Will Deer Eat Roses?

Deer will eat the buds, blooms, foliage, and even the thorny canes of rose bushes. They are especially fond of the new, tender growth where the thorns are not so sharp and firm yet. Deer usually do their browsing damage at night and occasionally you may see deer eating roses during the day.

How do I keep deer from eating my roses?

Deer Repellent Granules

Granules such as Deer Scram are another great way to scare deer away from your roses. Just scatter them on the ground around your rose bushes and deer normally won't go near them. Make sure to place them a few feet away from the actual plant so they don't reach over and pluck those pretty roses!

What flowers will deer not eat?

Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer.