Dianthus, commonly known as carnations or pinks, are popular flowering plants grown for their ruffled, colorful blooms and clove-like fragrance. However, many gardeners struggle to keep these prized plants safe from voracious deer and rabbits that can demolish a garden. Fortunately, certain varieties of dianthus possess natural resistance to these hungry herbivores. Read on to discover which types of dianthus have proven resistant and how to incorporate them into your landscape.
Understanding Deer and Rabbit Behavior
To protect dianthus from deer and rabbits, it’s important to understand what attracts these animals to gardens in the first place Deer and rabbits are always on the hunt for tasty greens, flowering plants, fruits, and vegetables to eat. They use their strong sense of smell to locate favorite foods
During times of scarcity, deer and rabbits become less picky and will sample plants they normally avoid. However, in general, they prefer tender greens and herbaceous plants over tough, woody foliage. They also gravitate toward sweeter, non-toxic plants.
Scented Varieties Offer Protection
One of the best ways to frustrate deer and rabbits is to grow dianthus varieties with potent scents, The fragrant oils in these plants contain compounds that smell unpleasant and taste bitter to deer and rabbits Powerfully scented varieties like Sweet William Dianthus deter deer and rabbits with their clove-like aroma
Other scented varieties that discourage deer and rabbits include:
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Firewitch Dianthus – Features fuzzy gray leaves and electric pink single blooms. The intense spicy scent drives deer and rabbits away.
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Scent First Frost – This variety pairs white double blooms with a strong minty and spicy fragrance.
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Neon Star – Vibrant pink flowers emit a refreshing citrus scent.
Foliage Matters Too
In addition to scent, the foliage of dianthus can influence its appeal to deer and rabbits. Varieties with slender, succulent leaves and stems are favored by deer and rabbits. However, some dianthus have tougher foliage that makes dining less pleasant.
Look for varieties like Starry Eyes, with its sturdy blue-green leaves quilted in texture. The stiffness and texture make this dianthus less enticing to deer and rabbits. Varieties with hairy leaves, like Firewitch, are also less palatable to these herbivores.
Growth Habit Offers Protection
Some varieties of dianthus feature a tight, mounding growth habit that makes access difficult for deer and rabbits. The dense foliage doesn’t allow much room between stems for animals to grab a bite.
Good mounding varieties include:
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Rosebud Dianthus – A dwarf variety that grows just 6 inches tall in a neat dome shape. The double pink blooms cover the tight mound of foliage.
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Tiny Rubies – This variety stays under 3 inches tall when not in bloom. The small size and dense growth habit helps protect it.
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Mountain Mist – Features aspreading habit and profuse single white blooms over a dense carpet of blue-green foliage.
Companion Plantings Help Deter Pests
While scent, foliage, and growth habits influence a dianthus variety’s resistance to deer and rabbits, you can further protect your plants by using companion plantings.
Certain plants naturally repel deer and rabbits, thanks to strong fragrances, oils, and even physical characteristics. Interplant these around dianthus to create a protective barrier:
- Lavender
- Catmint
- Sage
- Thyme
- Marigolds
- Alliums
- Yarrow
The strong scents of these plants mask the smell of the dianthus, making it harder for deer and rabbits to locate them.
Physical Barriers Are Effective Too
For high deer populations, combining resistant dianthus varieties with physical barriers can provide the best protection. Deer netting around planting beds creates a physical obstacle while still allowing plants to grow freely.
Individual plant cages made of chicken wire also help shield plants. A perimeter fence around the garden at least 6-feet high will deter all but the most motivated deer.
Let Dianthus Flourish, Not Deer or Rabbits
By selecting dianthus varieties with natural pest resistance and incorporating companion plantings, gardeners can win the battle against deer and rabbits. Stick with small, scented varieties boasting thick foliage and a dense growth habit. Supplement with physical barriers where necessary.
Soon you’ll be rewarded with vibrant dianthus in every shade imaginable, safely protected from hungry herbivores. You’ll be thrilled when the deer and rabbits turn up their noses and move along to graze elsewhere!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes some dianthus varieties more resistant to deer and rabbits?
Certain dianthus varieties have traits that make them less appealing to deer and rabbits, including strong scents, hairy/prickly foliage, bitter taste, and compact growth habits. These attributes make the plants harder to access and less tasty.
- Are there any specific dianthus varieties known for deer and rabbit resistance?
Yes, some commonly recommended resistant varieties include Firewitch, Rosebud, Tiny Rubies, Sweet William, Mountain Mist, and Scent First Frost. Many of these feature small sizes, potent scents, hairy leaves, and dense foliage.
- Will deer and rabbits still eat resistant dianthus varieties if hungry enough?
In times of extreme food scarcity, deer and rabbits may still sample resistant dianthus varieties, but they will likely avoid eating much. The plants’ unpleasant taste and scent provide protection even when the animals are very hungry.
- How else can I protect dianthus from deer and rabbits?
Along with choosing resistant varieties, other options include erecting physical barriers like fencing, using commercial repellents, and incorporating companion plants that deter deer/rabbits through strong scents.
- Are there any particular dianthus species or families known for deer/rabbit resistance?
Dianthus species and hybrids known for resistance include Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Clove Pinks) and Dianthus plumarius (Garden Pinks). Many modern resistant hybrids like Firewitch and Scent First Frost contain these species in their ancestry.
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FAQ
Is Dianthus rabbit resistant?
What plant keeps deer and rabbits away?
Do deer eat Dianthus flowers?
Do Dianthus like sun or shade?
Are Dianthus plants resistant to deer & rabbits?
In conclusion, dianthus plants are generally resistant to damage from deer and rabbits. Their strong scent, tough texture, and bitter compounds make them unappealing to these animals. However, it is important to note that there can be exceptions, and hungry or desperate animals may still cause damage.
Do Dianthus plants repel deer?
Additionally, planting companion plants that are known to repel these animals, such as marigolds or lavender, can also help protect dianthus plants. In conclusion, dianthus plants are generally resistant to damage from deer and rabbits. Their strong scent, tough texture, and bitter compounds make them unappealing to these animals.
Does deer consume Dianthus?
Dianthus, also known as carnations, are a type of flowering plant that are generally resistant to deer consumption, as they are not a preferred source of food for them. However, rabbits have been known to eat the leaves of the Dianthus plant.
Do deer eat Dianthus?
One of the main reasons why dianthus plants are relatively resistant to damage from deer and rabbits is due to their pungent scent. Dianthus plants produce volatile compounds that emit a strong fragrance, which can be off-putting to these animals. Deer and rabbits have a keen sense of smell, and they tend to avoid plants with strong odors.