Spotted laurel, also known as Aucuba japonica ‘Picturata’, is considered to be deer resistant. This means that deer are less likely to feed on or damage this plant compared to other plants in your garden. This can be a relief for gardeners who struggle with deer browsing on their plants and causing damage.
Spotted laurel, with its attractive variegated foliage, is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. It prefers rich, moist, and well-drained soils, so it’s important to provide it with proper soil conditions. This will help the plant thrive and stay healthy, making it more resistant to deer browsing.
One of the reasons why spotted laurel is deer resistant is due to its tough and leathery leaves. Deer tend to avoid plants with rough or prickly foliage, as it is less palatable to them. The thick texture of the leaves also makes them less appealing for deer to consume.
In addition, spotted laurel has good drought tolerance once it is established. This means that it can withstand periods of dry weather without suffering significant damage. This is beneficial not only for the plant’s survival but also for its ability to resist deer browsing. When plants are stressed due to drought, they may become more susceptible to deer damage. However, spotted laurel’s ability to tolerate drought helps it maintain its resilience against deer browsing.
It is worth noting that while spotted laurel is generally considered deer resistant, there is always a possibility that deer may still feed on it, especially in times of extreme food scarcity or when other preferred food sources are limited. Additionally, deer behavior can vary depending on the region and local deer population. So, while spotted laurel may be less attractive to deer, it is still a good idea to monitor your plants and take necessary measures to protect them if deer become an issue in your area.
It is also important to mention that Aucuba japonica ‘Picturata’ has a tendency to revert to solid green. This means that some stems may produce solid green leaves instead of the variegated foliage. To maintain the desired appearance, any solid green stems should be removed promptly. Regular pruning and maintenance can help keep the plant looking its best and prevent the reversion to green foliage.
Spotted laurel, or Aucuba japonica ‘Picturata’, is generally considered to be deer resistant. Its tough and leathery leaves, along with its drought tolerance, make it less appealing to deer. However, it’s important to monitor your plants and take necessary measures if deer browsing becomes a significant issue in your area. Regular pruning can also help maintain the plant’s variegated foliage and prevent reversion to solid green.
