How to protect lavender from deer or rabbits?

Lavender is generally considered deer and rabbit resistant due to its strong, pungent fragrance and slightly bitter taste, which these animals typically find unappealing. Many gardeners strategically plant lavender around more susceptible plants to deter Browse.

However, "resistant" doesn't mean "proof." In times of severe food scarcity or if deer and rabbits are particularly hungry, they might nibble on lavender, especially young, tender plants. It's rare for them to cause significant damage to mature lavender, but protecting new plantings or ensuring maximum deterrence is still a good idea.

Here's how to protect your lavender (and potentially other plants) from deer and rabbits:

1. Leverage Lavender's Natural Deterrent Properties:

• Strategic Planting: Plant lavender in dense borders or hedgerows around your garden or around plants that deer and rabbits are known to favor (like hostas, daylilies, or vegetables). The concentrated scent can create a "sensory barrier."

• Choose Aromatic Varieties: English lavenders (Lavandula angustifolia) and Lavandins (Lavandula x intermedia like 'Grosso' or 'Provence') tend to have the strongest fragrances due to higher essential oil content, making them more effective deterrents.

2. Physical Barriers (Most Effective, Especially for Young Plants):

• Fencing:

  • Deer: A fence is the most reliable method for deer. It needs to be at least 8 feet tall as deer can jump surprisingly high. It should be sturdy, without gaps that deer can squeeze through.

  • Rabbits: For rabbits, a fence needs to be at least 2-3 feet tall and, crucially, extend 6-12 inches below ground (and ideally bent outwards) to prevent them from burrowing underneath. Chicken wire with 1-inch mesh or smaller is suitable.

• Individual Plant Cages/Protectors: For newly planted or vulnerable lavender, wrap individual plants with hardware cloth or chicken wire in a cylindrical shape. Stake it into the ground securely. This allows the plant to grow and establish safely. Remove once the plant is robust and less appealing.

• Raised Beds: While not foolproof, planting lavender in raised beds can make it slightly less accessible to rabbits, especially if the beds are tall enough.

3. Repellents (Require Consistent Reapplication):

Repellents work by smell, taste, or both. Their effectiveness can vary depending on the product, animal pressure, and weather.

• Commercial Repellents: Look for repellents specifically designed for deer or rabbits. Many contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids, hot pepper (capsaicin), garlic, mint, or predator urine scents.

  • Application: Follow product instructions carefully. Most need to be reapplied after rain or watering, or every few weeks, to remain effective. Rotate different types of repellents to prevent animals from becoming accustomed to one.

• Homemade Repellents:

  • Spicy Sprays: A mixture of water with cayenne pepper, hot sauce, garlic powder, or even dish soap (to help it stick) can be sprayed onto foliage. Reapply frequently, especially after rain.

  • Scent Deterrents: Some gardeners use sachets of strong-smelling bar soap (like Irish Spring), human hair, or blood meal scattered around the perimeter.

4. Companion Planting (Enhances Deterrence)

While lavender itself is a deterrent, planting other unappealing plants nearby can create a stronger barrier.

• Deer & Rabbit Resistant Plants: Consider planting other aromatic herbs and plants with strong scents or textures that deer and rabbits dislike. Good choices that often share similar growing conditions with lavender include:

  • Rosemary

  • Sage

  • Thyme

  • Catmint (Nepeta)

  • Marigolds (for rabbits)

  • Daffodils (toxic to deer)

  • Spiny or fuzzy-leafed plants (e.g., Lamb's Ear, Barberry)

5. Garden Maintenance:

• Remove Attractants: Keep your garden tidy. Remove fallen fruit, keep weeds down, and clear brush piles or tall grass that might offer shelter or alternative food sources for rabbits.

• Protect Young Plants: Young, tender plants are always more vulnerable. Focus your protection efforts most heavily on these.

While lavender is a good natural deterrent, a multi-faceted approach combining strategic planting, physical barriers (especially for high pressure areas), and occasional repellents offers the best protection for your plants against deer and rabbits.

Lavender Farm in Door County Wisconsin. You can buy lavender products online at islandlavender.com