Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum) are popular garden flowers known for their bright white petals and yellow centers. They are easy to grow and bring cheerful beauty to gardens. But what if you live where deer are common? Do deer eat these pretty flowers? Let’s explore how Shasta daisies and deer interact.
How Deer Feel About Shasta Daisies
Many gardeners say that deer tend to avoid Shasta daisies. These plants have a strong scent, bitter taste, and rough leaves, all of which deer usually dislike. For example, Proven Winners mentions that deer stay away from Shasta daisies because of these qualities. High Country Gardens also lists the ‘Snowcap’ variety of Shasta daisies as deer-resistant. Many sources agree that Shasta daisies are not a favorite food for deer.
What Makes Shasta Daisies Unappealing to Deer?
Shasta daisies have certain traits that help keep deer away. Their scent is strong, which can be unpleasant for deer. They also have a bitter taste, which deer don’t like. Additionally, the leaves are prickly, making them hard to eat. These traits are common in plants that want to avoid being eaten. By understanding these characteristics, gardeners can place Shasta daisies near other plants with similar features to further discourage deer.
Deer Resistance Ratings: What the Experts Say
Rutgers University has a system to rate how much deer like certain plants. According to this system, Shasta daisies are rated as “C – Occasionally Severely Damaged.” This means deer will eat them sometimes, especially if food is scarce. While they might not be deer’s first choice, they can still suffer damage. It’s important to keep this in mind when planting Shasta daisies in areas with many deer.
Do Deer Eat Shasta Daisies?
Even though Shasta daisies have some resistance, deer will still eat them if other food is hard to find. Deer are opportunistic feeders and will eat what’s available. When deer are hungry, they might nibble on plants they normally avoid. Also, deer tastes can vary, so what one deer avoids, another might eat. This shows that “deer resistant” doesn’t mean “deer proof.” Gardeners should keep an eye on their daisies, especially in areas with a lot of deer.
Different Types of Shasta Daisies and Their Resistance
Some Shasta daisy varieties seem to resist deer better than others. The ‘Snowcap’ variety is especially noted for being deer and rabbit-resistant. Other varieties, like ‘Whoops-A-Daisy’ and ‘Carpet Angel,’ also seem to be less appealing to deer. These varieties may be bred to have stronger scents, more bitterness, or different textures that deer don’t like.
How to Protect Shasta Daisies from Deer
If you want to grow Shasta daisies, there are ways to protect them from deer. You can use fences made of chicken wire or special deer-proof materials. These fences should be tall enough, as deer can jump over shorter ones. You can also spray deer repellents on your plants to make them less tasty. Some gardeners make their own repellents with things like raw eggs. Another trick is to plant Shasta daisies next to plants that deer don’t like, such as lavender or marigolds. Motion-activated sprinklers or noise devices can also help scare deer away.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Shasta daisies are often considered deer-resistant, they may still get eaten in some cases. Deer might eat them if other food is scarce or if they are very hungry. Some Shasta daisy varieties, like ‘Snowcap’ and ‘Whoops-A-Daisy,’ seem to be more resistant to deer. For gardeners in deer-heavy areas, it’s a good idea to use protective measures like fences or repellents to keep Shasta daisies safe from hungry deer.