Are Calibrachoa deer resistant? In today’s article, the answer will be revealed for those intending to sow these beautiful blossoms in a deer-prone zone.
By understanding the plant’s background, like growth habits, features, and resilience, you can determine whether Calibrachoa is suitable for your garden.
Besides some practical tips to protect your Calibrachoa from deer attack, you can find more useful information in my FAQ session. Let’s begin!
About Calibrachoa
Characteristics
Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells or Mini Petunias, belongs to the family Solanaceae. It distributes originally in South America, specifically Brazil and Uruguay.
Calibrachoa plants have gained popularity as ornamental plants due to their profusion of colorful and trumpet-shaped flowers.
They produce many small, petunia-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, and white. Their blooming period is considered long, happening, and repeating from spring to frost.
The preference for habitat conditions is not unfamiliar. This sun-loving plant develops well in full sun to partial shade.
Remember the well-drained soil, balanced slow-release fertilizer, and regular watering. During the caring process, please avoid water-logging as much as possible. Otherwise, you may end up with root rot.
Are million bells deer resistant? Before knowing this, you’d better learn about their features first.
Features
Calibrachoa features the ability to cascade and spill over the edges of containers, creating a stunning trailing effect.
The plant’s foliage consists of small, lance-shaped, or elliptical leaves. They are typically green but may have variations in color or variegation.
Perhaps you may not know, but this perennial flower has minimal seed production, leading to its propagation primarily through vegetative cuttings. What an interesting fact!
Variety
Cabaret Hot Pink has a trailing growth habit, reaching a width of 12 inches and trailing up to 8 inches.
On the other hand, Cabaret Purple Glow showcases stunning orange flowers with streaks of red and gold held on sturdy stems.
Million Bells Terra Cotta is a long stem flowering plant (10-inch-long stems) featuring double blooms in a charming deep blue-purple form.
If you’re searching for rich Calibrachoa varieties, Mini Famous Double Blue is a delightful option thanks to the ombre velvety-red flowers.
Finally, consider Superbells Pomegranate Punch, a remarkable series of hybrid plants.
So is calibrachoa deer resistant? The answer is right below!
Are Calibrachoa Deer Resistant?
Actually, Calibrachoa plants are not commonly called deer-resistant plants, but these beautiful flowers are not in favor of deer, as well. It is not a preferred food source for deer due to its bitter taste and toxic compounds.
Deer-resistant plants often possess certain traits that make them less appealing.
Foliage with strong scents (rosemary, lavender, and mint), hairy/leathery texture of leaves, unpleasant taste, and toxicity are typical reasons making these plants less likely to be browsed by deers.
So do deer eat calibrachoa? Calibrachoa possesses such features, so the answer is no.
However, deer preferences can vary based on hunger, the deer population in the zone, and the availability of food.
If there are a large number of hungry or desperate deer, your Calibrachoa can still be consumed as usual.
Therefore, using a combination of deer-resistant plants, deterrents, and protective measures is better.
When Are Deer Tend To Eat Calibrachoa More?
Do deer like Calibrachoa? The answer is clearly No. Yet, there are some unexpected cases in which deer threaten your Calibrachoa corner.
First, if there is limited forage or preferred food sources for deer in the area, they may be more inclined to browse Calibrachoa plants.
Similarly, when other vegetation is scarce, such as late winter, early spring, drought, or extreme weather conditions, starving deer find no way but graze on Calibrachoa as it is one of the few available options.
Areas with high deer populations or where deer have become accustomed to human presence may have more frequent incidents of deer browsing on Calibrachoa.
Can Calibrachoa Rebounce After Being Eaten By Deer?
It is good news that Calibrachoa plants can rebound annually after being eaten by deer. The extent of their recovery depends on the damage’s severity and the plant’s overall health.
If the deer browsing is limited to the foliage, the plant can regrow and produce new leaves and flowers.
How to aid in the recovery process? It is important to provide optimal growing conditions for the plant.
Ensure the Calibrachoa receives adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients to support its growth.
I usually remove damaged or eaten portions of the plant to promote new growth.
As a result, Calibrachoa has chances for abundant blooms once again in your garden.
However, do not let the deer repeat chasing your plants regularly and severely. This way, they can significantly weaken the plant and hinder its recovery strength.
How To Protect Calibrachoa From Deer?
These 2 effective solutions can safeguard your Calibrachoa plants from deer damage.
Build Barriers
One method is building physical barriers around the plants by fencing or netting, preventing deer or other animal damage. The principle is to ensure adequate height so that deer can not jump over.
Besides, it is essential to bury them deep enough to discourage the animals from burrowing underneath.
Combine With Other Deer-Resistant Plants
Another approach is to combine Calibrachoa with other deer-resistant plants in your garden. This method forms a less attractive environment for deer browsing.
Consider incorporating plants with characteristics like strong scents, spiky foliage, or bitter taste that deter deer.
Lavender, yarrow, salvia, Barberry, weed with thorns, or ornamental grasses are my favorite picks.
The combination not only keeps deer away from your green space but also enhances the colorful beauty.
I also optimize the shield with natural deterrents like predator urine, soap bars, or homemade sprays containing garlic or hot pepper.
FAQs
Do Calibrachoas Need To Be Cut Back?
Cutting back is not necessary and mandatory; however, pruning can help rejuvenate the plant while encouraging continuous bloom time throughout the season.
Calibrachoa benefits from regular pruning or cutting back to a stable shape and healthy growth.
When the plant becomes overgrown, typically in late summer or early fall, it is time to trim it back.
After removing the top few inches of growth, stimulate new branching habits and then promote a more compact habit of growth.
For an additional step, you can remove spent flowers to redirect the plant’s energy towards new growth and bloom season.
By pinching off faded flowers, you can set healthy leaves for healthy production of fresh flowers later.
Will Pests Eat My Calibrachoa?
Yes, but it is less prone to pest damage compared to other plants.
Calibrachoa plants are typically resistant to pests, making them a relatively low-maintenance option in the garden.
If you suddenly catch pests on the plant, they are usually aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and thrips.
However, these infestations are generally not severe and can be controlled with appropriate measures.
Practicing good garden hygiene is always the foundation; then, you are encouraged to address any signs of pest activity promptly.
Normally, non-experienced gardeners can kill pests manually or spray with chemical insecticides.
This way costs more time and effort and simultaneously harms the Calibrachoa’s lush life.
Instead, you can use beneficial insects or organic insecticides to moderate pest penetration.
With proper care and attention, your Calibrachoa can thrive with minimal risk of pest damage.
Conclusion
Are Calibrachoa deer resistant? Fortunately, Calibrachoa plants are reliable for those seeking deer-resistant options in their gardens.
The plant inherently has almost immunity characteristics, such as its vibrant blooms, dense foliage, and potential toxicity.
Combining Calibrachoa with other deer-resistant plants, implementing protective measures, and monitoring deer activity can create a safe environment for Calibrachoa.
Let’s confidently enjoy the beauty of these resilient and deer-resistant plants in your garden!
