Gardeners often ask, “Do deer eat impatiens?” The answer is yes. Deer are known to graze on impatiens, also called “Busy Lizzies” or “Busy Bees,” when given the chance.
Impatiens are not deer-resistant, so without protection, they are prone to being eaten by deer. Deer will consume the entire plant, from flower to stem. To protect your vibrant blossoms, it’s important to take measures against deer, as they enjoy munching on these colorful flowers.
Do deers eat impatiens?
Yes, deer eat impatiens. Without protection, these animals will feed on them. Deer often targets the beautiful impatiens (Impatiens spp.), damaging these delicate flowering annuals.
Why do deer eat impatiens?
Deer eat impatiens because the plants are not puffy, thorny, or bitter-tasting. As opportunistic feeders, deer will devour entire flowerbeds of impatiens before moving on to other bland-tasting plants and vegetables in your yard. Additionally, eating impatiens helps deer eliminate parasites and other undesirable organisms in their digestive systems. These plants also serve as a good option for sick or injured deer.
Nutritional benefits of impatiens for deer
Phosphorus, essential for deer to maintain strong bones and teeth, is abundant in impatiens. It also supports muscle growth and energy metabolism. Impatiens are rich in calcium, which is crucial for healthy nerve and muscle function in deer. Calcium also aids in blood clotting and strengthens bones.
Iron in impatiens contributes to the development of strong bones, especially in young deer. However, it’s important to note that deer do not rely on impatiens for their overall health but consume them to supplement their diet when other plants are scarce.
What type of impatiens do deer like to eat
Red and pink impatiens tend to attract deer more than other colors. They especially favor newer varieties with larger flowers and compact growth. Deer are also drawn to narrow-leaved evergreens, such as fir and arborvitae.
English ivy, hostas, and daylilies are common deer favorites. The highest amount of browsing occurs between October and February. Farmers have noticed that deer often prefer fertilized plants.
The best way to feed impatiens to deer
- Gather some fresh impatiens leaves and stems, or purchase them from the store.
- These plants thrive along the edges of woods or near trails, so spread them on a flat surface or tray in those areas.
- Check on them periodically throughout the day, replenishing as needed.Â
- Provide an alternative food source. If you have plants in your garden that deer avoid, place them near the impatiens to distract the deer and keep them away from the impatiens.
What deer like and what they don’t like about impatiens
Because they are simple to chew, deer typically prefer plant species with tiny, spherical leaves that have a soft touch. It is quite similar to how impatiens leaves seem.
Some gardeners use natural repellents like dried blood or blood meal around their impatiens to help with deer control. However, others argue it creates a mess and smells bad when watered.
To keep deer away, choose low-growing impatiens with narrow leaves.
Little Pinkie is a recent variety with small foliage and smaller flowers compared to other impatiens. It’s perfect for borders, growing only to 8 inches.
8 Ways of protecting your impatiens from deer
Plant them closer to your house
Deer are quick to get startled by people or animals and will run away if surprised. It’s easier for you or your dog to keep an eye on them.
If deer approach your plants, you can scare them off by noticing them in time. A barking dog can help, too. To prevent this, make sure to remove or replant any impatiens in your yard’s far corner, where deer are likely to enter.
Plant something else that deer won’t appreciate
Deer does not favor some plants and can help protect your garden from being eaten. Lavender and marigolds are great choices. These plants not only deter deer but also add color and variety to your landscape.
Noxious flowers like deadly poppies and strongly scented marigolds are particularly effective at repelling deer. They can also enhance the beauty of your yard with their vibrant colors and diverse types.
Use unsettling sounds or bright lights to frighten deer
Deer hear at a different frequency than the sound produced by ultrasonic repellents. You may want to consider adding wind chimes or motion-activated lights to your garden. These bright lights or loud noises can easily startle deer, causing them to flee. However, deer are quite intelligent and may eventually grow accustomed to these deterrents, diminishing their effectiveness over time.
Deer won’t eat your impatiens if you treat them with repellents
You can create your own or buy one from a local store. Deer won’t eat your impatiens if you apply repellents. To ensure they stay protected, reapply the repellents regularly. There are three main types of repellents:
- those that cause pain or fear
- those that alter the flavor
- those that change the aroma of plants
A short fence around your garden should do the trick
A short fence around your garden is ideal, as deer can jump but not fly. Make sure it’s secure at the bottom and at least 6 feet tall to prevent deer from getting underneath.
Scatter human hair clippings
Have you recently had a haircut? Keep the trimmings and spread them around the edge of your garden bed. Deer will smell the hair and think it’s a human scent, causing them to avoid the area.
Using strongly scented items is one efficient approach
Take advantage of deer’s exceptional sense of smell. Create a spray by adding six drops of peppermint essential oil and four drops of rosemary essential oil to a container with vinegar. Secure the cap and shake well to mix the ingredients. Avoid spraying anything you plan to eat. Use this mixture on your plants instead.
Mix up your tactics from time to time
Hungry deer are adaptable, resourceful, and determined, so relying on just one method won’t stop them from visiting your garden. To effectively prevent them from damaging your plants, vary your strategies regularly.
Conclusion
Deer are certainly attracted to impatiens. While you can grow impatiens, deer may still visit your yard. However, you can take steps to manage their visits.
If you wish to continue attracting deer, try dividing your yard into separate areas. Plant deer-resistant varieties in specific spots, such as between your impatiens or at the far end of the garden, while leaving food out to encourage visits.
FAQS
Do deer like impatiens?
Deer do eat impatiens. If not protected, they will quickly consume these plants.
Can deer digest impatiens?
If you don’t protect the plants, deer will often attack impatiens, as they are not deer resistant.
How many impatiens can deer eat?
Deer may seem harmless, but if left unattended in your garden, they can seriously damage your favorite plants.
Can baby deer eat impatiens?
Yes, deer are fond of impatiens. They treat them like a delicious treat, much like chocolate-covered candy.
Do deer eat Impatiens or begonias?
Tuberous begonias produce large, vibrant blooms, but deer tend to eat their foliage.
What flower deer will not eat?
Deer tend to avoid toxic flowers such as daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies. They also steer clear of plants with strong scents.
Do deer eat pansies?
Be cautious of deer eating the pansies or violas you planted for winter color. These annuals have edible flowers that animals enjoy.
When do deer eat impatiens?
Deer are browsers, which means they eat different types of plants throughout the year.
Are impatiens dangerous for deer to eat?
Eating impatiens is not harmful to deer, and they may even enjoy them as a part of their diet.