Your English ivy eats itself to the ground. You’ve tried deer repellents, human hair, and even soap, but nothing stops deer from chewing on the leaves of your ground cover. Without their leaves, groundcovers can’t control weeds. You’re probably wishing the deer would chew up the grass instead!
Planting ground cover to deter deer
In areas where deer are a problem , the long-term solution is to plant ground covers that deer will not eat. In general, ground cover plants that deer leave alone are those with prickly or prickly leaves and stems, herbs with pungent aromas, plants with hairy leaves, and poisonous plants. Deer like tender young leaves, buds and nutrient-rich vegetation.
The key is to find deer-proof groundcovers that grow well in your area. Here are some that may work for you:
Shade-loving groundcovers that deer won’t eat
- Lily-of-the-valley Convallaria majalis : The tiny, bell-shaped flowers are a wedding favorite. The emerald green leaves sprout in early spring and last until frost to form a dense clump of weed-stopping foliage. These plants are perfect for deep shade areas and under trees. Lily of the valley likes moist soil with a layer of organic mulch. Hardy in USDA zones 2 through 9.
- sweet asper Galium odoratum – This perennial herb is well known for its mat-forming growth habits. Sweet aspa is a woodland plant that makes an excellent ground cover to deter deer. The 8 to 12 inch (20 to 30 cm) plants have 6 to 8 lance-shaped leaves arranged in a swirl. The sweet aspa produces delicate white flowers in spring. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8.
- Wild ginger Asarum canadense : The heart-shaped leaves of this native forest plant are naturally resistant to deer. Although wild ginger is not related to the culinary version, the roots have the aroma reminiscent of ginger. It prefers moist but well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Deer Proof Ground Covers from Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum : These low-growing edible herbs are prized for their thick, mat-forming growth and the blanket of color their flowers create. Tolerant of full sun and easy to maintain, Creeping thyme has a strong aroma that makes it the cover Perfect vegetable to deter deer. Hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8.
- Japanese sedge Carex marrowii : This true sedge grows in a low mound with long, grass-like leaves. Japanese sedge loves humidity and is suitable for planting around ponds and water features. Japanese rush cultivars are easily maintained as deer-proof groundcovers. Hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
- Lady’s Mantle Alchemilla mollis : This attractive herbaceous perennial has circular leaves with scalloped edges. The yellow flowers last several weeks and the plant reaches heights of 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). It is easily grown from seed and prefers partial shade. lady’s mantle can be grown in full sun, however, the leaves may scorch. Hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.
It should be noted that no plant is 100% deer resistant. When times get tough and food sources dwindle, even these deer-proof ground covers can be consumed. Applying commercial deer repellents during these times can provide enough protection to ground covers to deter deer.