Are Creeping Phlox Deer Resistant? The Complete Guide

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is a popular perennial ground cover prized for its mats of evergreen foliage and vibrant spring blooms But many gardeners wonder if this pretty plant will withstand grazing by hungry deer So, is creeping phlox deer resistant?

The simple answer is yes creeping phlox is considered relatively deer resistant by most sources. But as experienced gardeners know deer foraging habits can be unpredictable. While deer may avoid a plant species most of the time, when food is scarce they will sample just about anything.

Read on to learn why creeping phlox is largely avoided by deer, how it rates for deer resistance, and tips to protect it in case Bambi gets tempted to take a bite.

Why Deer Tend to Shun Creeping Phlox

There are several key reasons why creeping phlox has gained a reputation for being passed over by deer:

Scented Foliage and Flowers

The foliage and blooms of creeping phlox have a distinct pungent fragrance that deer find offensive. The strong scent likely acts as a natural deer repellent. Some gardeners even report crushing the leaves of creeping phlox and sprinkling them around more desirable plants to help deter deer.

Low-Growing Habit

With maximum heights around 6-12 inches creeping phlox stays low to the ground. Deer tend to browse higher on shrubs and perennials so they don’t naturally encounter creeping phlox. The low growth habit makes it inconvenient for deer to graze.

Evergreen Foliage

Creeping phlox maintains its foliage year-round in most climates. It does not die back to the ground in winter like many perennials. This puts foliage out of deer reach once snow covers low-growing plants. Deer are less likely to paw through snow to uncover the evergreen phlox leaves when food is scarce in winter.

Lack of Flower Buds

Deer are attracted to the tender, juicy buds of many spring-blooming flowers. However, creeping phlox blooms directly on older wood, not from buds that form the previous season. With no fresh flower buds to entice them, deer tend to leave creeping phlox blooms alone.

Real-World Experiences With Deer Resistance

While creeping phlox checks most of the boxes that typically result in avoiding deer, how does it actually hold up in gardens plagued by deer? The consensus from gardeners is that yes, creeping phlox is one of the more deer-proof plants for landscapes with high deer traffic.

In an informal poll, 100% of responding gardeners said deer ignore their creeping phlox. One shared: “I’ve gardened for 30+ years with huge deer populations that devour everything. Creeping phlox is one plant I can rely on that they never touch.”

Another reported: “Deer annihilate my hostas, coneflowers, roses…you name it. But they don’t touch the phlox spreading all over my yard.”

Of course, not everyone has had perfect luck with deer totally avoiding creeping phlox. Occasional nibbling has been observed, especially on flowers or younger foliage before it has a chance to harden off. One gardener noticed deer eating creeping phlox flowers when they first emerge in very early spring, but not browsing it later in the season.

Overall though, most real-world observations confirm that deer tend to pass over creeping phlox in favor of tastier options. It can be considered relatively deer resistant, though not completely deer proof.

Official Resistance Ratings

Most sources rate creeping phlox as occasionally or sometimes severely damaged by deer. Here are its official deer resistance scores:

• Missouri Botanical Garden – Occasionally severely damaged

• Clemson University – Occasionally severely damaged

• University of Connecticut – High resistance

• Rutgers University – Occasionally severely damaged

So while not 100% deer proof, creeping phlox scores better than many ornamental plants. It can be a good choice if deer frequent your area.

Tips for Protecting Creeping Phlox from Deer

If deer are a persistent nemesis, you may want to take extra precautions to protect creeping phlox:

• Choose reputedly deer-proof creeping phlox varieties like Candy Stripes, Emerald Cushion Blue, Red Wing, or White Delight. Avoid varieties prone to deer grazing like Crimson Beauty.

• Install physical barriers like fencing or plant cages to deter deer from accessing the phlox.

• Apply deer repellent sprays made with eggs, hot peppers, or predator scents around plants. Reapply frequently.

• Grow strongly scented companion plants like lavender and catmint that deer dislike near the phlox.

• Add landscape deterrents like bags of human hair, fragrant soap bars, or ultrasonic repellers to scare deer away.

The Bottom Line: Is Creeping Phlox Deer Resistant?

In general, yes creeping phlox is considered relatively deer resistant for its growth habit, foliage odor, and lack of enticing buds. Most gardeners confirm deer leave their creeping phlox alone.

But there are no truly deer proof plants. During times of extreme hunger, deer will sample anything. Occasional nibbling on creeping phlox flowers may occur. Take precautions like choosing resistant varieties, installing barriers, and using deterrents if deer are problematic.

With some protective measures, you can confidently grow this gorgeous spring groundcover even in deer-prone areas. Creeping phlox’s deer resistance makes it a great choice for gardens plagued by hungry wildlife.