As an experient horticulture and landscape gardening expert , I can confidently say that deer and rabbit typically lean to avoid eating salvia plants . This is primarily due to the oils present in the parting of most salvia varieties . These oils give the plants their distinct fragrancy , which can work as a born impediment for these brute .
In my personal experience , I have observed that deer and coney are more likely to avoid plants that have a inviolable odor . Salvia , being a highly redolent plant , tends to fall into this category . When you brush up against or fret the leave of absence of salvia , you could easily notice the pleasant fragrancy that emanate from them . This is a outcome of the oils in the leave , which not only contribute to the plant ’s fragrance but also make it less palatable to deer and rabbit .
It is of import to note that while salvia is loosely consider cervid and rabbit - insubordinate , there may be instances where these animate being may still nibble on the plant . ingredient such as the availability of substitute food sources , population denseness of deer and coney in your arena , and the overall health and consideration of the plant can chip in to their susceptibleness to grazing .
To further enhance the deer and rabbit resistance of your salvia plants , you may debate apply additional measures . These may admit :
1 . Planting associate plants : Some plants , when grown alongside salvia , can assist discourage deer and rabbits . Examples of such companion plants admit lavender , marigold , and yarrow . These plants have impregnable odour that can mask the attractive scent of salvia for these animals .
2 . fencing material : Installing a physical roadblock such as a fence around your garden or specific planting areas can effectively keep cervid and rabbit at bay . Ensure that the fence is magniloquent enough to forbid them from jumping over , and that the interruption between the fencing posts are minor enough to prevent them from squeezing through .
3 . Repellents : There are various commercially available animal repellant that can be spray on and around your salvia plants . These repellents typically have a warm odor or mouthful that deter deer and rabbits from feeding on the flora . It is of import to come the instructions on the repellent publicity and reapply as require .
4 . Natural deterrents : Some gardeners have had achiever with using rude deterrents such as garlic or hot pepper atomiser . These can be made at home by combining garlic or raging peppers with piddle and then spraying the mix on the plant . However , it is significant to prove these deterrents on a lowly portion of the plant first to secure they do not cause any damage .
While salvia is broadly speaking consider deer and lapin - resistant due to its fragrant oil , it is crucial to remember that no works is entirely resistant to skimming . follow out a combination of strategy , such as planting companion plants , using fencing , and applying repellent , can assist further protect your salvia plant life from these animals .
Caroline Bates
