If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably looked at your beautiful clematis vines and wondered, do deer eat clematis? It’s a common concern for anyone trying to create a stunning garden that also has to contend with local wildlife. The short answer is yes, deer will eat clematis, especially when their preferred food sources are scarce. However, clematis isn’t their first choice, and there are several effective strategies you can use to protect your prized blooms.
Do Deer Eat Clematis
Understanding deer behavior is key to protecting your garden. Deer are opportunistic feeders. They will sample a wide variety of plants, particularly in early spring when new growth is tender and in late fall when other food becomes limited. While clematis isn’t at the top of their menu, no plant is truly deer-proof under the right (or wrong) conditions.
A clematis’s fate often depends on the specific variety and the pressure from the local deer population. A hungry deer is far less picky than a well-fed one.
What Makes a Plant Deer-Resistant?
Deer rely heavily on their sense of smell and taste to decide what to eat. They tend to avoid plants with certain characteristics. Here’s what usually deters them:
- Strong Fragrances: Herbs like lavender, sage, and mint often confuse their sense of smell.
- Fuzzy or Hairy Leaves: Textures like those on lamb’s ear or dusty miller are unpleasant on their tongues.
- Tough, Leathery, or Prickly Foliage: Plants like holly or barberry are difficult and uncomfortable to eat.
- Toxic Sap or Compounds: Milkweed, daffodils, and foxglove contain substances that are harmful to deer.
Clematis, unfortunately, doesn’t strongly exhibit many of these traits. Its leaves and shoots are relatively tender, especially in the spring, making them vunerable to browsing.
Clematis Varieties and Deer Preference
Not all clematis are created equal in the eyes of a deer. Some observations from experienced gardeners suggest that deer may show slight preferences based on leaf texture or perhaps even flower type, though evidence is mostly anecdotal.
Generally, the large-flowered hybrid clematis (like ‘Nelly Moser’ or ‘Jackmanii’) with their softer growth might be slightly more tempting. Species clematis or those with smaller, more numerous flowers sometimes have a denser leaf structure. However, it’s risky to assume any variety is completely safe.
Your local deer herd’s taste can vary, so what works in one garden might not in another. It’s always best to assume protection is needed, at least for young or newly planted vines.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Clematis from Deer
You don’t have to choose between having clematis and having deer nearby. A layered approach to protection is often the most succesful and sustainable method.
1. Use Physical Barriers
This is the most reliable method, especially for young plants or in areas with high deer pressure.
- Fencing: A tall fence (at least 8 feet) is the ultimate solution. If a full garden fence isn’t possible, consider individual plant cages made from wire mesh around your clematis, particularly in its first few years.
- Netting: Lightweight deer netting can be staked around the plant. Ensure it’s tall enough and check regularly so the clematis doesn’t grow through it.
2. Apply Repellents Effectively
Repellents work by making plants taste or smell bad to deer. They need consistent reapplication, especially after rain.
- Choose Two Types: Rotate between a scent-based repellent (like rotten egg or garlic) and a taste-based one (often containing capsaicin).
- Apply Early and Often: Start applying in early spring before deer establish a feeding routine. Reapply every 2-4 weeks and after heavy rainfall.
- Follow Instructions: Always follow the product label for safety and effectiveness.
3. Strategic Planting and Garden Design
Make your clematis less accessible and surround it with plants deer truly dislike.
- Plant in Protected Spots: Grow clematis near your house, patio, or other frequently disturbed areas where deer are hesitant to venture.
- Create a Border: Plant your clematis behind a barrier of strongly fragrant perennials and shrubs. Good choices include:
- Boxwood (for structure)
- Russian Sage
- Catmint
- Daffodils (for spring)
What to Do If Deer Have Already Eaten Your Clematis
Don’t panic if you find damaged stems. Clematis are remarkably resilient plants.
- Assess the Damage: Check if the main growing buds at the base of the plant or along the stems are intact.
- Prune Cleanly: Use sharp, clean pruners to cut back any badly damaged or broken stems to a healthy set of buds.
- Fertilize and Water: Give the plant a light application of a balanced fertilizer and ensure it gets adequate water to support its recovery.
- Be Patient: It may take a full growing season for the vine to regain its former glory. Implement protection immediately to prevent a second attack.
Remember, a clematis that’s established and has a thick, woody base is much more likely to survive and regrow from a browsing incident than a young seedling.
Long-Term Coexistence with Deer
The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate deer from your environment, but to manage their impact. Accepting that you share the space can lead to a more relaxed gardening experience.
Consistency is crucial. If you let your guard down in a particularly harsh winter, deer will remember and return. Combining a few methods—like a repellent schedule with a few strategically placed sacrificial plants—often yields the best long-term results without creating a fortress.
FAQ: Deer and Clematis
Will deer eat clematis flowers?
Yes, deer may eat the flowers, particularly the buds and young blooms. They are attracted to the tender, nutritious parts of the plant.
Is clematis deer resistant?
Clematis is not considered deer resistant. It is more accurately labeled as “deer tolerant” or “seldom severely damaged,” but it is definitely at risk, especially in times of scarcity.
What flowering vines will deer not eat?
Deer are less likely to eat vines like American Bittersweet (toxic), Trumpet Vine (sometimes avoided), Honeysuckle (varies by species), and especially climbing varieties of roses due to their thorns.
Do rabbits eat clematis?
Rabbits can be a bigger problem for young clematis shoots at ground level. Use wire mesh collars around the base of the plant to protect the stems from both rabbits and voles.
What is the best deer repellent for clematis?
There is no single “best” repellent, as deer can become accustomed to any one product. The most effective strategy is to alternate between different types (scent and taste) every few weeks throughout the growing season.
Gardening with deer is an exercise in patience and adaptability. By understanding that clematis is indeed on the deer’s list of potential foods, you can take proactive, sensible steps. With the right combination of barriers, repellents, and smart planting, you can enjoy the spectacular display of your clematis for many seasons to come, even with deer as neighbors.