Picture this: You wake up on a sunny morning, excited to see your lovely hostas. But when you step outside, you find only stems left. It’s a common sight for gardeners living where deer roam. Hostas, with their pretty colors and shapes, are like candy to deer. But don’t worry! We’ll look at why deer love hostas, some plants they won’t eat, and how to protect your garden.
Why Deer Like Hostas
Deer love hostas for a few reasons:
- Taste: Hostas don’t taste bitter or have spiky textures like other plants, so deer enjoy eating them. One expert even calls them “deer candy”!
- Good for them: Hostas give deer moisture and nutrients, especially in early spring when other food is scarce.
- Plenty of food: Hostas grow in large clumps, making it easy for deer to snack.
- Favorites: Deer especially like green hostas and ones with fragrant flowers.
Remember, deer’s likes and dislikes can change. What they eat in one garden, they might ignore in another.
Sadly, no hosta is totally deer-proof. Even the so-called deer-resistant kinds can become snacks if food is hard to find.
Hosta Varieties
Even with deer around, hostas are still a top choice for gardeners. They come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. The leaves can be smooth or crinkly. Hostas also come in green, blue, yellow, and white, with different patterns that make them stand out. They are perfect for shade gardens.
How to Spot Deer Damage
Here’s how to tell if deer are munching on your hostas:
- Rough leaf edges: Deer don’t have upper teeth, so they leave ragged edges.
- Damage at 18-24 inches: Deer usually feed at this height, eating leaves and flowers.
- Many plants affected: Deer often eat from several plants at once.
Look out for other signs too. Rabbits nibble near the ground, and slugs leave holes in leaves.
Deer-Resistant Hosta Alternatives
No hosta is fully deer-proof, but some are less tasty to deer. Try these:
- Blue Mouse Ears: Deer avoid this hosta because of its thick, textured leaves.
- Hostas with Fragrant Flowers: These are more tempting to deer, so they might not be the best choice.
If you want a deer-resistant option for your shade garden, consider:
- Ferns: These look like hostas but aren’t eaten by deer.
- Coral Bells (Heuchera): These colorful plants have tiny flowers that deer don’t like.
- Foamy Bells (Heucherella) and Foamflower (Tiarella): These relatives of coral bells have a natural look.
Protecting Your Hostas
If you really want to keep your hostas safe from deer, use a mix of methods. Start with healthy plants. Deer tend to leave healthy plants alone. Then, try these tips:
- Physical Barriers:
- Fences: An 8-foot fence works best to keep deer out.
- Netting or Covers: These can protect small areas.
- Invisible Fencing: Posts that emit a scent can shock deer into staying away.
- Strategic Planting: Put hostas in raised areas or on slopes to make it harder for deer to reach them.
- Living Fence: Surround hostas with deer-resistant shrubs like Butterfly Bush, Boxwood, or Juniper.
- Repellents:
- Store-Bought Repellents: Products with blood meal or predator smells can keep deer away.
- Bobbex Repellent: This special repellent uses garlic and other scents to deter deer.
- Natural Oils: Peppermint, lavender, garlic, and eucalyptus oils can also work.
- Other Deterrents:
- Wind Chimes and Sprinklers: These can scare deer off.
- Dogs: A dog roaming the garden can keep deer away.
Hosta Recovery After Deer Damage
Even with all your efforts, deer might still nibble on your hostas. The good news is, hostas are tough! Cut them back to the ground. If it’s early in the season, they might even grow back. If not, they should come back next spring. Mulch or straw can help protect the roots over winter.
Conclusion
Hostas and deer have a love-hate relationship. While deer love to eat them, gardeners can still enjoy these plants. By understanding deer, choosing the right hostas, and using effective tricks, you can have a beautiful, deer-free garden. Keep trying different methods to see what works best for you. With patience and care, your hostas will thrive!