As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with a detailed answer to the question: Do deer eat elephant ear hostas?
Deer are known to be opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide variety of plants when food sources are scarce. However, elephant ear hostas are not typically favored by deer. These plants have large, thick leaves that are not very palatable to deer. In fact, Rutgers University rates elephant ear hostas as “Seldom Severely Damaged” on their scale of deer resistance, which ranges from “Rarely Damaged” to “Frequently Severely Damaged.”
In my personal experience, I have rarely seen deer feeding on elephant ear hostas. I have a garden where I grow a variety of plants, including hostas, and while deer occasionally visit my property, they seem to bypass the elephant ear hostas in favor of more desirable food sources.
That being said, it’s important to note that deer behavior and feeding preferences can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, time of year, and availability of other food sources. In times of drought or when natural food sources are limited, deer may resort to eating plants they would not normally consume. However, under normal circumstances, deer are unlikely to heavily damage or devour elephant ear hostas.
If you live in an area with a high deer population and are concerned about potential damage to your elephant ear hostas, there are steps you can take to deter deer. These include:
1. Fencing: Install a sturdy fence around the area where your hostas are planted. Deer are excellent jumpers, so make sure the fence is at least 8 feet tall and dug into the ground to prevent them from squeezing underneath.
2. Repellents: Apply deer repellents to your hostas, following the manufacturer’s instructions. These products often contain strong scents or taste deterrents that can discourage deer from browsing on the plants.
3. Companion planting: Consider planting deer-resistant plants alongside your elephant ear hostas. Some examples of deer-resistant plants include lavender, rosemary, and yarrow. The presence of these plants may help deter deer from approaching your hostas.
4. Motion-activated devices: Install motion-activated sprinklers or noise-making devices near your hostas. When deer approach, these devices will activate and startle the deer, making them less likely to feed on your plants.
While deer may occasionally nibble on elephant ear hostas in desperate times, it is not a common occurrence. These plants are generally not preferred by deer due to their large, thick leaves. However, it’s always a good idea to take preventive measures if you live in an area with a high deer population or have had previous issues with deer damage.
