Do Deer Eat Dicentra? Deer Resistant Perennials

In the garden, there are many plants that deer will eat and some that they will not. It’s not uncommon to see deer wandering around in the garden, nibbling on leaves and flowers. But what about dicentra? Are deer attracted to this plant?

In this article, we’ll take a look at whether deer eat Dicentra or not. Plus, we will give some tips on how to keep deer away from your garden so that your plants are safe.

Do Deer Eat Dicentra?

No, deer do not usually eat dicentra. This is because the plant is not tasty to them and they generally avoid eating it. In fact, they are one of the most deer-resistant perennials around. So, if you’re looking for a plant that deer won’t eat, dicentra is a good choice.

However, if there is a lack of other food options, deer may nibble on the leaves of Dicentra. But this is not common and usually only happens if the deer are starving.

Deer can also accidentally damage dicentra plants when they are rubbing their antlers or trampling through the garden. So, even though they don’t eat the plant, they can still cause damage to it.

How to Protect Dicentra from Deer?

While dicentra is mostly deer-resistant, there are still some things you can do to protect the plant, and other plants in your garden, from deer.

1. Erect Fencing

One of the best ways to keep deer out of your garden is to erect a fence. A tall fence (at least eight feet) will deter deer from jumping into the garden and eating your plants. In fact, they won’t even be able to see the plants that they’re missing out on!

If you don’t want to put up a fence, you can also try using netting or chicken wire. These options stop deer from entering the garden but are not as expensive or as obtrusive as a fence.

Whatever option you choose, make sure that it is tall enough and strong enough to deter deer. The last thing you want is for your fence to collapse under the weight of a deer!

2. Remove Food

You may not even realize it, but your garden could be providing food for deer. If you have fruit trees or other plants that produce food, the deer will be attracted to them. So, it’s important to remove any food sources from your garden.

This includes not only fruits and vegetables but also flowers that attract bees and other insects. The deer don’t even need to eat anything – as long as they can smell food, they will be attracted to your garden.

3. Deer Repellents

If deer are still wandering into your garden, even with a fence or without food, you may need to resort to using deer repellents.

There are many different types of deer repellents on the market. You can choose from sprays, granules, or even homemade solutions. The important thing is that the repellent is effective and safe for both you and your plants.

I like using this Bobbex repellent when I’m having trouble with deer in the garden. It’s made from all-natural ingredients and is safe to use on your dicentra plans (and other plants).

You can make your own deer repellent by mixing water, eggs, cayenne pepper, and garlic. All of these ingredients are known to deter deer. Simply mix them together and spray the solution on your plants.

4. Hanging Baskets

Dicentra can be kept in hanging baskets instead of planting them in the ground. This makes it harder for deer to reach the plants and nibble on the leaves. It’s a good idea to hang the basket higher than six feet off the ground, just to be safe.

If you do choose to hang your dicentra, make sure that the baskets are strong enough to support the weight of the plant. And, be sure to water them regularly so that they don’t dry out from the heat of the sun.

5. Motion-Activated Noise

Deer are skittish creatures and they don’t like loud noises. So, one way to deter them from your garden is to use a motion-activated noise maker. When the deer walk into the garden, the noise will startle them and they will run away.

You can buy motion-activated noise makers at most home improvement stores. Or, you can even make your own by attaching a loud bell or horn to a string. When the deer walk past, the noise will scare them away.

Can Dicentra Be Used as Deer-Resistant Fencing?

As I mentioned earlier, dicentra is mostly deer-resistant. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s completely deer-proof. The plant can still be damaged by deer, especially when they are rubbing their antlers or trampling through the garden.

So, while dicentra can be used as a form of fencing, it’s not the most effective option. If you’re looking for a deer-resistant fence, I recommend using boxwood as a better alternative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dicentra is a deer-resistant plant that can be used to deter deer from your garden. However, it’s not completely deer-proof and should not be used as the sole form of fencing. If you’re having trouble with deer in your garden, I recommend using one of the other methods listed above.

I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. And, if you know of any other ways to deter deer from gardens, I would love to hear about them!

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