As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have encountered various challenges when it comes to protecting plants from wildlife, including deer. When it comes to astilboides, or false goatsbeard, I can say that deer have not generally been a major issue. However, it is important to note that small animals or deer may browse on the emerging leaves if preventive measures are not taken.
In my experience, fully grown astilboides plants have not been targeted by deer. These plants, with their lush foliage and attractive flowers, do not seem to be preferred by deer for browsing. This could be due to the fact that astilboides is not as commonly found in their natural diet.
However, it is worth mentioning that deer behavior can vary depending on the region and the availability of other food sources. In some cases, deer may resort to browsing on plants that they would not typically eat if their preferred options are scarce. Therefore, it is always a good idea to take preventive measures to protect your astilboides plants from potential deer damage.
One effective way to deter deer from browsing on astilboides is to create a physical barrier around the plants. This can be done by installing a deer fence or using netting. Make sure the barrier is tall enough to prevent deer from reaching over it or jumping over it. It is also important to secure the bottom of the barrier to prevent deer from squeezing underneath.
Another option is to use deer repellents. There are various commercial repellents available that can be sprayed on the foliage of the astilboides plants. These repellents often have a strong odor or taste that deer find unpleasant, deterring them from feeding on the plants. It is important to reapply the repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially after rain or heavy watering.
In addition to physical barriers and repellents, it is also helpful to create a deer-resistant garden overall. Including plants that are known to be less appealing to deer can help divert their attention away from your astilboides. Some examples of deer-resistant plants include lavender, yarrow, and butterfly bush.
Lastly, it is crucial to keep the soil around astilboides plants consistently moist, especially during dry periods. By providing adequate moisture, you can help ensure the plants remain healthy and less susceptible to damage. Astilboides may crisp up and go dormant late in the season if the soil is not kept moist, so regular watering is essential.
While deer have not generally been a major concern for fully grown astilboides plants, it is still important to take preventive measures to protect emerging leaves from being browsed. Creating physical barriers, using repellents, incorporating deer-resistant plants in the garden, and maintaining proper soil moisture are all effective strategies to minimize the risk of deer damage.
