If you’re noticing nibbled leaves and stripped bark in your garden, you might be asking: do deer eat crepe myrtle? This is a common concern for gardeners in areas with a healthy deer population. Understanding what deer like to eat can save you a lot of heartache and help you plan a more resilient landscape.
Deer are opportunistic feeders. Their diet changes with the seasons and what’s available. While they have preferences, hunger often leads them to sample plants they might otherwise avoid. Let’s look at how crepe myrtles fit into their menu and what you can do about it.
Do Deer Eat Crepe Myrtle
The short answer is yes, deer will eat crepe myrtle, but it’s not there favorite food. They typically turn to these trees and shrubs when more desirable options are scarce. During harsh winters or dry summers, when tender foliage is limited, no plant is completely safe.
Young crepe myrtles are at the greatest risk. Their soft, succulent growth and thin bark are especially tempting to deer. A mature, established tree is less palatable but can still suffer damage, particularly to its lower branches and bark.
What Parts of the Crepe Myrtle Do Deer Target?
Deer don’t usually consume the whole plant. They focus on the most accessible and tender parts.
- New Growth and Leaves: The fresh, soft leaves and stem tips in spring are the first to go. This can ruin the plant’s shape and reduce its flowering potential.
- Flower Buds and Blooms: Unfortunately, the beautiful flower clusters are not immune. Deer may snack on the buds and blossoms.
- Young Bark: In winter, when food is sparse, deer may strip the bark off young trunks and branches. This “buck rubbing” can girdle and kill the plant.
How to Protect Your Crepe Myrtles from Deer
If deer are a problem in your neighborhood, taking proactive steps is essential. Relying on just one method is rarely effective; a layered approach works best.
1. Use Physical Barriers
This is the most reliable method, especially for young trees.
- Tree Shelters or Tubes: Place sturdy plastic guards around individual saplings. These protect the trunk from browsing and rubbing.
- Fencing: A tall fence (at least 8 feet high) around your entire property is ideal but not always practical. For individual plants, a simple wire cage can be very effective.
2. Apply Repellents Regularly
Repellents work by making plants taste or smell bad to deer. You must reapply them frequently, especially after rain.
- Spray Repellents: Look for products containing putrified eggs, garlic, or capsaicin. Always follow the label instructions.
- Homemade Options: A mixture of eggs and water sprayed on the leaves can deter deer for a short while. Remember, these need frequent reapplication.
3. Plant Deer-Resistant Companions
Surrounding your crepe myrtles with plants deer strongly dislike can create a protective buffer. Good choices include lavender, salvia, boxwood, and daffodils. This strategy won’t guarantee safety, but it can help.
Are Some Crepe Myrtle Varieties More Deer-Resistant?
While no crepe myrtle is truly deer-proof, some gardeners report that varieties with darker flower colors (like deep reds and purples) or those with thicker, rougher bark are bothered less. However, a hungry deer will eat almost any variety. It’s better to focus on protection than searching for a magic plant that deer will never touch.
Long-Term Garden Planning with Deer in Mind
The best defense is a good offense. When you know deer are in your area, design your garden accordingly from the start.
- Prioritize Protection for New Plants: Every new planting should be protected immediately. A deer can destroy a young tree in a single visit.
- Create Layers: Use a combination of fencing, repellents, and resistant plants throughout your landscape, not just around one prized specimen.
- Observe and Adapt: Watch which plants the deer ignore and which they target. Use this information to guide future planting choices.
Remember, deer habits can change. A plant they left alone for years might suddenly become interesting to them if there food sources shifts. Consistency in your protective measures is key to long-term success.
FAQ: Deer and Crepe Myrtles
Will a deer kill a crepe myrtle?
Yes, especially a young one. Repeated browsing can stunt or kill a sapling. Bark stripping in winter is a major threat that can girdle and kill trees of any age.
What plants do deer eat more than crepe myrtles?
Deer prefer hostas, daylilies, roses, and many vegetable garden plants. They often turn to crepe myrtles only after these favorites are gone or protected.
Do deer eat crepe myrtle in the winter?
Yes. Winter is a high-risk time. With less greenery available, deer are more likely to browse on twigs and, crucially, strip the bark for nourishment.
Is crepe myrtle considered deer resistant?
Most gardening guides list crepe myrtle as “moderately deer resistant” or “seldom severely damaged.” This means it’s not a first choice, but it is not immune to feeding. This rating can vary widely by region and local deer pressure.
What’s the best deer repellent?
There is no single “best” repellent. Deer can become accustomed to any one product. The most effective strategy is to rotate between two or three different types (scent-based and taste-based) throughout the year. Physical barriers remain the most trustworthy solution for valuable plants.
Protecting your garden from deer requires patience and persistence. By understanding that deer do eat crepe myrtle when hungry, you can take realistic steps to safeguard your trees. Start with physical protection for young plants, use repellents consistently, and design your garden with deer pressure in mind. With these strategies, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of your crepe myrtles for many seasons to come.