Are Daylilies Deer Resistant?

Daylilies are commonly seen in garden beds, and they are excellent border plants when used to line a sidewalk or landscaped space. The popularity of Daylilies is partly due to their beautiful flowers and because they are relatively easy to grow in USDA zones 3-10. Some varieties of Daylily are deer-resistant; however, deer will eat most types of Daylilies.

According to Rutgers University, this plant is C on their rating scale from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged.

Keeping Deer Away From Daylilies

Protecting Daylilies can be challenging, and repellent is usually the best method. A product that will decrease the chances of deer eating your Daylilies. Otherwise, a tall fence around your property might work. But deer can jump pretty high, so that typically isn't a great solution. 

Will Daylilies Come Back After Deer Eat Them?

Whether or not Daylilies come back after being eaten by deer depends on how much damage the plant sustains. If all greenery is consumed, the plant may not return, especially if the damage happens early in the growing season. Throughout the growing season, Daylilies store up energy for the next year. If the plant loses all of its leaves, it is unable to prepare for the next year.

Daylilies may recover if they retain some leaves, enabling the plant to process sunlight and conduct photosynthesis. 

Sources: Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ‘Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance’ 2018

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 Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 13-12-2021