Crape myrtles are colourful deciduous or evergreen shrubs and bushes. Though their lovely flowers delight gardeners, crape myrtles generally appeal to hungry creatures. On this article, we’ll uncover whether or not crape myrtles are deer resistant and what you are able to do to guard your shrubs from invading animals.
Are Crape Myrtles Deer Resistant?
A number of college extensions say crape myrtles are “Seldom Broken” by deer. Which means most forms of crape myrtles are fairly proof against grazing deer. Nonetheless, deer should still eat crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.) in the event that they’re extraordinarily hungry and have few different choices.
If a deer does resolve to eat part of your crape myrtle, it’ll goal tender new shoots and leaves. New shoots and leaves emerge throughout the spring and summer time, in order that’s when your crape myrtle is most weak. That stated, crape myrtle shrubs have woody stems that aren’t well-liked with deer.
Younger or newly planted crape myrtle shrubs are extra weak to grazing deer than established vegetation. Older crape myrtles ought to survive being nibbled sometimes by deer and different animals.
What Different Animals Can Eat Crape Myrtles?
Crape myrtles end flowering within the fall and are adopted by plenty of seeds. Throughout the winter, these seeds are eaten by a number of species of birds, together with cardinals, goldfinches, and sparrows. Crape myrtles seeds maintain birds and different wildlife by the slim pickings of winter.
Squirrels can generally eat crape myrtle shoots, however that is pretty uncommon. Pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, scale bugs, and spider mites additionally eat the sap from crape myrtles. Eradicate these bugs utilizing horticultural oils or insecticidal cleaning soap.
Tips on how to Defend Your Crape Myrtle From Deer and Different Animals
Fences & Enclosures
Utilizing a fence is the simplest technique to defend your crape myrtle towards hungry deer. This helps defend your entire backyard towards grazing herbivores. Plant crape myrtles away from low fences that enterprising deer may attain over.
At all times make it possible for your fence has no gaps, as deer would possibly pressure their manner by. An 8-foot tall fence is right for holding deer away out of your vegetation. Verify that there aren’t any holes beneath your fence, as these can enable squirrels and different rodents into your backyard.
If fences aren’t sensible, you possibly can defend crape myrtles and different weak vegetation utilizing enclosures. Rooster wire is right for this, particularly for younger or newly planted crape myrtles. Utilizing a rooster wire enclosure protects the younger shoots, permitting your crape myrtle to develop with out being threatened by deer.
Companion Vegetation
Companion vegetation are a simple and exquisite manner of deterring deer and different animals from consuming your crape myrtle. Many companion vegetation work resulting from having a robust scent or spiky foliage that places off grazing deer. Mahonias are wonderful spiky shrubs that repel deer and different animals.
Companion vegetation similar to catmint, lavender, and lemon balm produce sturdy fragrances that deer don’t like. Herbs like chives, oregano, sage, and thyme additionally deter deer resulting from their sturdy smells. As a bonus, it’s also possible to harvest these herbs, which helps you benefit from your backyard house.
Repellent Sprays
You can even purchase animal repellent sprays to maintain deer and different animals from nibbling in your crape myrtle. These sprays are designed to not hurt your plant whereas repelling grazing animals. When you have pets, guarantee your chosen spray isn’t poisonous to maintain them protected.
Repellent sprays are utilized on to the leaves of vegetation like crape myrtles. Nonetheless, the sprays solely final till they’re washed off. Which means you’ll should respray your crape myrtle after rainfall.
Crape Myrtle Deer-Resistance FAQs:
What Animal Eats Crape Myrtles?
Crape myrtles are hardly ever eaten by deer however might sometimes be eaten by squirrels. A number of species of birds eat crape myrtle seeds throughout the winter.
What Issues Do Crape Myrtles Have?
Crape myrtles endure from ailments like leaf spot and powdery mildew. Crape myrtles additionally endure from pests similar to aphids, Japanese beetles, scale bugs, and spider mites. Use insecticidal cleaning soap and horticultural oils to deal with pests and ailments.
Are Crape Myrtles Excessive Upkeep?
Crape myrtles are pretty low-maintenance vegetation so long as they obtain full solar. Crape myrtles thrive in most forms of soil as lengthy the soil is well-draining.
Wrapping Up
Crape myrtles are ‘Seldom Broken’ by deer, which means these shrubs are fairly deer-resistant. To be on the protected aspect, erect a tall fence round your backyard to maintain hungry deer away out of your crape myrtles.
For extra, see our in-depth information to rising and caring for crape myrtles in your backyard.
Edd is a budding content material author and gardener residing in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Inventive and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s captivated with nature and sustainability with a deal with gardening and wildlife.
