Nemesia is considered deer resistant. Both Wake County Cooperative Extension and West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center include Nemesia in their lists of deer-resistant plants. This South African native blooms during the spring, summer, and fall and does well with minimal care, making it a favorite of many gardeners. This beauty is also appreciated because deer and other animals do not generally favor it. Nemesia is a good option for areas with large animal populations since it is not likely to fall victim to hungry foragers.
One of the main reasons animals do not favor Nemesia is that it grows as an annual. New growth emerges in the spring, and all growth dies back in late fall in areas with cold winter weather. When Nemesia is actively growing, more preferred food sources are plentiful, like the daylilies pictured above, so most animals choose not to eat it. During the winter, when food is scarce, Nemesia dies back and goes dormant, leaving nothing to eat.
Keeping Deer Away From Nemesia
Just because a plant is deer resistant doesn’t mean the unexpected cannot happen. Deer, rabbits, and other animals are likely to leave Nemesia alone, but this plant can still be browsed. Physical fences and scent-based repellents are typically the most effective way to protect Nemesia plants. You can also plant Nemesia in a hanging basket placed out of reach of deer and other foragers.
Will Nemesia Come Back After Deer Eat Them?
Whether or not Nemesia plants come back after deer or other animals browse them depends on several factors. Plants that sustain extensive damage may not recover. Plants damaged late in the season may not have time to recover. Nemesia is an annual and may not have time to bounce back if the damage occurs in late summer or fall. Try to save a damaged plant by trimming damaged growth and applying a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Sources:
"Deer Resistant Plants." Wake County Cooperative Extension. wake.ces.ncsu.edu
"University of Tennessee Gardens - Jackson 2023 Best & Beautiful Report." West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center. westtn.tennessee.edu
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Author Alison Cotsonas - Published 09-01-2022 |