What Ground Cover is Deer and Rabbit Resistant?
Choosing the right ground cover can be challenging when you’re battling hungry wildlife. Several ground covers offer excellent resistance to deer and rabbits, allowing you to maintain a beautiful landscape without constant intervention. These typically include plants with strong fragrances, tough textures, or toxic properties, making them undesirable for these common garden pests.
The Allure and Challenge of Ground Cover
Ground cover plants are invaluable for gardeners seeking to control weeds, reduce erosion, and add visual appeal to their landscapes. They fill in spaces around taller plants, creating a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment. However, the constant threat of deer and rabbits munching away at your carefully selected plants can quickly turn this gardening dream into a nightmare. Understanding the principles of deer and rabbit-resistant plants is crucial to success. Choosing plants that are naturally unattractive to these animals is the most effective long-term strategy.
Deer and Rabbit Deterrents: Why Some Plants Work
The key to selecting successful deer and rabbit-resistant ground cover lies in understanding what deters these animals. Several characteristics make certain plants less palatable:
- Strong scents: Deer and rabbits are sensitive to strong smells like those emitted by herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and mint.
- Coarse or thorny textures: Animals prefer tender, soft foliage and tend to avoid prickly or tough plants.
- Toxic properties: Some plants contain compounds that are poisonous or cause discomfort, making them naturally avoided.
- Low nutritional value: Deer and rabbits are looking for food, so plants that offer little in the way of sustenance are less likely to be targeted.
Top Deer and Rabbit-Resistant Ground Cover Choices
Here are some of the best options for deer and rabbit-resistant ground cover:
- Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum): A fragrant option with tiny leaves, great for walkways and rock gardens. Available in many varieties.
- Stonecrop Sedum (Sedum spp.): Succulent ground cover with fleshy leaves that deer and rabbits generally avoid. Drought-tolerant and comes in various forms and colors.
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Highly fragrant and beautiful, deer and rabbits steer clear of lavender. Perfect for sunny locations.
- Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina): Its fuzzy texture makes it unappealing to deer and rabbits.
- Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata): A dense, mat-forming ground cover that bursts with color in the spring. Generally avoided by deer and rabbits.
- Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): A shade-loving ground cover with a delicate fragrance. Deer and rabbits usually leave it alone.
- Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis): While technically a shrub, spreading junipers can serve as excellent ground cover. Highly deer-resistant.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Even deer and rabbit-resistant plants are not completely immune, especially when food is scarce. Here are some tips to help ensure their success:
- Plant Strategically: Consider planting resistant varieties near more vulnerable plants to offer some level of protection.
- Use Repellents: Although your plant choices are resistant, using commercial deer and rabbit repellents can further discourage them, particularly when plants are young and tender.
- Install Physical Barriers: Fencing, even low fencing, can be effective in keeping deer and rabbits away from your plants.
- Monitor Regularly: Check your plants regularly for signs of browsing. Early detection can help you take action before significant damage occurs.
- Maintain Healthy Plants: Healthy plants are more resilient. Ensure proper watering, fertilization, and pest control.
Dealing with Severe Infestation
In areas with high deer and rabbit populations, even resistant plants can suffer. Consider these strategies for severe infestations:
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: Startling deer and rabbits with a sudden spray of water can deter them from your garden.
- Guardian Animals: Dogs or cats can be effective in keeping deer and rabbits away, but this requires careful management.
- Habitat Modification: Remove potential shelter for deer and rabbits, such as brush piles or overgrown areas.
- Rotate Repellents: Deer and rabbits can become accustomed to repellents, so rotating them can help maintain their effectiveness.
Comparing Common Deer and Rabbit Resistant Groundcovers
| Plant Name | Sunlight | Water Needs | Resistance Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ———————– | ————— | ————— | ————— | —————————————————- |
| Creeping Thyme | Full Sun | Low | High | Fragrant; good for walkways |
| Stonecrop Sedum | Full Sun | Low | High | Drought-tolerant; many varieties |
| Lavender | Full Sun | Low | High | Fragrant; needs well-drained soil |
| Lamb’s Ear | Full Sun/Partial | Moderate | High | Fuzzy texture deters animals |
| Creeping Phlox | Full Sun | Moderate | Moderate | Spring blooms; may need protection when young |
| Sweet Woodruff | Shade | Moderate | Moderate | Delicate fragrance; good for woodland gardens |
| Juniper (Spreading) | Full Sun | Low | High | Provides year-round greenery |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are all varieties of sedum deer and rabbit resistant?
While most Sedum species are generally deer and rabbit resistant, there can be variations between cultivars. Some newer, more tender varieties might be more appealing to these animals. It’s always best to research the specific cultivar you’re interested in.
Does deer and rabbit resistance mean a plant is completely immune?
No. Deer and rabbit resistance simply means that a plant is less likely to be eaten compared to more palatable options. In times of scarcity, deer and rabbits may consume even resistant plants if no other food is available.
How do I protect newly planted ground cover from deer and rabbits?
New plants are particularly vulnerable. Using temporary fencing or netting around the plants can provide effective protection until they become established and more robust.
Can I use deer and rabbit repellent on ground cover?
Yes, deer and rabbit repellents can be used on most ground cover plants. However, it’s important to choose a repellent that is safe for the specific plant and follow the application instructions carefully. Reapply after rain or heavy watering.
What are some natural deer and rabbit repellent options?
Natural options include spraying a mixture of water and hot pepper sauce (test on a small area first), scattering human hair around the plants, or using commercially available organic repellents.
Is it possible to train deer and rabbits to avoid my garden?
While it’s difficult to “train” them in the traditional sense, you can condition them to avoid your garden by consistently using repellents and making the area less attractive to them over time.
What role does my region or climate play in ground cover selection?
Your local climate is a major factor in determining what ground cover will thrive. Be sure to select plants that are well-suited to your region’s temperature, rainfall, and soil conditions. Check your local agricultural extension office for suggestions.
Are there any deer-resistant ground covers that also attract pollinators?
Yes! Many deer-resistant ground covers, such as creeping thyme and lavender, also attract bees and butterflies. This offers the double benefit of pest resistance and pollinator support.
My deer-resistant ground cover is still being eaten. What could be the reason?
Several factors could be at play. Deer and rabbit populations may be high in your area, or other food sources may be scarce. The plants might also be young and more tender. Consider additional protection measures like repellents or fencing.
How often should I reapply deer and rabbit repellent?
The frequency of reapplication depends on the specific repellent and the weather conditions. Generally, you’ll need to reapply after rain or heavy watering. Refer to the product label for specific instructions.
Can I use companion planting to deter deer and rabbits?
Yes, planting deer-resistant herbs like rosemary or mint near your ground cover can help to deter deer and rabbits. The strong scents of these herbs can mask the scent of the more desirable plants.
What is the best time of year to plant deer and rabbit resistant ground cover?
The best time to plant depends on the specific ground cover and your climate. Generally, spring or fall are ideal times as the weather is milder and there is usually more rainfall to help the plants establish.