Do Deer Eat Verbena? Is Verbena Deer Resistant?” If you have similar questions in your mind, then we have the answers for you!
If you live in an area with a healthy deer population, you may wonder if those graceful creatures are the culprits for destroying your verbena plants. Specifically, you might ask yourself: Do Deer Eat Verbena? Is Verbena Deer Resistant? Let’s dive into this question and find out!
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Verbena Plant Details
Verbena is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is a hardy plant that is native to both North and South America, with wide varieties being cultivated for their attractive flowers. The flowers of the verbena plant are small and come in shades of purple, pink, white, red, and blue and grow in clusters atop slender stems that can reach up to three feet tall.
The leaves of the plant are often toothed or lobed and can be either hairy or smooth. Verbena is a sun-loving plant that prefers well-draining soil, and it is a popular choice for garden borders, hanging baskets, and rock gardens. It is also used in herbal medicine for its purported calming and soothing properties.
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Do Deer Eat Verbena?
Verbena is a popular plant known for its brightly colored flowers and its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. While many people enjoy growing Verbena in their gardens and landscaping, they may also wonder if deer find it tasty.
So, Do Deer Eat Verbena? Unfortunately, deer are known to eat many different types of plants, and Verbena is no exception. If deer are common in your area, they may find your verbena plants to be a tempting snack.
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Is Verbena Deer Resistant?
Deer, do not go running for your Verbena if that’s what you’re wondering. While deer typically leave Verbena plants untouched, they may not be able to resist when hunger strikes.
According to Rutgers University’s rating scale, Verbena is typically “Seldom Severely Damaged,” meaning that it is not often a top choice for deer when there are other, more enticing plants around.
Now that you know the answer to your question Do Deer Eat Verbena, or Is Verbena Deer Resistant? Let us see details about the Verbena plant and how you can grow it in your garden.
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Verbena Growth Requirements
Verbena is a hardy perennial plant that grows well in many conditions. Some of the growth requirements for Verbena include the following:
1. Light
Verbena needs full sun to grow and flourish. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Water
Verbena likes to be kept moist but not waterlogged. It needs well-draining soil that retains moisture but does not become saturated. Water your Verbena deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil and weather conditions.
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3. Soil
Verbena thrives in well-draining soil with a neutral pH between 6.5 and 7.5. It prefers fertile soil that is rich in organic matter but can also grow in poor soil conditions.
4. Temperature
Verbena is a warm-weather plant that thrives between 70 and 95°F (21-35°C). It can tolerate a light frost but cannot survive a hard freeze.
5. Fertilizer
Verbena benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month to provide essential nutrients.
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6. Pruning
Verbena benefits from regular pruning to keep the plant healthy and encourage new growth. Cut back the stems after each flowering to encourage a more compact and bushy plant.
How to Keep Verbena Safe From Deer?
Here are several ways to protect your Verbena from Deer:
- Install a physical barrier, such as a fence or netting, around the garden or flower bed where Verbena is planted.
- Use deer-resistant plants around Verbena to deter deer from the area.
- Apply deer-repellent sprays or powders around the Verbena, such as those made with hot peppers or garlic, to create an unpleasant scent for the deer.
- Use noise or light deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers or solar-powered lights to scare deer away.
- Plant Verbena in containers or hanging baskets, which are more difficult for deer to access.
- Rotate deer-resistant plants throughout the garden to give deer less incentive to frequent the area.
