Phlox is not a preferred plant for deer to eat. Deer tend not to be attracted to scented plants. Tall phlox dies back when exposed to frost. The aerial portion is dead during the winter months. Deer will eat from your garden any time of the year but are less picky during the winter when their favorite foods may not be available. They may eat creeping phlox.
According to Rutgers University this plant is occasionally severely damaged on their rating scale from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged.
Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular flowering perennial plant that can add a pop of color to gardens, rockeries, and edges. With its low, spreading habit, creeping phlox spreads readily to form a carpet-like mat only a few inches tall. An abundance of five-petaled, salverform flowers in vibrant hues of purple, pink, red, blue, and white bloom in spring.
But is this visually appealing plant resistant to hungry deer? Let’s take a closer look at creeping phlox’s deer resistance and what you can do to protect this beauty.
An Overview of Creeping Phlox’s Deer Resistance
The deer resistance of plants depends on factors like their scent taste and texture. Creeping phlox has certain attributes that make it unappealing to deer
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It has a strong fragrance – Deer dislike pungent scents and tend to avoid aromatic foliage and flowers.
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The leaves secrete a sticky sap – The viscous sap deters deer from grazing on the foliage.
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It has small, needle-like hairs on leaves – These hairs irritate and deter deer
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The foliage has a sour taste – Deer find the sourness unpleasant and avoid munching on the leaves.
So, in general, yes – creeping phlox can be considered deer resistant. However, resistance doesn’t equal proof. When deer have limited alternative food sources, such as early spring, they may still nibble on creeping phlox. Severe hunger and food scarcity may also drive deer to sample these plants.
According to Rutgers University studies, creeping phlox is classified as “occasionally severely damaged” by deer. This means deer do eat creeping phlox sometimes, though they tend to avoid it when other tastier options abound.
Specific Creeping Phlox Varieties that are Extra Deer Resistant
While creeping phlox is somewhat deer resistant overall, some varieties deter deer better than others. Here are a few top picks for extra deer-repelling power:
1. Phlox subulata ‘Emerald Cushion Blue’
With its very compact, mounded form that grows only 3-4 inches tall, this creeping phlox is excellent as a rockery plant. The light blue flowers have a distinct grape-like fragrance that deer dislike.
2. Phlox subulata ‘Red Wings’
Red wings shows off vivid, cherry-red flowers on a 4-6 inch tall carpet in spring. The foliage emits a strong, sweet scent that drives away deer.
3. Phlox subulata ‘Drummond’s Pink’
This variety displays dense clusters of bright pink, fragrant blooms on creeping mats 4-6 inches tall. The pungent fragrance helps protect it from deer.
4. Phlox subulata ‘Snowflake’
A prolific bloomer, this phlox is smothered in pure white flowers in spring. It forms a flat, spreading mat and has a powerful, sweet scent.
When Deer are Most Likely to Feed on Creeping Phlox
Creeping phlox is most vulnerable to deer grazing early in spring when food is still scarce. At this time, deer are just coming out of winter and have limited vegetation available to browse. Their hunger may drive them to feed on plants they’d normally avoid, like creeping phlox.
Newly planted or young creeping phlox plants are also more likely to get nibbled before they become established. Give new plantings some extra protection.
How to Deter Deer from Eating Creeping Phlox
While creeping phlox has natural deer resistance, you can use additional deterrents if deer pressures are high in your area:
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Install physical barriers like fencing or netting around plants
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Use motion-activated sprinklers – deer dislike unexpected showers!
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Hang bars of strongly scented soap from branches
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Spray on commercial deer repellent sprays periodically
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Place pouches of predator urine near plants – deer instinctively avoid areas that smell like predators
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Add lighting or noisemakers to scare deer away
Caring for Creeping Phlox
Once established, creeping phlox is quite low-maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping it healthy and thriving:
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Grow in full sun for heaviest flowering and to maximize deer resistance.
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Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil. Avoid wet, soggy sites.
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Shear back by half after flowering ends to encourage new growth and reblooming.
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Water during summer dry spells. Drought can reduce deer resistance.
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Propagate by cuttings or division in spring or fall.
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Watch for powdery mildew and treat with neem oil if needed.
The Verdict: A Worthy, Mostly Deer Resistant Plant
With extra deer deterrents, careful siting, and attentive care, creeping phlox can make a fantastic, trouble-free addition to landscapes in deer-prone areas. The gorgeous blooms and easy growth make this plant well worth a spot in the garden!
How To Keep Deer Away From Phlox?
The best way to keep deer out of your garden is to surround it with a tall fence. You can surround your garden with prickly plants that they will want to avoid rubbing up against. Scented repellents work, but you have to change the scent every few weeks to keep the deer suspicious of danger.
26 Ultra Deer Resistant Plants for Your Garden
FAQ
Do deer eat Creeping Phlox?
What animal eats Creeping Phlox?
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Rabbits:Rabbits are a common pest for creeping phlox, especially when other food sources are scarce. They are known for their delicate snipping of stems.
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Deer:Deer are also known to browse on creeping phlox, particularly the vibrant flowers and tender shoots.
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Rodents:Rodents like mice and chipmunks may also be drawn to the dense foliage for cover and food.
What is the problem with Creeping Phlox?
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Anthracnose:Causes dieback, starting with pale green areas that turn tan or straw-colored.
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Powdery Mildew:Appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, often after periods of drought or excessive watering.
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Black Rot:Can cause yellowing or reddish leaves, curling, and eventually shriveled, brown or black roots.
What groundcover is deer-resistant?
Common Deer-Resistant Ground Covers
Sedum: Deer dislike the plant’s thick, fleshy leaves. Phlox: Deer veer away from the plant’s scent. Juniper: Sharp needles keep deer away. Bee balm: Wildlife do not like the minty scent.
Are creeping phlox deer resistant?
Some creeping phlox plants are fairly deer resistant and an ideal choice for creeping phlox to plant in an area with lots of deer. However, some subspecies of phlox that are deer resistant may be susceptible to rabbits. Given that you are likely to have wild rabbits in the same habitat as wild deer, it is a good idea to consider this.
Do deer eat creeping phlox?
Creeping phlox is a lovely perennial ground cover that will bloom seasonally in the spring. While deer forage for food as the season warms in spring, they will usually eat anything, but creeping phlox will deter them with its natural characteristics. Is Creeping Phlox Deer Resistant?
Will phlox grow back after deer eat it?
Phlox will grow back after deer eat them. If the damage occurs during the growing season, creeping phlox may continue to grow, but tall phlox may not grow back until next year. Phlox will flower again next year. Phlox may flower after being damaged, but it depends on the severity, timing of the damage, and the bloom time for individual species.
How do you keep deer from creeping phlox?
Install fences or individual plant cages to physically keep deer away from creeping phlox. Use galvanized wire mesh for fences, or chicken wire cages around individual plants. For low-growing creeping phlox, the cages only need to be about 12-18 inches tall.
Is moss phlox deer resistant?
This perennial is also known by its scientific name Phlox subulata. To get the best results, moss phlox does exceptionally well in areas that enjoy good sunshine and where moisture levels are not too high. Phlox subulata is occasionally severely damaged by deer, which means it is not entirely deer resistant.
How do you keep Phlox from creeping?
Use galvanized wire mesh for fences, or chicken wire cages around individual plants. For low-growing creeping phlox, the cages only need to be about 12-18 inches tall. Use commercially available deer repellent sprays or dusts formulated with eggs, hot peppers, or predator urine scents that deter deer.