Voles are mouse-like rodents with short, stubby tails. These annoying little vermin do a lot of damage in a garden where they chew on foliage or tunnel under plants in search of roots and seeds. Planting an anti-vole garden is a challenge, because voles are not very picky about their diet. However, it is possible to plant a variety of beautiful vole-proof plants. These are some of the most popular plants that voles don’t like
Plants that voles do not eat
Sage Salvia officinalis has good things to offer whether you’re human or even a hummingbird, but apparently there’s something about the scent that voles don’t appreciate. Sage available in perennial and annual forms is usually blue or red, but you can also find varieties in pink, purple, green, white, yellow and even brown. The hardiness of perennial sage depends on the species, but most are suitable for growing in USDA zones 4 through 8. Annual sage can be grown anywhere.
When it comes to vole repellent plants Lenten Rose hellebore is one of the best. The Lenten rose has glossy green leaves and is very easy to grow. It is one of the first plants to bloom in spring. Plant hellebore carefully, as this beautiful perennial is not only toxic to voles, but also to people and pets. The Lenten rose is suitable for growing in zones 3 to 8.
Crown imperial Fritillaria is also known as “skunk lily,” and for good reason. The plant has lime green foliage and a circle of nodding bell-shaped flowers in shades of red or orange. It’s really eye-catching. However, the smell is unmistakable to voles and humans alike, and the smelly bulbs are toxic. Crown imperial is easy to grow in zones 5 to 8.
castor bean Ricinus ommunis is a distinctive plant with huge tropical leaves in various shades of red, purple or pink, depending on the variety. The flowers are not impressive, but are followed by interesting seed pods. Castor bean is an excellent choice for an anti garden. -Vole, that is, if you don’t have children or pets. The plant is very toxic. This huge plant is a perennial in zones 10 and above, but can be grown as an annual in colder climates.
Because of their onion-like scent, several types of ornamental allium make excellent vole-proof plants and are beautiful, too. Examples include Globemaster or Gladiator, both tall plants with baseball-sized heads of long-lasting lavender or purple flowers in late spring. Schubert allium is just eight inches (20 cm) tall, with flowers that look like pink fireworks. Most types of allium grow in zones 4 through 9, although some types tolerate the freezing temperatures of zone 3.