Deers are interesting beings with very particular food habits. They will not indulge in just about anything, they are picky. So if deer invasion is a reason of concern in your area, you should be well versed in what deers eat and what they do not.
In this article, we will discuss whether deers eat clematis. It is a matter of common concern for people who grow clematis in their gardens or farms in deer-prone areas.
If you’re among those people, then you have landed on the right article. Read ahead to learn more about this matter.
Do deer eat clematis?
Deers do not eat clematis. In fact, they are repelled by it. This is because clematis flowers have a strong scent of almonds, which keeps deers away. And the vivid colors on these flowers deter deers. Clematis flowers are versatile in color, scent, and texture – all the things that deers dislike.
Deers are very choosy about their food. So they will not eat anything that they come across. This is particularly true as long as they have alternative food sources available to them.
Deers do not prefer eating clematis. That is to say, they are not particularly attracted by these flowers or their leaves. This is because, clematis plants feature bright and vivid flowers – something that deers strongly dislike.
In addition, deers are not fond of the scent that comes out of clematis plants. Deers are repelled by its strong almond fragrance. Deers dislike any strong scent for that matter.
In addition, clematis feature very bright colors in their flowers and leaves. Deers are not attracted to that either. So they will avoid these plants as best as they can. They will not indulge in clematis plants unless they have to.
They will only consider clematis flowers or leaves as a food source when there is a shortage of natural food in the area. That is to say, if deers are going hungry for a few days, they will get desperate for food.
In that case, they will indulge in any food that they can come across. Hungry deers, much like any other animal, are not as picky in choosing their food.
Clematis vines and plants:
Deers will munch on clematis vines and plants. While deers are repelled by the scent of clematis flowers, they do well with the clematis vines and plants when there are no flowers.
So you will see deers munching on the vines of clematis when they are hungry. This may damage the plants unnecessarily.
Clematis leaves:
Deers may eat clematis leaves. They are not particularly opposed to the idea of eating clematis leaves. Deers are repelled by the flowers of clematis plants because of the colors and scent.
Without the flowers, the leaves of clematis plants are just fine. Deers are found munching on the leaves of clematis plants every now and then. They will eat clematis leaves before and after the bloom.
Clematis flowers:
Deers do not eat clematis flowers. Deers are opposed to the idea of eating clematis flowers because the flowers come with a strong scent and vibrant colors.
Are clematis deer resistant?
Clematis plants are considered to be deer resistant. Read ahead to learn whether the following types of clematis plants are deer resistant:
Clematis Armandii or evergreen clematis:
Clematis Armandii or evergreen clematis seem to be deer resistant. This is because deers have been seen to steer clear of these types of clematis plants.
Deers stay away from Clematis Armandii or evergreen clematis because these plants come with a particularly strong smell and bright vibrant flowers. So you will notice that deers appear to be somewhat afraid of approaching these plants.
Deers are generally not a fan of fragrant flowers with bright colors. They are repelled by these flowers in general. Since clematis flowers fall under this category, deers keep away from Clematis Armandii or evergreen clematis.
However, when the plant of Clematis Armandii or evergreen clematis has not bloomed, it is likely that deers may sometimes approach the plant to munch on its leaves or vines.
In such a case, you will have to use deer repellent measures in order to protect the plant from any damage.
Clematis Montana:
Clematis Montana is deer resistant as well. Deers stay away from this plant due to the strong smell of its flowers.
In addition, the flowers of Clematis Montana have strong colors and texture, which further discourages deers from approaching the plant.
However, you cannot save the clematis Montana plants from hungry deers. When deers are hungry, they will approach the plant and eat its vines and leaves.
Hungry deers are not so particular about the food they pick. They will eat just about anything that they can come across. So you will have to take protective measures for your clematis Montana plant if there is a food shortage in the area.
Sweet autumn clematis:
Sweet autumn clematis are deer resistant as well. In fact, any flower that hosts fragrant flowers and vibrant buds resists deers.
However, no plant, except lily, poppies, and daffodils, is completely deer resistant. Hungry deers will find their way to your clematis plants when there is a food crisis in the area. So you will need to take strong protective measures in order to protect your plant.
These flowers are not harmful to deers. There is no toxicity in them. Deers just dislike them for their scent and colors.
Jackmanii clematis:
The Jackmanii Clematis is deer resistant. Deers are not particularly opposed to these plants. But they just dislike it for the strong fragrance and vibrant colors that it hosts.
So you are not likely to see deers approaching these plants unless there is a serious food crisis in the area.
Do deer like clematis?
No, deers do not like clematis plants. In fact, they dislike it. This is because deers are particularly opposed to the idea of scented plants and flowers. They are also not fond of plants that have bright flowers.
And these are just the features of clematis plants. These plants feature bright flowers in a range of colors. In addition, the clematis plants have a very strong almond-like smell during their blooming season. So it keeps deers away from the plant.
However, deers are not particularly hurt by these flowers. It does not cause them any harm. They will not be intoxicated by clematis plants. So they are not as opposed to these plants as poppies or daffodils. They will eat these plants when there is a severe food shortage in the area.
How do I keep deer from eating my clematis?
Deers are not supposed to eat clematis plants under normal circumstances. But they might approach your clematis plants when there is a food shortage in an area that accommodates too many deers. So you should be prepared.
There are several measures that you can take in order to keep deers from eating your clematis. Read ahead for some useful tips that will help you protect your clematis plants.
Use deer repellents:
If you notice that deers are approaching your clematis plants every now and then, you should start using commercial deer repellents. There are many effective deer repellents on the market today, especially in the regions that are prone to deers.
Make sure to follow the instructions by the manufacturers. You are supposed to use the deer repellents on the clematis plants once every two to three weeks. This will help you keep deers from eating your clematis plants and damaging your garden.
Put up a fence around the garden:
You should also put up a strong fence around your garden. It is always a good idea to put up a fence around your garden because this will not only save your plants from deers but also a range of other animals that reside in your area.
Make sure that the fence is at least six to eight feet tall. This will ensure that the deers are not jumping over the garden fence to indulge in the plants. Also, ensure that you’re using strong materials for the fence in order to keep the deers from breaking the fence.
Scatter human hair around the garden:
Another effective remedy to keep deers away from your garden is human hair. Human hair is an unfamiliar item to deers, so it keeps them away. In addition, they are repelled by the smell of human hair.
So you will be able to keep deers from eating your clematis plants using human hair. Scatter it around the garden and along the boundary of the garden.
Final thoughts
Under normal circumstances, deers do not eat clematis. They are not fond of the strong fragrance and bright colors that are featured on the clematis plants. So deers will steer clear of these plants. But they will eat clematis vines and leaves when there is a food shortage.