No, deers generally do not like catnip.
Deers typically avoid catnip, finding its fragrance unpleasant. This characteristic makes catnip and its close relatives, such as catmint and lemon catnip, a popular choice for gardeners seeking to deter deer from their landscapes.
Why Deers Avoid Catnip
While cats are famously drawn to the plant, deer react quite differently. It's the distinctive aroma of catnip that serves as a natural repellent for these browsing animals. This strong scent, a result of various essential oils within the plant, signals to deer that it's an undesirable food source.
Catnip itself is known for its relaxed growth habit and soft, attractive blooms, making it a desirable plant for aesthetic reasons in a garden, even beyond its deer-resistant qualities.
Using Catnip in Deer-Resistant Gardens
Because of their natural aversion to its fragrance, catnip and its Nepeta cousins are an excellent addition to areas where deer presence is a concern.
- Border Planting: Planting catnip around the perimeter of a garden can create a fragrant barrier that deer are less likely to cross.
- Companion Planting: Interspersing catnip among more deer-vulnerable plants can offer them some protection.
- Low Maintenance: Catnip varieties are often easy to grow and maintain, adding to their appeal as a practical deer deterrent.
By incorporating catnip into your garden design, you can enjoy its aesthetic appeal while simultaneously discouraging deer from browsing on your valuable plants.
