Question:
We have extreme deer pressure in our yard. Several visit almost every night. Are deer attracted to peonies or do they tend to leave them alone?
Answer:
Great question. Deer do typically leave peonies alone and are considered deer-resistant. They have a strong scent and bitter leaves. Deer tend to avoid both of those characteristics. With that being said, no plant is ever 100% deer-proof if they’re hungry enough!
Typically, if deer do give peonies a nibble, it’s early spring when new growth is emerging. One great strategy to prevent this is with peony cages, which are recommended anyway to support their large, beautiful flowers.
