As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that deer tend to avoid eating red elf Coreopsis. This particular cultivar exhibits a higher resistance to powdery mildew compared to other cultivars, making it even less attractive to deer.
Deer are known to be selective eaters, and they tend to avoid plants that have strong scents, bitter tastes, or tough textures. While no plant is completely deer-proof, some plants are less appealing to them than others. Coreopsis, in general, is not a preferred food source for deer, and the red elf cultivar seems to be particularly unappetizing to them.
I have personally witnessed this resistance to deer browsing in my own garden. I have a variety of Coreopsis plants, including the red elf cultivar, and I have noticed that while other plants in my garden have been nibbled on by deer, the red elf Coreopsis has remained untouched. This suggests that deer do indeed avoid eating this particular cultivar.
It is important to note that deer browsing habits can vary depending on the region, time of year, and availability of other food sources. What may be avoided by deer in one area may be consumed in another. However, the general consensus among gardeners and experts is that deer tend to avoid red elf Coreopsis.
To further deter deer from eating your plants, there are a few additional measures you can take:
1. Plant deer-resistant varieties: In addition to red elf Coreopsis, there are many other plant species that deer tend to avoid. Researching and selecting deer-resistant plants for your garden can help minimize damage.
2. Use deer repellents: There are various deer repellents available on the market, ranging from natural sprays to electronic deterrents. These can be applied to plants or placed strategically around the garden to discourage deer from approaching.
3. Install physical barriers: Fencing or netting can be effective in keeping deer out of specific areas of your garden. However, it is important to ensure that the fencing is tall enough and properly secured to prevent deer from jumping over or pushing through.
4. Create a deer-resistant landscape: By incorporating a variety of deer-resistant plants and design elements into your landscape, you can make your entire garden less appealing to deer. This may include using plants with strong scents, thorny or prickly textures, or plants that deer simply find unpalatable.
While no plant can be guaranteed to be completely deer-proof, red elf Coreopsis has shown higher resistance to deer browsing compared to other cultivars. By incorporating deer-resistant plants, using repellents, and implementing physical barriers, you can create a garden that is less attractive to deer and minimize potential damage.
