Windflowers, also known as anemones, are a flowering perennial commonly grown in USDA zones 4 through 8. Like most plants, windflowers can suffer damage from deer and other animals/insects feeding upon their leaves and potentially flowers.
With the prevalence of deer in the areas where windflowers flourish, it is inevitable that deer may come into contact with and occasionally feed upon their leaves and flowers. The good news is that according to Rutgers University, this plant is seldom severely damaged on their rating scale from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged.
| Rarely Damaged |
| Seldom Severely Damaged |
| Occasionally Severely Damaged |
| Frequently Severely Damaged |
Keeping Deer Away From Windflowers
The most commonly recommended method for deterring deer from feasting upon windflowers is repellents. With a wide range in windflower heights (from 6 inches to 4 foot tall), caging is a viable option for young or shorter-growing varieties, but not likely realistic for taller varieties.
Will Windflowers Come Back After Deer Eat Them?
Even if deer or other pests feed upon windflower leaves, the plant itself will usually recover and grow back as beautiful as before. The best course of action if you do spot some defoliation is to continue to monitor the plant for additional feeding and ensure there is adequate soil moisture to encourage regrowth. Additional fertilizer treatments are unnecessary.
Sources: Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ‘Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance’ 2018
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Author Chris Link - Published 07-21-2022 |