The stunning foliage of coleus was the first thing that caught my eye when I planted it in my garden. The vibrant colors–reds and yellows as well as greens and purples- were so striking that I could not stop admiring them. Soon after, I started to wonder: Do deer eat coleus? Deer are known to wander through my yard. I’ve already lost several plants. I didn’t wish for my coleus plants to be eaten by deer at night.

I read, experimented, and observed everything I could on deer and the coleus. This guide will share my knowledge so that you can enjoy your coleus and protect it.

Why the Question Matters

You know the heartbreak it can cause if you have ever found leaves chewed, stems broken, or whole plants missing in your garden. The deer is a graceful animal, but it will eat ornamental plants, vegetables, and flowers.

Before you plant coleus in your pots and beds, it’s important to ask Do deer Eat Coleus. You can avoid disappointment by knowing what plants attract deer.

Do Deer Eat Coleus?

The short answer to this question is that deer are able to eat coleus. The long answer, however, is more nuanced. Coleus isn’t a favorite deer food. The leaves of the Coleus have a strong smell and a slight bitter taste. It is less attractive compared to other tender plants such as hostas or pansies.

I have found that deer don’t seem to be interested in coleus. In times of food scarcity, such as in the late summer or early fall, deer are more likely to eat coleus. Do deer eat the coleus, or in other words, do they eat it? They do, but only when necessary.

Why Deer Can Resist Coleus

What does it mean when gardeners say that coleus is “deer resistant”? Deer resistance does not mean that deer won’t ever touch the plant. Deer will choose other foods when they are available.

Why is Coleus often called deer-resistant?

  • Aromatic Leaves: The smell is strong, and deer are not attracted to it.
  • Bitter taste: This bitterness deters repeat browsing.
  • Leaf texture: Coleus leaves don’t have the tenderness that deer crave.

In my garden, I have seen deer happily munch on hostas and roses while ignoring coleus. I’ve seen bite marks on the coleus when there was a lack of food.

When do deer eat Coleus?

It is important to know when the deer may go after coleus, as well as if they do eat it. These are the situations I have observed most often:

  • Scarcity and Hunger: During winters, droughts, or the late fall, when food is scarce.
  • Young Growth: Fresh, tender leaves of coleus can be more appealing.
  • High Deer Population: When there are too many deer competing for food, the deer will eat anything.
  • Garden Location: Plants near the woods or at the edge are more susceptible.

If you ask Do deer always eat coleus the answer is “no”. They only eat it when the conditions are right.

How to Protect Coleus from Deer

I will never let mine go unprotected, even if it’s not the first choice. It’s always better to be on the safe side than regrettable. Deer can be unpredictable. These are the methods I’ve found to be effective:

1. Fencing

The most effective solution is to fence. Deer will not be able to get through a fence that is less than 6-8 feet high. Even temporary mesh fencing can be very helpful.

2. Deer Repellents

I use repellent sprays. Deer are repelled by the smell and taste they produce. They are applied every two weeks and after heavy rainfall. My favorite natural repellents include those with egg, garlic, and pepper. They are also safe for children and pets.

3. Companion Planting

Planting coleus with herbs such as rosemary, sage, and lavender is a good idea. The strong smells of these herbs mask the smell of the coleus, keeping deer at bay. This is a great trick that not only works but also makes your garden smell and look beautiful.

4. Placement

Deer are a shy species. Deer will be less likely to approach coleus when I move it closer to my front porch or patio.

5. Motion Deterrents

My garden has been transformed by solar lights and motion-activated sprinklers. The sudden movements scare away deer, protecting plants like coleus.

Personal Story: When the Deer visited

One night in the summer, I forgot about spraying repellent on my garden. The next morning, I discovered that my marigolds, impatiens, and coleus were all but gone. However, my coleus was hardly touched. The deer took a few bites, but they were clearly not enjoying them. This moment confirmed that deer don’t eat coleus, but also showed me that no plant can be trusted.

When I hear gardeners asking, Do deer eat the coleus I always reply: Deer may nibble at it, but coleus survives much better than other plants.

Can Coleus be used in a safe environment?

I wouldn’t call coleus completely safe. It’s a low-risk plant, and deer tend to leave it alone. Be prepared to use protection methods if you are gardening in an area with a lot of deer.

Coleus is not the only pest that eats it

It’s possible that it isn’t a deer at all. When you see your coleus chewed but no deer tracks are visible, it could be smaller pests.

  • Rabbits: They nibble on the leaves of coleus.
  • Slugs: They chew irregularly on the leaves.
  • Insects: Aphids and whiteflies can cause serious damage.

It’s therefore important to inspect the plant carefully before blaming the deer.

Plants Deer Prefer Over Coleus

When I discuss with other gardeners Do deer eat Coleus the conversation usually shifts to what deer prefer instead. My experience has shown that coleus is not usually their first choice. Deer prefer plants that have a mild, soft taste. Unluckily, deer love many of the plants that we grow in our gardens.

Here are some plants that deer prefer over coleus

1. Hostas

Hostas are loved by deer. Deer love their tender leaves. I’ve watched entire hosta gardens disappear overnight while nearby coleus remained untouched. Coleus is less attractive to deer than hostas.

2. Daylilies

Daylilies also make the list. Deer are attracted to the fresh, green shoots of spring and later on the flower buds. Daylilies are more likely to be eaten by deer than coleus.

3. Tulips

Deer love tulips. Deer are known to eat the foliage and flowers, sometimes destroying entire patches of plants in a single evening. Coleus, on the other hand, doesn’t have the same texture or sweetness, so it is ignored more.

4. Roses

Deer aren’t deterred by roses with thorns. The tender flowers and buds are their favorite. Deer have nibbled rosebuds just before they bloomed. Roses are usually more damaged in areas with a high deer population. They may occasionally nibble on coleus, but they tend to do so much more often.

5. Pansies, Violas, and other Violaceous Plants

Deer love these cheerful, colorful flowers. They are a tasty snack because of their soft petals and mild flavor. When pansies grow nearby, deer are less likely to bother with coleus.

6. Vegetables, Edibles

Deer are more attracted to vegetables like beans, lettuce, peas, and fruit plants than to coleus. Deer have walked right by my coleus to get to my tomato patch.

Coleus Tips for Deer-Prone Areas

Here are some tips for growing coleus if you live in an area where deer travel a lot.

  • Plant coleus containers on porches and patios.
  • Companion planting is a great way to use deer-resistant herbs.
  • Coleus in bright colors is less attractive to deer.
  • Healthy plants will recover more quickly if you nibble them.
  • Keep repellent on hand, especially during the late summer months when deer are more aggressive.

Final Thoughts

So, do deer eat coleus? No, not very often. Coleus may not be a deer’s favorite, but if they get hungry, they will eat it. In my garden, I have seen deer try coleus, but then quickly move onto other plants. This is why I think coleus is a safe option, especially when compared with deer favorites such as hostas.

FAQ

1. Do deer eat coleus plants regularly? Ans:- No, deer rarely eat coleus. They only nibble when food is limited.

2. Why is Coleus called deer-resistant? Ans:- Coleus has a strong smell and bitter taste that discourages deer from eating it.

3. Do deer eat coleus in winter? Ans:- Yes, if food is scarce, deer may eat coleus during the winter months.

4. Will deer eat coleus grown in pots? Ans:- Yes, if deer can reach them, potted coleus can still be eaten.

5. Do rabbits eat coleus, too? Ans:- Yes, rabbits sometimes nibble on coleus leaves, especially young ones.

6. What plants are safer from deer than coleus? Ans:- Herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint are safer because deer dislike their scent.

7. How do I protect coleus from deer? Ans:- Use fencing, repellents, companion planting, and motion deterrents.

8. Do all coleus varieties resist deer the same way? Ans:- Yes, most coleus varieties have the same traits, though brighter ones may be less attractive.

9. How can I tell if deer ate my coleus? Ans:- Deer leave ragged, torn edges on leaves, unlike insects that make small holes.

10. Should I avoid planting coleus in a deer-heavy area? Ans:- No, you can still plant coleus, but take precautions to protect them.