Is Vinca Deer Resistant? Periwinkle Ground Cover

Vinca, commonly known as periwinkle, is a popular ground cover. Deer browsing habits often pose a challenge for gardeners. Gardeners frequently inquire whether vinca exhibits deer resistance. Deer rarely eat vinca due to its somewhat toxic and bitter qualities, so vinca is considered deer resistant.

Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is that charming, low-lying ground cover you’ve probably spotted gracing gardens everywhere. With its glossy, evergreen foliage and delicate, pinwheel-like flowers, it’s a real winner in the aesthetics department. Whether you’re looking to carpet a shady nook, prevent soil erosion on a slope, or create a cascading effect over a retaining wall, Vinca is a go-to for many landscapers and home gardeners.

But let’s face it, as much as we adore our gardens, there’s one uninvited guest that often crashes the party: deer! These graceful creatures can quickly turn a carefully curated landscape into an all-you-can-eat buffet. That’s why the question on every gardener’s mind is: Can Vinca stand up to these hungry visitors? Is it truly deer-resistant, or are we just setting it up for a nibbling nightmare?

So, is Vinca a reliable option for gardens plagued by deer? Let’s dig in!

Decoding Deer Behavior: What Makes Your Garden a Salad Bar?

Alright, let’s talk deer! These graceful creatures can be a real pain in the you-know-what for gardeners. But before we declare war, let’s try to understand why they’re munching on your prized petunias. It all comes down to something called palatability. Think of it as a deer’s version of a restaurant review – is this plant a five-star delicacy, or something they’d rather skip?

So, what makes a plant palatable to a deer? A whole bunch of things!

Texture: Chewiness Matters

First up, texture. Deer are a bit picky. They generally prefer plants with soft, tender foliage. Think of those succulent hostas – like candy to a deer! On the other hand, they tend to avoid plants with hairy, prickly, or leathery leaves. It’s just not as enjoyable to chew, you know? Nobody wants a mouthful of thorns!

Scent: Nose Knows Best

Next, let’s talk about scent. Deer have a pretty good sense of smell, and they’re not fans of strong or pungent odors. Plants like herbs (lavender, rosemary) often have strong scents that deer find unappealing. Plants with mild or no scent are fair game!

Taste: Bitter is Bad

Then there’s taste. Just like us, deer don’t like things that taste awful. Plants containing bitter compounds or toxins are usually left untouched. It’s a natural defense mechanism – “eat me, and you’ll regret it!”

Nutritional Value: Fueling Up

Finally, there’s nutritional value. Deer, like any animal, need to eat to survive. They’ll naturally gravitate towards plants that are higher in nutrients, especially when other food sources are scarce. It is important to consider this factor in the growing season!

Seasonal Hunger Games: When Deer Get Desperate

Now, here’s a crucial point: Deer behavior changes throughout the year! In the winter, when food is scarce, deer become less picky. They might eat plants they’d usually avoid, simply because they’re hungry. Think of it like eating leftovers you normally wouldn’t touch.

And in the spring, when new growth appears, all bets are off. Deer are drawn to those tender, new shoots, regardless of palatability. It’s like a green buffet opening after a long winter famine.

Understanding these factors is the first step in outsmarting these hungry herbivores and protecting your precious Vinca (and other plants!) from becoming a deer’s dinner.

Vinca Minor: The Little Periwinkle That Could (Resist, a Bit)

Alright, let’s talk about Vinca minor, the common periwinkle, also known as the lesser periwinkle. This little trooper is often touted as being deer-resistant. But how much of that is wishful thinking versus reality? Well, the truth, as always, is a bit nuanced. You might hear gardeners bragging that deer “rarely damage” their Vinca minor, and there’s some truth to that. The general consensus, backed up by anecdotal evidence (AKA what your neighbors say), is that Vinca minor offers moderate resistance.

Think of it like this: deer are like picky eaters at a buffet. They’ll usually go for the tastier, juicier options first. Vinca minor, with its somewhat leathery leaves and not-overpoweringly-delicious flavor, isn’t usually their top choice. However, if the buffet is running low (or if it’s winter and all the other plants are snoozing), they might decide to give it a nibble. That’s why it’s considered moderately resistant – not invincible, but not a deer magnet, either.

Vinca Major: Bigger Leaves, Bigger Target?

Now, let’s move on to Vinca major, the bigleaf periwinkle. As its name suggests, it’s the larger, more boisterous cousin of Vinca minor. But does that mean it’s also more attractive to deer? Unfortunately, the answer seems to be a resounding yes.

Generally, Vinca major is considered less deer-resistant than Vinca minor. Those bigger, more succulent leaves? Deer find them far more appealing. Imagine Vinca minor is like kale – nutritious, but not exactly thrilling. Then Vinca major is like lettuce – still healthy, but much more palatable. Deer will almost always go for the lettuce first. So, if you’re battling a serious deer problem, Vinca major might not be your best bet.

The Rutgers University Deer Resistance List: Your Go-To Guide

So, where are we getting all this intel? Well, one of the most credible sources out there is the Rutgers University Deer Resistance List. This list is basically the holy grail for gardeners trying to outsmart those four-legged foliage fiends.

• What is it? It’s a comprehensive list that categorizes plants based on their deer resistance, ranging from “Rarely Damaged” to “Frequently Severely Damaged.”

• Why should I care? Because it’s based on actual observations and research, not just guesswork. It gives you a solid starting point for choosing plants that are less likely to become deer snacks.

• How are Vinca species rated? According to the Rutgers list, Vinca minor is often listed as “Occasionally Severely Damaged,” which suggests moderate resistance. Vinca major, however, isn’t specifically listed, which might mean it falls into a less resistant category by default, given anecdotal evidence.
  You can consult the list here: [Rutgers University Deer Resistance List](Insert Link Here)

Disclaimer: It’s important to remember that even plants on the “Rarely Damaged” list aren’t 100% safe. Desperate deer will eat just about anything if they’re hungry enough. The Rutgers list is a great guide, but your mileage may vary depending on local deer populations and food availability.

Protecting Vinca: Strategies for Deer Deterrence

Okay, so you’ve decided to bring some beautiful Vinca into your garden, but the local deer population is giving you the stink eye? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! Just because Vinca has some deer-resistance doesn’t mean it’s immune to a determined deer looking for a snack. Let’s arm you with a few strategies to keep those hungry herbivores away from your precious groundcover.

Physical Barriers: The Great Vinca Wall

Think of this as building a tiny fortress around your Vinca. Fencing is your first line of defense.

• Fencing: We’re not talking Fort Knox here, but even a simple netting fence (the kind you might use for chickens) can deter deer, especially if they have plenty of other options. A more robust wire mesh fence that’s at least 6-8 feet tall is even better, but that might be overkill unless you have really persistent deer. The trick is to make it slightly annoying for them to get to the Vinca. Deer are often lazy and will move on to something easier!

• Netting: For vulnerable periods (like when new, tender shoots are emerging in the spring), consider draping bird netting directly over your Vinca patch. It’s not the prettiest look, but it’s temporary and effective. Think of it as Vinca’s awkward braces phase, but for deer protection.

• Planting Buddies: Companion planting for deer deterrence is a clever trick. Surround your Vinca with deer-resistant plants like lavender, ornamental grasses, or other fragrant herbs. Deer tend to avoid strongly scented plants, creating a natural “buffer zone” around your Vinca. It is like the Vinca has a cool bodyguard squad, but the squad is made of plants.

Deer Repellent Sprays: The Stinky Shield

Deer repellents are like a force field of “nope” for deer noses.

• Types of Repellents: You’ve got two main categories: contact repellents (which taste bad and deter deer when they nibble) and area repellents (which smell bad and deter deer from even approaching). Combine the two for maximum ‘get off my lawn!’ effect.

• Application: Read the label! Most repellents need to be reapplied every few weeks, especially after rain. Consistency is key. Missing a week is like letting the deer know the buffet is back open!

• Ingredients: Look for repellents with ingredients like putrescent egg solids, garlic, or capsaicin (from chili peppers). These are all things deer find highly unpleasant. You might also find some DIY recipes online that you can make using household ingredients.

Other Deer Deterrence Methods: The Bag of Tricks

Beyond fences and sprays, there are other ways to make your garden less appealing to deer.

• Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These are like surprise water cannons for deer. A sudden burst of water will send them running. Place strategically to avoid soaking the Vinca constantly, though!

• Noisemakers: Wind chimes, especially metallic ones, or other noisy garden ornaments can spook deer. Change their location regularly, so the deer don’t get used to them.

• Guard Dogs (or Cats!): If you have a dog or cat that enjoys patrolling the yard, their presence alone can deter deer. The downside? You need a vigilant pet, not one that naps all day.

Remember, deer are creatures of habit and will take the path of least resistance. By employing a combination of these strategies, you can make your Vinca garden a less appealing destination for those hungry visitors.

So, there you have it! While no plant is ever 100% deer-proof, vinca is definitely one of your best bets for adding some low-maintenance color to your garden without becoming the deer’s next salad bar. Happy gardening!