Geraniums are bright and colorful flowers that bloom for a long time. But if you have deer nearby, you might wonder if they will eat these plants. The answer is: sometimes.
What Are Geraniums?
The word “geranium” is used for two types of plants. True geraniums belong to the Geranium family. The ones sold in stores as geraniums are actually Pelargoniums. True geraniums come back every year, while pelargoniums are usually planted fresh each year.
Pelargoniums come in six types:
- Zonal – Rounded leaves with colored patterns.
- Ivy-leaved – Trails down, great for baskets.
- Regal (Martha Washington) – Potted plants, not good in heat.
- Scented – Leaves smell like lemon, rose, or cinnamon.
- Angel – Small and compact.
- Unique – Special types with rare features.
True geraniums (also called cranesbills) have five-petaled flowers and fancy leaves. They look more like wildflowers.
Growing Geraniums
Geraniums need well-drained soil. If the soil is too heavy, mix in compost or peat moss. Zonal geraniums like a soil pH of 6.4 to 6.8. Most geraniums love full sun, but Ivy-leaved geraniums do better with a little shade in hot weather. Keep them watered and give them food to help them grow.
What Makes a Plant Deer-Resistant?
Deer stay away from plants that have:
- Strong smells (like lavender or rosemary)
- Fuzzy or rough leaves
- Sharp thorns
- Bitter taste
- Toxic chemicals
Are Geraniums Deer-Resistant?
Geraniums are not deer-proof, but deer don’t like them much. The fuzzy leaves, strong smell, and bitter taste help keep them safe. But if deer are really hungry, they might still eat them.
According to Rutgers University, pelargoniums are “sometimes eaten”, while some true geraniums have different levels of resistance:
- Geranium macrorrhizum: “Rarely eaten”
- Geranium endressii: “Often eaten”
Deer-Resistant Geranium Types
Some geraniums are better at keeping deer away:
- Rozanne Geranium – Blooms for months, has blue flowers, deer avoid it.
- ‘Boom Chocolatta’ Cranesbill – Has dark leaves, deer don’t like it.
How to Keep Deer Away from Geraniums
Even if deer don’t love geraniums, you might still need protection. Try these tricks:
- Plant strong-smelling plants nearby (like lavender, rosemary, or daffodils).
- Use sprays or home remedies (peppermint oil, garlic, soap bars, or vinegar-soaked cloths).
- Put up a fence (at least 8 feet tall so deer can’t jump over).
- Use motion-activated sprinklers to scare deer away.
- Grow geraniums in pots and place them high up or on a porch.
- Use Milorganite fertilizer, which has a smell deer dislike.
Conclusion
Geraniums (both Pelargoniums and Geraniums) are usually deer-resistant but not completely safe. Their smell, fuzzy leaves, and bitter taste help keep deer away. To be extra safe, pick deer-resistant varieties and use fencing, repellents, and careful planting to protect them. With these steps, you can enjoy your geraniums without worrying about deer!