Are Creeping Phlox Deer Resistant? The Truth About Phlox Deer Resistance

Creeping phlox (Phlox subulata) is one of the most popular groundcover plants in gardens today. With its carpet-like mats of evergreen foliage and vibrant spring flowers, it’s easy to see why this plant has gained such widespread popularity. However, many gardeners in deer-prone areas wonder if creeping phlox will withstand grazing by hungry deer. So, are creeping phlox deer resistant?

The simple answer is yes, creeping phlox is considered deer resistant by most sources But as seasoned gardeners know, the foraging habits of deer are unpredictable While they may avoid a plant species most of the time, when food is scarce deer will sample just about anything. Read on to learn why creeping phlox is largely left alone by deer, and tips to protect it in case Bambi gets tempted to take a bite.

Why Deer Tend to Avoid Creeping Phlox

There are a few key reasons why creeping phlox has developed a reputation for being avoided by deer:

Foliage and Flower Scent

The foliage and flowers of creeping phlox have a distinct pungent fragrance that deer apparently find offensive. The strong scent is likely a natural deer repellent. Some gardeners even report crushing the leaves of creeping phlox and sprinkling them around more desirable plants to help deter deer.

Low-Growing Habit

With maximum heights around 6-12 inches, creeping phlox stays low to the ground. Deer tend to browse higher on shrubs and perennials, so they don’t naturally encounter creeping phlox. The low growth habit makes it inconvenient for deer to graze.

Evergreen Foliage

Creeping phlox maintains its foliage year-round in most climates. It does not die back to the ground in winter like many perennials. This puts foliage out of deer reach once snow covers low-growing plants. During winter when food is scarce, deer are less likely to paw through snow to uncover the evergreen phlox leaves.

Lack of Flower Buds

Deer are attracted to the tender, juicy buds of many spring-blooming flowers. However, creeping phlox blooms directly on older wood, not from buds that form the previous season. With no fresh flower buds to entice them, deer tend to leave creeping phlox flowers alone.

Real-World Experiences in Deer Resistance

While creeping phlox checks most of the boxes that typically result in deer resistance, how does it hold up in actual gardens? The general consensus from gardeners is that yes, creeping phlox is one of the more deer-proof plants for landscaping in areas with high deer traffic.

In a poll on a popular garden forum, 100% of respondents said deer ignore their creeping phlox. One gardener shared: “I’ve been gardening for over 30 years with a huge deer population that eats everything. Creeping phlox is one plant I can always rely on that will never be touched.”

Another poster wrote: “Deer devour my hostas, daylilies, coneflowers, roses, you name it. But they don’t touch the phlox that’s spreading all over my yard.”

Of course, not everyone has had flawless luck with deer leaving creeping phlox alone. Occasional nibbling has been reported, especially on flowers or younger foliage before it has a chance to harden off. One gardener noticed deer eating creeping phlox flowers when they first emerge in very early spring, but not touching it later in the season.

Overall though, the majority of real-world experience confirms that deer tend to pass over creeping phlox in favor of tastier treats. It can be considered relatively deer resistant, though not completely deer proof.

Tips for Protecting Creeping Phlox from Deer

If deer are a persistent problem in your area, you may want to take extra precautions to protect creeping phlox. Here are some tips:

Select Deer-Resistant Varieties

Some creeping phlox varieties seem to be more deer resistant than others. Try growing these reputedly deer-proof cultivars:

• Candy Stripes
• Emerald Cushion Blue
• Red Wing
• White Delight

Avoid varieties known to be more prone to deer grazing, like ‘Crimson Beauty’, ‘Gunter’s’ and ‘Roemer’s’.

Use Physical Barriers

Install fences or individual plant cages to physically keep deer away from creeping phlox. Use galvanized wire mesh for fences, or chicken wire cages around individual plants. For low-growing creeping phlox, the cages only need to be about 12-18 inches tall.

Apply Repellents

Use commercially available deer repellent sprays or dusts formulated with eggs, hot peppers, or predator urine scents that deter deer. Reapply frequently according to label directions. Homemade repellents like bars of deodorant soap or human hair clippings placed around plants may also help.

Grow Resistant Companion Plants

Surround creeping phlox with other deer-resistant plants like lavender, catmint, or geraniums. The strong scents of these plants can help mask the phlox. Plus, deer will be less likely to approach if they don’t like the neighboring vegetation.

Add Landscape Deterrents

Scatter deer-repelling objects around your garden beds. Some options are bags of human hair, bars of fragrant soap, plastic owls, reflective ribbons or balls, or ultrasonic animal repellers. The combination of sights, sounds, and smells helps scare deer away.

The Bottom Line on Phlox Deer Resistance

Creeping phlox has earned its reputation as one of the more deer-proof perennials for a variety of reasons. Its growth habit, foliage aroma, and lack of juicy flower buds make it unappealing to deer. Most gardeners confirm that deer do not touch their creeping phlox.

Of course, there are no truly deer-proof plants. In times of extreme hunger, deer will sample just about anything. Occasional nibbling on creeping phlox, especially flowers, may occur. But it is rarely an item on their primary menu.

If deer frequent your garden, take extra precautions like choosing the most resistant phlox varieties, installing physical barriers, and using deterrents. This will help ensure the deer keep moving along to browse on tastier options, keeping your beautiful creeping phlox untouched! With a few preventative measures, you can confidently grow this gorgeous spring groundcover even in deer-heavy environments.