How to Protect Beach Morning Glory Plant from Deer

Beach morning glory, scientifically known as Ipomoea pes-caprae, is a beautiful coastal plant with distinctive purple flowers that add a touch of natural beauty to sandy shorelines. However, this plant is often a target for deer, who find its succulent leaves and flowers quite appetizing. If you have beach morning glory plants in your garden or near your property and want to protect them from deer damage, there are several strategies you can employ to deter these hungry herbivores.

Understanding Deer Behavior

Before implementing any protective measures, it is essential to understand deer behavior and why they might be attracted to beach morning glory plants. Deer are herbivores that feed on a variety of vegetation, including leaves, fruits, and flowers. They are especially drawn to plants with tender foliage and attractive blooms, making beach morning glory a prime target for browsing.

Deer are most active during dawn and dusk, so they are likely to target your plants during these times. They also have a keen sense of smell and can detect food sources from a distance. Understanding these behaviors can help with devising effective strategies to protect your beach morning glory plants.

Physical Barriers

One of the most effective ways to prevent deer from feeding on beach morning glory plants is by installing physical barriers around the plants. Fencing is a popular choice for keeping deer out of gardens and can be highly effective in protecting your plants.

For beach morning glory plants, consider installing a fence that is at least 6-8 feet tall to deter deer from jumping over. You can use materials such as wire mesh or deer netting to create a barrier around the plants. Make sure the fence is sturdy and properly secured to prevent deer from knocking it down or pushing through.

Another option is to use individual plant protectors made of plastic or metal around each beach morning glory plant. These protectors create a physical barrier that deer are less likely to breach.

Natural Deer Repellents

An alternative to physical barriers is using natural deer repellents to deter deer from approaching the beach morning glory plants. There are various commercial repellents available that contain ingredients such as garlic, hot pepper, or predator urine that can help mask the scent of the plants and make them less appealing to deer.

You can also create your own homemade deer repellent using ingredients like garlic cloves, cayenne pepper, and soap mixed with water. Spray this mixture on and around the beach morning glory plants regularly to create a barrier that deters deer.

Planting Deterrents

Planting other vegetation that is unappealing to deer near your beach morning glory plants can also help protect them from being eaten. Deer tend to avoid plants with strong scents or prickly textures, so consider planting herbs like rosemary, lavender, or thyme around the perimeter of your garden.

Additionally, certain ornamental grasses like pampas grass or fountain grass can act as natural deterrents for deer due to their sharp blades and tough texture. By interspersing these types of plants among your beach morning glory plants, you can create a protective barrier that discourages deer from entering the area.

Scare Tactics

Scare tactics can be an effective short-term solution for deterring deer from feeding on beach morning glory plants. Installing motion-activated devices that emit sudden noises or flashing lights when triggered can startle deer and make them think twice about approaching the area.

You can also hang reflective objects like old CDs or aluminum foil strips around the plants to create movement and light that will scare off deer. However, keep in mind that scare tactics may lose their effectiveness over time as deer become accustomed to them.

Conclusion

Protecting your beach morning glory plants from deer damage requires a combination of strategies tailored to the specific needs of your garden or property. By understanding deer behavior, implementing physical barriers, using natural repellents, planting deterrents, and employing scare tactics when necessary, you can effectively safeguard your plants from hungry herbivores.

Remember to monitor your plants regularly and adjust your protective measures as needed to ensure the continued health and beauty of your beach morning glory plants. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy the sight of these stunning coastal flowers without having to worry about them becoming a meal for passing deer.