Gardeners often wonder, do deer eat black eyed susans? It’s a common question for anyone trying to maintain a beautiful, resilient garden. The simple answer is that these cheerful flowers are often listed as “deer resistant,” but that term can be misleading. Understanding the relationship between deer and your Rudbeckia is key to protecting your blooms.
Deer are opportunistic feeders. Their diet changes with the seasons and what’s available. While they might pass over black-eyed Susans when other, more tasty plants are around, a hungry deer will eat almost anything. Let’s look at why these plants sometimes get a pass and what you can do to improve your garden’s defenses.
Do Deer Eat Black Eyed Susans
Black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) possess several characteristics that make them less appealing to deer. Their stems and leaves are covered in small, stiff hairs. This rough, fuzzy texture is unpleasant for deer to eat. The foliage also has a slightly bitter taste that deer tend to avoid when they have other options.
However, “deer resistant” never means “deer proof.” During late summer or in times of drought, when food is scarce, deer may sample or even devour your black-eyed Susans. Young, tender plants and fresh flower buds are also more vulnerable than established, mature plants.
Factors That Influence Deer Feeding
Several factors determine whether deer will target your garden.
- Local Deer Population Pressure: A large, hungry herd is more likely to try resistant plants.
- Seasonal Food Availability: In spring and summer, deer have many choices. In fall and winter, they become less picky.
- Plant Maturity: New growth is always more tempting than tough, older leaves.
- Weather Conditions: Drought can force deer into gardens they normally avoid.
How to Protect Your Black-Eyed Susans
If deer are a persistent problem in your area, relying on plant resistance alone is risky. A layered approach to protection works best. Here are practical steps you can take.
1. Use Effective Repellents
Repellents work by taste, smell, or both. You need to rotate products occasionally, as deer can become accustomed to them.
- Egg-Based or Garlic Sprays: These create a smell that deer find offensive. Reapply after heavy rain.
- Commercial Repellents: Look for ones containing putrescent egg solids or capsaicin. Follow the label instructions carefully.
- Application Tip: Always apply repellents on dry plants and reapply regularly, especially on new growth.
2. Install Physical Barriers
Barriers are the most reliable method, especially for smaller gardens or prized plantings.
- Fencing: A tall fence (at least 8 feet high) is the ultimate solution. For many gardens, a double-fence design (two shorter fences 4 feet apart) can also be effective.
- Individual Plant Cages: Use wire mesh or netting to protect specific clumps of black-eyed Susans, especially when they are first planted.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These startle deer with a sudden burst of water. They are a good non-chemical deterrent.
3. Strategic Garden Planning
You can design your garden to make it less inviting to deer.
- Plant in Groups: A mass planting of black-eyed Susans is more visually impactful and can sometimes better withstand a little nibbling than a single, isolated plant.
- Choose Companion Plants Wisely: Surround your Rudbeckia with plants that are highly deer-resistant. Strong-smelling herbs like lavender, sage, and rosemary can help mask appealing scents.
- Location Matters: Plant black-eyed Susans closer to your house where human activity and lights may deter deer.
Highly Deer-Resistant Companion Plants
Creating a garden full of plants deer dislike is a smart long-term strategy. Here are excellent companions for your black-eyed Susans that deer typically avoid.
- Perennials: Russian sage, catmint, salvia, peonies (toxic), daffodils (toxic), bearded iris, lavender, yarrow.
- Annuals: Snapdragons, marigolds, heliotrope, sweet alyssum, verbena.
- Herbs: Most herbs, including thyme, oregano, mint, and chives, are rarely browsed due to their strong aromatic oils.
What to Do If Deer Eat Your Flowers
Don’t panic if you find damage. Black-eyed Susans are tough perennials (or vigorous annuals, depending on the variety).
- Assess the Damage: If the flower buds were eaten, the plant may send up new ones. If the plant was heavily grazed but not completely destroyed, it will likely recover.
- Clean Up: Trim away any badly damaged stems to encourage new, healthy growth.
- Fertilize and Water: Give the plant a boost with a balanced fertilizer and ensure it gets adequate water to help it recover its energy.
- Increase Protection: Immediately apply a repellent or install a temporary barrier to prevent a second visit.
Long-Term Garden Management
Consistency is crucial. Deer are creatures of habit; if they find a reliable food source in your yard, they will return. Make protection a regular part of your gardening routine from early spring through late fall. Remember that the goal is to encourage deer to move on to other areas, not to starve them. A combination of smart plant choices, repellents, and barriers offers the best chance for a thriving, bloom-filled garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are black eyed susans deer proof?
No plant is truly deer proof. Black-eyed Susans are deer resistant, meaning deer usually avoid them but may eat them if food is scarce or the deer population is high.
What flowers will deer absolutely not eat?
Deer rarely eat plants that are toxic, very fuzzy, or intensely aromatic. Examples include daffodils, foxglove, lamb’s ear, and most herbs like lavender and rosemary. But in extreme hunger, even these might be sampled.
Do rabbits eat black-eyed Susans?
Yes, rabbits are more likely than deer to eat black-eyed Susans, especially the young seedlings and tender new growth. They often leave a clean-cut stem, unlike deer’s ragged tearing.
Should I plant black-eyed Susans if I have deer?
Yes, they are an excellent choice for a deer-prone area. Just be prepared to use additional protection methods, especially when the plants are young or during difficult seasons. They are a much better bet than hostas or daylilies, which deer love.
What time of day do deer eat gardens?
Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so you’ll often find damage in the early morning. However, in areas where they feel safe or are under pressure, they may feed at any time, even during the day.
By understanding the habits of deer and the nature of black-eyed Susans, you can make informed decisions for your garden. With a proactive plan, you can enjoy these sunny, reliable blooms for many seasons to come. Observing what works in your specific location is the final, and most important, step for any gardener.