Do Deer Eat Mums Plants

Gardeners often wonder, do deer eat mums plants? The short answer is, unfortunately, yes. Deer will frequently eat chrysanthemums, especially when their preferred food sources are scarce. These colorful fall staples are not deer-resistant, despite some common misconceptions. If you’ve found your mums nibbled down to stems, you’re not alone. This article will help you understand why deer are attracted to them and, more importantly, how to protect your garden.

Deer are opportunistic feeders. While mums have a slightly bitter taste and aromatic foliage that deer sometimes avoid, they are not safe. In early fall, when mums are blooming and other plants are dying back, deer see them as an easy and attractive meal. Young, tender growth and the flower buds themselves are particularly vulnerable. A hungry deer will eat almost any plant, and mums are certainly on the menu.

Why Deer Target Your Chrysanthemums

Understanding deer behavior is key to protecting your garden. Here are the main reasons they go for your mums:

Seasonal Scarcity: In late summer and fall, natural forage begins to decline. Your lush, watered mums stand out.
Nutritional Value: The plants provide moisture and nutrients as deer prepare for winter.
Curiosity and Habit: Once a deer finds a reliable food source in your yard, it will return.
Lack of Better Options: In suburban areas, deer populations often exceed what natural forests can support.

How to Tell if Deer Are Eating Your Mums

It’s important to confirm the culprit. Deer damage looks different from damage caused by rabbits or insects.

Torn Stems and Leaves: Deer have no upper front teeth. They tear and pull plant material, leaving ragged, shredded edges.
Height of Damage: Look for damage from about three feet and higher on plants and shrubs.
Hoof Prints: Check the soil for distinctive cloven hoof prints.
Droppings: Deer droppings are pellet-like, often found in clusters.

Effective Strategies to Keep Deer Away

No single method is 100% foolproof, but combining several tactics gives you the best chance. Persistence and rotation are crucial.

Physical Barriers: The Most Reliable Method

Fencing is the most effective long-term solution. It doesn’t have to be unsightly.

Tall Fencing: A fence at least 8 feet tall can deter most deer. For a cheaper option, use two 4-foot tall fences spaced 5 feet apart.
Individual Plant Cages: Use wire mesh or netting to create cages around prized mums. This is great for potted plants.
Netting: Drape bird netting over your mum beds at night during peak feeding times (dusk and dawn).

Deer Repellents: Chemical and Sensory Deterrents

Repellents work by taste, smell, or fear. You must reapply them regularly, especially after rain.

Commercial Spray Repellents: Look for products containing putrescent egg solids, capsaicin, or garlic. Spray directly on the mums.
Homemade Sprays: A mixture of eggs, water, and a little dish soap can be effective. Let it sit for a day before spraying.
Scent-Based Deterrents: Hanging strongly-scented soap bars, human hair, or commercial scent pouches around the garden can help.

Remember to rotate repellent types so deer don’t become accustomed to them.

Landscaping and Plant Choices

Making your yard less inviting can steer deer elsewhere. This is a long-term strategy.

Plant Deer-Resistant Companions: Surround your mums with plants deer strongly dislike, such as lavender, sage, marigolds, or daffodils.
Remove Attractants: Keep fallen fruit picked up and secure compost piles.
Use Motion-Activated Devices: Sprinklers, lights, or noisemakers that activate with motion can scare deer away. They work best when moved around.

A Step-by-Step Plan to Protect New Mum Plantings

Follow this plan when you first plant your mums in late spring or summer.

Choose the Location Wisely: Plant mums closer to the house, where human activity and lights are more frequent.
Prepare the Soil: Mix in a granular deer repellent into the soil at planting time.
Install Protection: Place a small wire cage or a few stakes with netting around each plant.
Apply Repellent Immediately: Spray a taste-based repellent on the foliage after planting.
Establish a Routine: Mark your calendar to reapply spray every 2-3 weeks and after heavy rain.

What to Do if Deer Already Ate Your Mums

All is not lost if deer have damaged your plants. Mums are often quite resilient.

Assess the Damage: If the stems are cleanly broken, trim them back to just above a set of leaves. If they are torn, cut back to undamaged growth.
Fertilize and Water: Give the plant a light feeding with a balanced fertilizer and ensure it gets consistent water to encourage new growth.
Implement Protection Now: Immediately apply the methods discussed above to prevent a second attack.
Be Patient: It may take a few weeks, but the plant will often push out new lateral buds, though flowering may be reduced for that season.

Long-Term Garden Management with Deer

Living with deer means adapting your gardening habits. Accepting that you may have some damage can reduce frustration. Focus on a layered defense: fencing for key areas, repellents for ornamentals, and choosing more deer-resistant plants for the periphery of your property. Community efforts can also help; if neighbors also use deterrents, the local deer population is more likely to move on.

FAQ: Common Questions About Deer and Mums

Are any mums deer-proof?

No mum variety is completely deer-proof. However, some gardeners report that types with very strong fragrance or more fuzzy leaves are slightly less palatable. But when deer are hungry, they will eat any type.

Do coffee grounds keep deer away?

The scent of coffee grounds may offer a temporary, mild deterrent, but it is not a reliable solution on its own. It’s better used as part of a broader strategy, like mixing them into mulch.

Will deer eat mums in pots?

Yes, deer will absolutely eat mums in pots. In fact, pots on porches or patios may be more accessible. Move potted mums to a protected area or use cages and repellents.

What plants do deer hate the most?

Deer typically avoid plants with strong scents, fuzzy leaves, or toxic properties. Examples include lavender, Russian sage, lamb’s ear, foxglove, and most herbs like rosemary and mint.

Is it worth trying to grow mums if I have lots of deer?

It can be, but requires commitment. You must be willing to invest in physical barriers or be diligent with repellents. Otherwise, you might consider focusing on plants with better deer resistance for your main garden displays.

Protecting your chrysanthemums from deer takes a bit of effort and experimentation. The key is to start early, be consistent, and use more than one method. By understanding what attracts deer and implementing a few smart strategies, you can greatly increase your chances of enjoying your beautiful fall mums without sharing them with the local wildlife. Remember, every garden and deer herd is different, so don’t be afraid to try different tactics until you find what works best for your situation.