Deer , those graceful yet sometimes pestiferous creatures , can be a actual pain in the garden . They have a wolfish appetite and will pig many flora in their course . However , there are a few works that deer run to avert , and one of them is the good deal laurel ( Kalmia latifolia ) .
In my experience as a gardening and landscape gardening expert , I have seen firsthand how cervid will munch on various plants , leave them ransack spare . But when it comes to mountain laurel , they seem to pass it by without a second glimpse . This is a rest period for gardener who want to enjoy the dish and benefits of this aboriginal evergreen plant shrub without the changeless worry of deer damage .
flock laurel is a stunning plant , with showy dark dark-green folio and clusters of delicate , bell - shaped peak that blossom in shades of pink , bloodless , and sometimes even cherry . It is a popular choice for gardens and landscape painting due to its attractive appearance and ability to prosper in a multifariousness of precondition . But what make it unappealing to deer ?
One possible cause is the toxicity of wad laurel . Like many other member of the Ericaceae family , including rhododendrons and azaleas , mount Arthur Stanley Jefferson Laurel hold toxic chemical compound called grayanotoxins . These chemical compound are acerb - tasting and can have digestive upset in animals , including deer . It is conceive that deer have learned to avoid plants with acerb or toxic compound as a survival mechanism .
Another reason why deer may manoeuver clear of mountain laurel is its rugged and leathery parting . The foliage of this bush is not as tender and toothsome as some other industrial plant that cervid prefer . Deer tend to place plants with soft leaves , such as Funka or day lily , which offer a more cheering meal for them .
Furthermore , the strong odour of mountain laurel may also deter deer . The leaves of this shrub have a distinct aroma , especially when crushed or brushed against . It is possible that deer are put off by this scent and choose to browse on other , more appealing botany or else .
It is deserving observe that while deer generally quash mountain laurel , there may be some representative where they do nibble on it . Hungry cervid or those in country with limited food sources might be more potential to try out mountain laurel . Additionally , young or newly planted shrubs may be more susceptible to deer browsing , as they are often more tippy and palatable .
To protect your sight laurel wreath from deer hurt , there are a few strategies you could employ . One option is to create a physical roadblock , such as a fencing , around your plants . This can be effective in keeping deer out , but it may not be pragmatic or aesthetically pleasing for all gardeners .
Another approach is to use cervid repellents or deterrents . There are many commercial products uncommitted that claim to gross out deer through taste sensation , odor , or both . These can be spray directly on the foliage of mountain laurel wreath to discourage cervid from eat on it . However , it is important to follow the direction carefully and reapply as necessitate , especially after rainfall or irrigation .
While cervid can be a haunting problem in the garden , mountain laurel is one of the few aboriginal evergreen shrubs that they largely discount . The toxic compounds , tough foliage , and secure aroma of this plant seem to discourage deer from feeding on it . However , it is still advisable to take precaution , peculiarly in region with in high spirits deer population or during times of food scarcity . With proper upkeep and security , you may enjoy the lulu of mountain laurel wreath in your garden without vex about deer hurt .
Caroline Bates
