Is Lobelia Deer Resistant?

Annual and perennial lobelias are considered deer and pest resistant. Slugs and snails are known to eat lobelia but most other animals will not ingest the plants during any season. Lobelia has a strong, tobacco-like scent that deters pests. Lobelia is toxic for animals to ingest and is mostly left alone because of it. Deer and other pests will choose many other flowering and foliage plants over lobelia to eat. 

According to Rutgers University this plant is given a B for Seldom Severely Damaged on their rating scale from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged as seen in the table below.

Keeping Deer Away From Lobelia

Deer do not typically try to eat or trample lobelia plants and largely leave them untouched. In the event that deer are damaging your plants, you can use many deer repellent tools to protect your garden. Deer repellent spray can be applied to foliage and flowers to keep deer from harming your plants. Physical barriers such as fences or stakes can also be used to keep deer out of your garden. 

Will Lobelia Come Back After Deer Eat Them?

In the rare event that deer or other pests damage your lobelia, the plant will likely grow back and recover. You can trim back any plants that have been over-grazed or misshapen by a deer or other pest. Make sure trimmed plants are watered well and fertilized when needed. Lobelia plants will recover and push out new growth with fresh new flower buds. 

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

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Author Katie Endicott - Published 9-15-2022