Do you want to keep deer from browsing your hard-earned Crocus flowers? Find out whether Crocus is deer resistant.
However, they can easily trample over your beautiful Crocus for food, requiring other deterrents.
So, read on for some proven tips to keep deer away from Crocus and garden.
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Do Deer Eat Crocus Flowers?
Deer are common garden predators that will munch on anything sweet, juicy, and nutritious.
Therefore, they would not spare your veggie and flower garden, including Crocus plants.
Crocuses are not typically considered deer-resistant when it comes to deterring deer because these predators graze on a wide range of plants.
Crocus Flower Taste and Toxins
Deer have developed a natural aversion to specific plants that contain alkaloids, including Crocus, due to their taste and mild toxicity.
Not just deer but small animals and birds would avoid eating Crocus due to their physiological effects when ingested.
Remember, deer only munch on least-nutritious garden flowers when they have nothing to eat.
Therefore, your Crocus is generally safe, but they may sometime come on their way to other delicious plants, leaving trampled flowers.
Additionally, deer would naturally avoid some Crocus varieties with higher alkaloid contents.
Hence, these will be your safe bets if you wish to grow Crocus as deer-resistant plants.
| Variety | Specification |
|---|---|
| Autumn crocus (Crocus sativus) | It contains the alkaloid picrocrocin, which contributes to the characteristic flavor and aroma of saffron, which is used as a spice |
| Crocus nudiflorus | Colchicine has medicinal properties and is used in the treatment of certain conditions, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts |
| Crocus longiflorus | It contains small amounts of colchicine, similar to Crocus nudiflorus, but tastes very bitter |
| Dutch crocus (Crocus vernus) | Referred to as the giant crocus, it contain alkaloids and colchicine, leaving bitter taste in the flowers |
| Crocus pallasii | This species, sometimes called Pallas's crocus, is known to contain alkaloids such as colchicine |
How To Keep Deer Away From Crocus?
Beware if you live in Texas, Rhode Island, Delaware, North Dakota, or Wyoming, as these regions are infested with deer.
If you do not wish to see your beautiful Crocus being munched on or trampled over, care to apply some preventive measures.
Here are some proven methods to keep deer away from your Crocus.
1. Create Physical barriers
One of the best ways to deter deer from the garden is to create sturdy physical barriers.
Install a tall metal fence around your garden, but remember to use a fence at least 8 feet in height to effectively keep deer from jumping in.
Alternatively, you can use an electric fence or cross-chained fence to prevent them from breaking in.
A darker color mesh net would also work to camouflage the garden but may not hold heavy animals out.
2. Grow deer-resistant plants
Deer hate overtly fragrant flowers and toxic plants.
Your safe bet is to grow aromatic deer-resistant plants like cosmos, floss flower, dahlia, lavender, sage, peonies, and other annuals to keep them farther away.
When growing deer-resistant plants, remember to place them on the exterior side of the garden, as it will prevent them from walking in altogether.
3. Apply Deer Repellents
You can apply repellents around the garden to keep deer away from your Crocus plant.
When it comes to repellents, you can create one using household items or use chemical sprays.
A homemade DIY spray prepared from blending garlic, eggs, or predator urine mixed with water works well.
Remember, it may be essential to reapply these repellents, especially after rain or watering.
4. Use Sound & Motion Deterrent
Deer are startled by sudden noises, flashy light, or movement.
Using a sound or motion deterrent would work well if you want to scare away the predators without applying repellents or installing fences.
For example, wind chimes, motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic resellers, or even hanging reflective objects in the garden works well.
5. Install Chicken Wire
Deer would not dare fidget with chicken wire as crossing or stepping on them can be uncomfortable.
You can wrap your garden exterior using chicken wire flat on the ground to keep them from entering the premises entirely.
Editor’s Note
Although a beautiful animal, seeing deer in your garden munching the veggies and Crocus flowers can become a dreadful sight!
Therefore, you can apply the above-mentioned deterrents to keep them away.
However, avoid using any extreme measures, such as capturing or hurting them, as it can land you in legal trouble.
Contact your local wildlife management for information about deterring deer.
