Aronia, also known as chokeberry, is a tough and versatile plant that can thrive in challenging environments. It is often used to beautify areas such as parking lots, easements, and urban spaces. One of the advantages of aronia is its resistance to deer browsing, making it an excellent choice for areas where deer may be a problem.
In my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found that aronia is generally not a preferred food source for deer. They are more likely to eat other plants before turning to aronia. However, it’s important to note that deer behavior can vary depending on factors such as food availability and population density. In some cases, deer may eat the flower buds of aronia in spring when other food sources are scarce. This is something to keep in mind when planting aronia in areas with a high deer population.
To mitigate the risk of deer browsing on aronia, there are a few strategies you can employ. One option is to plant deer-resistant companion plants around the aronia. This can help divert the deer’s attention away from the aronia and towards other plants that are less desirable to them. Some examples of deer-resistant companion plants include lavender, yarrow, and ornamental grasses.
Another strategy is to use repellents to deter deer from the aronia plants. There are various commercial deer repellents available that can be sprayed on the plants to make them less appealing to deer. These repellents typically contain strong scents or tastes that deer find unpleasant. It’s important to follow the instructions on the repellent product and reapply as needed, especially after rain or heavy watering.
In addition to these strategies, it’s also a good idea to consider the overall landscaping design and layout. Creating barriers or fencing around the aronia plants can help prevent deer from accessing them. This can be particularly effective in areas with a high deer population.
While aronia is generally considered deer resistant, it’s important to be aware of the potential for deer browsing on the flower buds in spring. By implementing strategies such as planting companion plants, using repellents, and creating barriers, you can minimize the risk of deer damage to your aronia plants.
