Certain bulbs are observed to be deer resistant. Members of the Narcissus genus (daffodils) are a popular choice because deer tend to avoid them. Daffodils come in a range of colors and a variety of sizes from petite rock garden varieties to large blooming cultivars.
To stagger bloom period over several weeks, plant early, midseason and late varieties the previous fall. Members of the Narcissus genus tend to naturalize, creating a larger stand year after year.
Other bulbs observed to be less favored bulbs such as Dutch iris, grape hyacinth, scilla and puschkinia add additional color and ornamental features. Before planting, mix a 0-20-0 fertilizer into the soil of the planting bed. Plant bulbs at a depth of four times the height of the bulb and place several inches of mulch over the top of the soil to prevent early emergence.
For more information, see the following Colorado State University Extension fact sheets(s):
For more information, see the following Planttalk Colorado™ script(s).
- Bulbs: bed preparation
- Bulbs: maintaining
- Bulbs: selecting
- Bulbs: spring flowering
- Bulbs: fertilizing
