If you are familiar with visits from deer, you might have noticed that some plants tend to attract more nuisance than others. After all, animals have their food preferences: they enjoy munching on some species more than others. And this should not surprise you.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that a hungry enough deer won’t eat a plant they might not usually like if they didn’t have other options available. But if you are looking for plants for your garden, you might want to have a better idea about the species that might reduce the chances of deer visiting your yard.
For instance, are pansies deer-resistant? Keep reading this essential guide to finding out!
Can You Plant Pansies in Your Garden If There are Deer Around?
It is hard to label a plant as deer-resistant. As we mentioned in the introduction, no plant is entirely deer-resistant. After all, a hungry enough animal won’t be too fussy about any plant.
When it comes to eating to survive, no one can afford to be picky. However, it is also true that animals find some plants are tastier than others. And the truth is that pansies are a delicacy to most deer.
Think of violas and pansies as the “deer candy”: they have a sweet taste and a tender consistency that can make it challenging for these animals to stop destroying your plants when they start.
These mammals love to munch on the tender buds and the flavorful flowers, so your plants will be more vulnerable in the early spring and fall.
So, if you need a straight question: no, pansies are not deer resistant. The truth is that they will attract these animals to your garden if you live close to a forest.
And while the thought of getting visits from deer might be intriguing, you’ll probably change your mind once you become more familiar with what it means.
Indeed, these mammals look cute but have the potential to cause severe damage. Luckily, you can take measures to prevent them from getting to your yard.
How Can You Protect Your Pansies?
If you wake up one day to see your garden destroyed, the cause might be deer. The first thing you should do to protect your pansies is to install a fence. Don’t forget to make it high enough (after all, deer can jump high!). Keep in mind that such a physical barrier might not prevent deer.
However, it can effectively protect your plants, especially if you install it strategically. Think about how you can make life more challenging for deer trying to get to your plants.
Another method you can use is to purchase repellents, which often come in sprays. Deer (and other wildlife) tend not to like strong odors, tastes, and scents. If you prefer organic solutions, consider spraying cayenne pepper or other strong fragrances around your plants.
However, you’ll have to apply such substances frequently to avoid losing their effectiveness. A similar method could be to pair your pansies with aromatic herbs such as lavender and chives (or other plants that release a strong scent).
If you have a pet, the smell of their urine might be enough to keep deer away from your property. However, you might have to try a mix of all the methods mentioned in this section to get satisfactory results.
Are pansies deer resistant: Final thoughts
The best option when dealing with deer is to remove plants that these animals love. Besides pansies, you should eliminate hostas, day-lilies, and English Ivy, which all attract deer.
Instead, you can plant peonies, foxglove, lamb’s ear, daffodils, or irises. Such plants are not among deer’s favorites and might contribute to reducing damage to your garden.
Related Article: What to Do with Pansies in the Summer?