Deer-Resistant Hostas: How to Keep Wildlife Away

Hostas are known for their lush foliage and adaptability in shaded gardens. Unfortunately, they are also known for attracting deer, which see these beautiful plants as a tasty snack. If you're tired of finding your hostas nibbled down by wildlife, don’t despair. There are ways to minimise deer damage and even hosta varieties that are more resistant to deer. In this blog, we’ll explore which hostas deer tend to avoid and share some effective strategies to protect your garden.

1. Understanding Deer Behaviour

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why deer love hostas. Deer are herbivores that primarily feed on plants with tender leaves. Hostas, with their juicy, soft foliage, are irresistible to them, especially in spring and early summer when new shoots emerge. While no plant is entirely "deer-proof," some hosta varieties are less appealing due to their texture or scent.

2. Deer-Resistant Hosta Varieties

Certain hosta varieties are less likely to be eaten by deer due to their tough, leathery leaves or bitterness. While these varieties may not offer complete immunity, they are generally less palatable to deer. Consider planting these in areas where deer are frequent visitors:

Hosta ‘Blue Angel’: This large hosta has thick, blue-green leaves that deer tend to avoid. Its tough texture makes it less desirable for browsing.
Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’: Known for its giant, leathery leaves, this variety is not a favourite among deer.
Hosta ‘Halcyon’: With its dense, slug-resistant leaves, this blue hosta is not only a beautiful addition to your garden but also less appealing to deer.
Hosta ‘Krossa Regal’: Another blue-green variety with large, slightly wavy leaves that deer typically avoid.

While these hostas may not completely repel deer, they’re a good option if you’re looking to deter them naturally.

3. Physical Barriers

The most effective way to protect your hostas from deer is by physically blocking access to your garden. Here are some options:

Fencing: A tall fence (at least 8 feet high) is one of the best defences against deer. Since deer can jump high, make sure the fence is tall enough, or consider adding an angled section at the top.
Netting: Protective netting over your hostas can be an effective and less permanent solution. Choose wildlife-friendly netting that deer can't easily push through.
Garden cages: For smaller areas or individual plants, consider using wire garden cages. These allow sunlight and water to reach your hostas while keeping deer at bay.

(A Roe Deer outside the deer fence at the nursery)

4. Deer Repellents

If fencing isn’t an option, deer repellents are another effective way to keep wildlife away. Organic and chemical repellents work by using odours or tastes that deer dislike. Here are some common deer-repellent methods:

Commercial sprays: Many garden centres offer sprays made from ingredients like garlic, capsaicin, or eggs, which make hostas taste unpleasant to deer.
Homemade repellents: You can make your own repellent using ingredients such as garlic, chili peppers, or soap. Spray this solution around your garden to deter deer.
Scent deterrents: Deer are sensitive to strong smells, so planting aromatic herbs like lavender or rosemary near your hostas may help repel them. Hanging bars of strongly scented soap or bags of human hair around your garden can also help.

5. Create a Distracting Garden Border

Deer are opportunistic eaters, so creating a buffer zone with plants they dislike can help protect your hostas. Consider surrounding your garden with plants that deer tend to avoid, such as:

Lavender: Deer dislike its strong fragrance.
Daffodils: Toxic to deer, daffodils are a natural deterrent.
Ferns: Many deer avoid these due to their texture and taste.
Foxgloves: Another plant that deer tend to avoid because it is poisonous to them.

By creating a border of less palatable plants, you can make it more difficult for deer to access your prized hostas.

6. Motion-Activated Devices

Deer are easily startled, so using motion-activated devices like sprinklers or lights can scare them away before they get too close to your hostas. These devices activate when they detect movement, giving deer a quick, harmless scare that often deters them from returning.

7. Plant Diversity to Confuse Deer

A diverse garden can confuse deer, making it more difficult for them to zero in on your hostas. Instead of planting large swaths of hostas, mix them with other deer-resistant plants like ornamental grasses, ferns, or spiky plants like holly. Deer are less likely to graze heavily in gardens where their favourite plants are hard to find.

Conclusion

While deer may love to munch on hostas, there are numerous ways to protect your plants. From choosing deer-resistant varieties and using physical barriers to applying repellents and installing motion-activated devices, there are effective solutions for every garden. By taking a multi-faceted approach, you can enjoy beautiful, intact hostas without having to worry about wildlife damage.

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