acid, moderation is a good idea in areas with low ph. Unfortunately, once they get a taste its hard to keep them away.

By: maggie espo

maggie espo — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:49:57 +0000

Forget the black-eyed susans. The deer eat them down to the ground. They do leave the shasta daisies alone–planted right with the black-eyed susans. Go figure. They’ve eaten turtleheads in NJ, too.
By the way, I don’t think hunger has anything to do with their eating habits, they just enjoy a good salad bar when they see one!

By: Gladys

Gladys — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:05:53 +0000

Here is a great resource with a comprehensive listing of deer resistant plants, fencing, deer deterrents and various other deer control solutions at http://www.deer-departed.com/deer-resistant-plants.html

By: Betty

Betty — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:45:07 +0000

betty ,
Hello, can you tell me if Shasta Daisies are deer proof perennials ?? I see black eyed Susan, would they be the same as Shasta�s? I am looking forward to your reply.
Thank you, Betty, Edwardsville, Pa.

Shasta daisies are deer proof perennials, I have them in my flower bed and seem to be safe from deer-but keep in mind if they are hungry they will eat anything.

By: shawnee

shawnee — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 14:20:32 +0000

On tv they had a show about placing a mulch of “cocoa bean shells” around your tulips and they said it smells like chocolate and deer hate the smell…will be trying it this summer as we just bought some land

Sounds great!Anything to keep deer away. I love that chocolate smell, unfortunately it doesn’t last.

By: tuftsgang

tuftsgang — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 11:49:59 +0000

I live on the forest edge in Maine. Try planting lilac bushes on the outer area of your yard/planting bed. Deer hate it. Also,bury onion & garlic bulbs around your planting beds, they hate the smell.

Thanks for the tips!!!

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 14:37:41 +0000

Deer love to eat the blossoms and leaves of the native turtlehead. They are not deer proof, at least in MD

Unfortunately, deer will eat just about any plant when they are hungry.

By: Dena Harbert

Dena Harbert — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 04:36:53 +0000

Here in Elkview, WV (southwestern WV) the deer will not eat Marigolds so I plant them around my Hostas, which they love.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Sun, 11 Sep 2005 16:08:57 +0000

I live in Wisconsin and have two yucca plants next to my deck facing south. They do not look as nice as when I first planted them yet they stalk and flower every year. Should I remove the stalks at the end of each season & if yes, what should I do with the pods. How do I get them to look healthy again? Our winters are very cold and snowy, should I cover them? Advise is appreciated.

Some cut the stalk because it takes energy out of the plant for seed production. The pods contain seeds. You can plant them but it will take a long time 3-4 yrs. to bloom. Yucca can look unsightly especially after winter but will perk up in the spring when new growth emerges. Leave the old growth on for winter protection. No need to cover them, but if winter is severe try mulching with leaves. They are hardy to zone 4