What To Plant With Hostas To Keep Deer Away is a topic of great interest for gardeners looking to protect their beloved hostas from the persistent nibbling of plants-from-being-eaten/” title=”How To Protect Tomato Plants From Being Eaten”>deer. Hostas, with their lush and attractive foliage, are a favorite snack for deer, often leaving gardeners frustrated and seeking solutions to deter these graceful but pesky animals. Thankfully, there are several plants that can be strategically planted alongside hostas to create an unappetizing environment for deer, providing both protection and aesthetic appeal to the garden.
key Takeaways
- Deer can be a common problem for gardeners with hostas, but planting certain companion plants can help deter them.
- Lavender and rosemary are two aromatic plants that repel deer and can be effective companions for hostas.
- Other plants with scent-based deterrent properties include bee balm, yarrow, and daffodils.
- Adding texture to the garden can also deter deer, so consider planting plants like ferns, ornamental grasses, and lamb’s ear alongside hostas.
- Intermixing hostas with plants that have spiky leaves or thorny stems, such as barberry or holly, can help discourage deer from coming too close.
- Furthermore, planting hostas near strong-smelling herbs like mint or sage can confuse deer and make them less likely to approach.
- Using physical deterrents like fencing or motion-activated sprinklers can also help protect hostas from deer damage.
- Remember to experiment with different companion planting combinations to find what works best for your specific garden and deer population.
- Regularly monitoring your garden for any signs of deer activity is essential to take immediate action and protect your hostas.
What to Plant with Hostas to Keep Deer Away
In order to prevent deer from munching on your hostas, it is important to strategically plant companion plants that can help repel them. By selecting the right combination of plants, you can create a natural barrier that deters deer and protects your beautiful hostas. Here are some plant options to consider:
Lavender
Lavender is not only known for its delightful fragrance and attractive purple flowers, but also for its ability to repel deer. Deer find the scent of lavender repulsive, so planting it alongside your hostas can help keep them at bay.
Alliums
Alliums, such as onions, garlic, and ornamental allium bulbs, emit a strong odor that deer find unpleasant. These plants are not only effective at deterring deer, but they also add visual interest to your garden with their unique and colorful blooms.
Chives
Chives are another member of the allium family that can contribute to deer deterrence. Their strong scent is known to repel deer, making them a great companion plant for your hostas.
Daffodils
Deer tend to avoid plants that have a strong scent or taste, and daffodils fit the bill perfectly. Their vibrant yellow flowers not only add beauty to your garden but also act as a natural deterrent to deer.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb that is not only highly fragrant but also has a strong taste. Deer typically avoid plants with intense flavors, so planting rosemary near your hostas can help protect them from being eaten.
Ferns
Ferns are not only visually appealing with their delicate fronds, but they also have a bitter taste that deer dislike. By planting ferns alongside your hostas, you can create a barrier that deer are less likely to cross.
Sage
Sage is an aromatic herb with a distinct scent that deer find unappealing. Planting sage near your hostas can act as a natural repellent and help ensure that your hostas remain untouched by hungry deer.
Thyme
Similar to rosemary and sage, thyme is another herb that can help deter deer due to its strong fragrance. Consider planting thyme as a companion plant for your hostas to keep the deer away.
Marigolds
Marigolds are known for their bright and vibrant blooms, but what many people don’t realize is that deer find their strong odor offensive. By planting marigolds in close proximity to your hostas, you can create a barrier that discourages deer from approaching.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are not only visually appealing with their colorful flowers, but they also emit a strong odor that deer find unpleasant. Planting nasturtiums alongside your hostas can help repel deer and keep them at a distance.
By strategically selecting and planting these companion plants, you can effectively deter deer from feasting on your hostas. Remember to regularly monitor your garden and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal protection for your hostas.
1. What are some plants that can be planted with hostas to deter deer?
There are several plants that can be planted alongside hostas to keep deer away. Some popular options include lavender, yarrow, and daffodils. Lavender produces a strong scent that is unappealing to deer, making it a great companion plant for hostas. Yarrow, with its feathery foliage and strong scent, can also help deter deer. Daffodils, on the other hand, contain a toxin that deer find unpalatable, making them an effective deterrent.
2. Are there any shrubs that can be planted with hostas to repel deer?
Yes, there are several shrubs that can be planted alongside hostas to deter deer. Boxwood, for example, has dense foliage that creates a visual barrier, making it less appealing for deer to approach. Arborvitae is another shrub that deer tend to avoid, as its foliage has a strong scent that they dislike. Spirea is a flowering shrub that is not only beautiful but also has a taste that deer find unpleasant, making it a great option for planting with hostas.
3. Can I use herbs as companion plants for hostas to keep deer away?
Yes, herbs can be great companion plants for hostas to deter deer. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are all herbs that produce strong scents that deer find unattractive. Planting these herbs around your hostas can help keep deer at bay. Additionally, herbs like mint and oregano tend to spread and can provide a natural deterrent as deer dislike dense growth. Just be mindful when planting mint, as it can become invasive and take over your garden if not contained.
4. Are there any flowers that deer find unappetizing?
Yes, there are several flowers that deer find unappetizing and can be planted with hostas to deter them. Some examples include marigolds, snapdragons, and dianthus. Marigolds have a strong scent that repels deer, while snapdragons have a bitter taste that deer dislike. Dianthus, or carnations, have a pungent scent that deer find unpleasant. Planting these flowers alongside hostas can help protect them from deer damage.
5. Are there any trees that can be planted with hostas to keep deer away?
Yes, there are several trees that can be planted alongside hostas to deter deer. Japanese cedar, also known as Cryptomeria, has foliage that deer find unappetizing. Its dense growth also provides a visual barrier for deer. The American holly tree is another option, as it has spiny leaves that deter deer from approaching. Additionally, the pawpaw tree produces fruits with a strong odor that deer find repulsive, making it a natural deterrent.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, planting companion plants like lavender, yarrow, and daffodils, as well as shrubs like boxwood, arborvitae, and spirea, can help keep deer away from your hostas. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage can also be effective, while flowers like marigolds, snapdragons, and dianthus can provide additional protection. Trees like the Japanese cedar, American holly, and pawpaw tree are also viable options. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a deer-resistant environment that allows your hostas to thrive.
Remember to choose plants that are suitable for your specific climate and growing conditions, and consider implementing multiple deterrents for the best results. With the right combination of plants, you can enjoy the beauty of hostas in your garden without constantly battling deer damage.
