Dianthus is considered a deer resistant plant. Deer do not like the texture or the taste of the blue-green leaves. They also find the sweet spicy scent of the bright pink flowers not appealing, so if you have an area of your yard or other flowers that you wish to protect from deer damage, you may want to consider planting dianthus near them along with other deer resistant plants. Many landscape designers often design flower bed borders with dianthus for this reason.
According to Rutgers University, the plants are listed as “Seldom Severely Damaged” on a scale from rarely to frequently damaged.
Dianthus, commonly known as carnations or pinks are a popular perennial plant grown for their beautifully ruffled and fragrant flowers. However, many gardeners struggle to keep dianthus plants safe from voracious deer and rabbits that can destroy gardens. Fortunately by selecting resistant varieties and using proper planting techniques, you can enjoy dianthus while keeping these hungry herbivores at bay.
Understanding Deer and Rabbit Behavior
To protect dianthus from deer and rabbits it’s crucial to understand what attracts them to gardens. Deer and rabbits constantly forage for tender greens, flowering plants fruits, and vegetables. Their keen sense of smell lets them locate favorite foods. During scarce times, deer and rabbits become less selective but generally prefer sweeter, non-toxic plants with tender greens over tough, woody foliage.
Choosing Scented Dianthus Varieties
One of the best defenses against deer and rabbits is growing dianthus varieties with strong scents. The fragrant oils in these plants contain bitter compounds that smell and taste unpleasant to deer and rabbits. Powerfully scented varieties like Sweet William deter deer and rabbits with their spicy clove aroma. Other scented varieties that discourage nibbling include Firewitch, Scent First Frost, Neon Star, and Amazon Neon Cherry.
Selecting Dianthus with Tough Foliage
Along with scent, dianthus foliage influences appeal to deer and rabbits. Varieties with slender succulent leaves and stems are favored. However some dianthus have sturdier foliage that makes dining less pleasant. Choose resilient varieties like Starry Eyes, with its stiff, blue-green quilted leaves, or Amazon Dianthus with thick gray-green leaves. Fuzzy-leaved kinds, like Firewitch, are also less tasty.
Opting for Compact Growth Habits
Some dianthus varieties feature a tight, mounding habit that restricts access for deer and rabbits. Dense foliage leaves minimal room between stems for animals to grab a bite. Excellent compact choices include Rosebud, Tiny Rubies, Mountain Mist, and Intrigue. These dwarf varieties form impenetrable mats of flowers and foliage.
Using Companion Plantings
While dianthus traits influence resistance, companion plantings provide added protection. Plants like lavender, catmint, sage, and marigolds naturally repel deer and rabbits thanks to strong fragrances, oils, and physical characteristics. Interplant these around dianthus to create a protective barrier. They mask dianthus’ scent and block physical access.
Trying Physical Barriers
For high deer populations, combine resistant dianthus with physical barriers for best protection. Deer netting around beds obstructs access while letting plants grow freely. Individual plant cages made of chicken wire also shield plants. A perimeter fence at least 6 feet high will stop all but the most determined deer.
Key Takeaways
-
Choose scented varieties like Sweet William to deter deer/rabbits with unpleasant aromas.
-
Select dianthus with tough, fuzzy, or quilted foliage which is less palatable.
-
Opt for compact, dense varieties that restrict animal access.
-
Use companion plants like lavender and catmint to repel deer and rabbits.
-
Add physical barriers for maximum protection against persistent deer.
By picking the right dianthus varieties and techniques, you can enjoy vibrant flowers while keeping ravenous deer and rabbits at bay. A multi-pronged approach ensures dianthus plants can thrive and flourish safely in your landscape.
How To Keep Deer Away From Dianthus?
You do not have to take any special actions or use deer repellent to protect dianthus from deer damage. They rarely will even go near the plant as they are turned off by the scent of the flower blooms and do not find the texture of the leaves appealing to eat.
Top 7 Deer Resistant Perennials!
FAQ
How do I keep rabbits from eating my dianthus?
Rabbit Repellents
Rabbits will turn up their twitchy noses at a garden repellant that contains rotten eggs or garlic. (Bonus: These scents also help repel deer and are safe to use around pets and children.) Wear waterproof gloves while spraying so you don’t smell awful, too.
What plant keeps deer and rabbits away?
Lavandula (Lavender)
This herb may smell nice to us, but the strong scent scares away deer and rabbits.
Are coneflowers deer and rabbit resistant?
Coneflowers are generally considered deer and rabbit resistant, but it’s not a guarantee they won’t be nibbled on, especially young plants.
Where is the best place to plant dianthus?
Dianthus need good drainage to avoid rotting and they work well in a gravel or alpine garden. They grow best in an open spot in full sun, in a neutral or alkaline soil.
Are Dianthus deer resistant?
Dianthus species and hybrids known for resistance include Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Clove Pinks) and Dianthus plumarius (Garden Pinks). Many modern resistant hybrids like Firewitch and Scent First Frost contain these species in their ancestry. Top 7 Deer Resistant Perennials! Top 7 Deer Resistant Perennials! Is Dianthus rabbit resistant?
Do Dianthus plants repel deer?
Additionally, planting companion plants that are known to repel these animals, such as marigolds or lavender, can also help protect dianthus plants. In conclusion, dianthus plants are generally resistant to damage from deer and rabbits. Their strong scent, tough texture, and bitter compounds make them unappealing to these animals.
Why are Dianthus plants unattractive to deer and rabbits?
In addition to their unappealing scent, dianthus plants also have physical characteristics that make them unattractive to deer and rabbits. One of these traits is their tough, leathery foliage. The leaves of dianthus plants have a thick and waxy texture, which makes them difficult for animals to chew and digest.
Do Rabbits eat Dianthus?
Dianthus, also known as carnations, are a type of flowering plant that are generally resistant to damage by deer, as they are not known to be a preferred source of food for them. However, rabbits have been known to eat the leaves of the Dianthus plant.
Are deer & rabbit resistant plants a good choice?
However, remember that nothing is 100% deer or rabbit-proof, especially in winter when food is scarce. However, selecting deer and rabbit-resistant varieties still beats spending time and money on endless chemical sprays or ugly barriers. Start taking control with smart, strategic plant choices today so you can get back to enjoying gardening again.
Are Dianthus poisonous to deer?
The majority of dianthus species are not susceptible to damage from deer. There is a good chance that deer will not be drawn to the robust scents of dianthus because they avoid poisonous plants or have a strong fragrance.