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The Best Deer-proof bulbs
Deer are a problem for many people, especially those who grow food. Deer will eat all the fruits and vegetables you have grown if they get the chance. To keep deer away from your garden, it is best to consider bulbs that deer won’t eat. Here are some examples of these types of bulbs:
Bulbs deer won’t eat
1. Canna
The canna lily is a flowering plant from the same family as the ornamental banana. They do well in full sun and warmer climates and come in a number of colors such as yellow, orange and red. They produce large green leaves and grow up to five feet tall. Canna bulbs are great for colder areas, as they will perform better in cold climates than other lilies. Deer won’t eat canna bulbs because of their toxic properties.
2. Narcissus
The narcissus is an early-blooming flower that comes in nearly every color. You can plant them outside in colder climates or grow inside in a pot. They are easy to grow, and deer won’t eat them because of their very sweet scent.
3. Galanthus
Galanthus, otherwise known as snowdrops, are very hardy flowers that survive all winter. They grow best in areas where the ground freezes. They come in white, pink and purple colors, and deer won’t eat these either because of their sweet scent.
4. Amaryllis
Amaryllis is a flowering plant that deer won’t eat because of its toxic properties. They don’t like the taste and will not return once they eat it. The plant grows well in full sun and is easy to grow from bulbs. Amaryllis comes in red, pink and white colors.
5. Calla lily
Calla lilies look very similar to canna lilies, but deer won’t eat them because of their toxic properties. They do well in full sun and need a lot of water. They don’t require as much maintenance as other lilies, making them a good choice for beginners. The plant comes in a variety of colors, including orange and white.
6. Allium
Allium, or ornamental onion plants, come in various colors, and deer won’t eat them because of their sweet scent. They do well in full sun and only require a little water. They come in purple, pink and white colors and grow over two feet tall.
7. Fritillaria
Fritillaria, or checkered lily, is a bulb plant deer won’t eat because of its strong smell. It does well in full sun and only needs a little water. The plant comes in purple, yellow and white colors. It grows up to one foot tall.
8. Muscari
Deer won’t eat Muscari or grape hyacinth because of their very sweet scent. They grow well in full sun and only require a little water. This bulb grows in clumps and comes in pink, purple, blue or white colors. It only grows up to about 6 inches tall.
9. Cyclamen
Cyclamen, or saucer flower, is deer-proof because of its toxic properties. It grows well in full sun and does not need much water. The plant comes in pink, purple and white colors and only grows about 3 inches tall.
10. Caladium
Caladium is a flowering plant deer won’t eat because of its sweet smell. It does well in full sun and only requires a little water. This plant comes in various colors, including pink, white and green. It only grows up to six inches tall.
11. Hyacinths
The hyacinth is a type of flowering plant deer won’t eat. This bulb grows well in full sun and only requires a little water. It does well in colder climates and only grows up to three inches tall. It comes in various colors, including pink, purple, blue and white.
12. Alstroemeria
Because of its sweet scent, deer won’t eat Alstroemeria, otherwise known as Peruvian lily. They do well in full sun and only require a little water. The plant comes in white, yellow and pink colors. It only grows up to about three feet tall.
Bulbs a deer will eat
1. Lilies
Lilies are a common garden flower, but deer eat them because they do not have strong scents. They can eat the stems and leaves and return in a couple of weeks for more. They prefer the trumpet, oriental and Asiatic lily varieties to other types.
2. Tulips
Tulips are another common garden flower deer eat because they do not have a strong scent. They can eat the stems and leaves and will return for more. Deer prefer the species tulips over the showier hybrids.
3. Crocus
Crocus is a small, early-blooming flower, and deer eat them because they do not have a strong scent. They can eat the flowers and stems and return for more. Deer prefer the species crocus over the hybrids.
4. Snow peas
Snow peas are a deer favorite because they have a sweet taste and are small in size. They can eat the flowers, leaves, and pods and return for more.
If you’re fortunate, your deer may ignore these plants. However, it is usually best to choose plants that deer won’t eat and grow well in your garden. If you plant a combination of these types, you may succeed in keeping deer from eating all of your plants.
