With their striking colorful blooms zinnias are a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts. That said, not all plants are created equal when it comes to attracting wildlife, and if you're wondering- do deer eat zinnias, and are zinnias deer resistant, here's answering all your questions, and more.
Deer are known for their voracious appetite and can wreck havoc in your garden if left unchecked. Understanding which plants are deer resistant can help you maintain your flourishing garden while allowing them to coexist.
Deer are generally not attracted to zinnias, which makes them a promising choice for gardeners. However, it is important to note that you might need to take some more steps to set up a deer-resistant garden.
Let's dive deeper into the relationship between deer and zinnias, exploring the strategies you could implement to keep deer from coming near your zinnias.
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Are Zinnias Deer Resistant?
Zinnias are not typically considered deer resistant plants. They are small and colorful plants that bloom quickly and can tolerate summer heat and drought without needing any additional watering.
They can be classified as deer-resistant plants simply because of two characteristics they possess.
- They are able to grow back quickly even when they are nibbled on.
- They have prickly centers, which is why, deer don't prefer to eat them, and even if they do try to, they end up staying away from them.
These hardy plants are naturally great for someone who's a beginner at gardening, looking for a low maintenance plant that can thrive with minimal effort. Plus, they deter deer too, which can be great if you live in an area where deer may stroll.
Do Deer Eat Zinnia Flowers?
Zinnia plants are known for their gorgeous flowers and beautiful blooms that have bright, vibrant colors and are easy to grow and care for. They're also great drought-tolerant plants that can thrive wonderfully without supplemental watering.
While they may beautify your garden, you might be wondering- do deer eat zinnias? Well, truth is, if given the opportunity, the sight of these colorful blooms can appeal to the deer, especially if your garden is in an area that has a high deer population.
It is important to note that while deer don't like the taste of zinnias flowers, they can actually eat the stems and leaves. This means that having zinnias in your garden is still a bit tricky, and it isn't really a deer-resistant flower.
You can, however, take steps to plant your zinnias in a way to minimize their contact with deer.
A great way to keep deer out of your garden and away from your growing zinnias is to surround your garden with toxic plants and plants that keep deer out of your garden.
Decoding Deer Resistant Plants
Deer resistant plants can be a great choice for those who live in areas frequented by deer.
These plants have no special quality- just certain features and characteristics that make them less appealing to the deer, thereby keeping them away from your garden.
Remember that if the deer are really hungry, they might end up eating the zinnias in your garden too, which is why, it is best to have a combination of two or more of these deer-resistant plants in and around your garden to create an unfavorable environment for the deer to attack.
Let's take a closer look and understand what it is that these plants have that help keep the deer away.
What Kind of Plants Do Deer Usually Avoid?
Deer have a reputation of causing quite a bit of damage to your landscape and garden if left unchecked.
That said, there are certain plants that they avoid going near, mostly because of their strong fragrance or scent. These plants include lavender, mint, sage and many others. These scents tend to be unappealing to deer, and it naturally keeps them away.
In addition, certain plants have a thorny or fuzzy texture, which again, acts as a natural deer deterrent. When the deer try to eat these plants, the pricky surfaces can irritate their mouths and discourage them from eating up the plant.
Deer also stay away from certain plants that have toxic compounds that could be harmful to them. Foxglove, daffodils and yarrow are some good examples.
Plants That Repel Deer
There are certain plants that actively repel deer and keep them away. Here's a quick list of some of the most common deer resistant flowers and plants.
Since deer tend to avoid these plants, having them in your garden can is one of the best ways to keep deer away, especially if you have zinnias in your garden.
- Yarrow
- African lilies
- Cactus
- Aster
- Wild ginger
- Poppy
- Marigold
- Bearded iris
- Larkspur
- Bleeding hearts
How to Keep Deer Away From Your Garden
There are several effective strategies you can implement to keep deer away from your garden.
Install a Fence
The simplest step would be to install a fence around your garden to create a physical barrier that the deer cannot easily cross. You might want to make sure the fence is at least 8 feet tall and buried several inches into the ground to prevent the deer from digging under it or crossing over it.
You can use electric, wire or wooden fencing depending on your personal preference.
Use Repellents
Another great effective step is to use scent based repellents to keep deer from entering your garden.
If you're wondering do deer eat zinnias, and are still confused about if any of the plants in your garden will attract them, using this strategy can be the most cost effective and safe one.
You can spray a commercial deer repellent spray on your plants or create your own homemade repellent using ingredients such as garlic, hot sauce, or eggs.
Use Deer-Resistant Plants
Additionally, you can plant deer-resistant plants in your garden, especially around the periphery.
Plants like lavender, rosemary, and marigolds are good deer-resistant plants that could work in combination with zinnias.
Install Motion Sensors
Another effective method is to use noise or motion-activated devices to scare away deer. You should be able to find them easily, and these devices help scare deer away by making loud noises or flashing lights when they come near your plants.
In addition to these techniques, you can also try other ways to keep deer off your property and your plants. Read more about that here.
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