Do deer eat peonies?
Several Deer nibbling weeds in a winter field.
Even Rudolph Turns Up His Nose 🎄🦌
We woke up to the local heard in the peony field this week. These ladies and their fawns walk through our field nearly every day of the year and our peonies are untouched. They do love to eat the weeds that are growing in and between the rows, even if they are covered in snow. Welcome, friends!
Every winter, we hear plenty of chatter about deer—especially around Christmas, when Rudolph and his reindeer friends take center stage. But when it comes to your garden, there’s good news: even Santa’s most famous helpers aren’t interested in peonies.
While deer may nibble their way through hostas, daylilies, and tulips like they’re part of an all-you-can-eat buffet, peonies usually get a pass.
Why Deer Leave Peonies Alone
Peonies are considered deer-resistant, not deer-proof—but they rank pretty high on the “not worth it” list for browsing wildlife.
The reason? Peonies contain compounds that taste bitter and are mildly toxic to deer. One sniff or tentative bite is often enough for deer to decide there are better options elsewhere. (Sorry, Rudolph—no peony snacks here.)
Their strong scent and slightly leathery foliage don’t help either. Deer tend to prefer tender, sweet plants, and peonies simply don’t fit the bill.
When Might Deer Try a Peony?
Even Rudolph isn’t picky when food is scarce.
In years with heavy snow, drought, or overpopulation, deer may sample almost anything green. Young peony shoots in early spring can be more tempting than mature plants, but even then, peonies are usually a last resort.
If deer are truly hungry, no plant is completely safe, but peonies remain one of the better bets for deer-prone gardens.
How Peonies Compare to Other Garden Favorites
If your garden has ever been raided overnight, you already know which plants deer love. Compared to tulips, roses, hostas, or lilies, peonies are like the vegetable tray at a holiday party—present, but mostly ignored.
Think of it this way:
Tulips: Reindeer candy
Hostas: Late-night snack
Peonies: “Hard pass, thanks”
Even Dasher, Dancer, and Prancer would keep trotting.
Extra Tips to Keep Your Peonies Off the Reindeer Menu
While peonies generally fend for themselves, a few precautions never hurt:
Avoid fertilizing heavily in early spring, which can create extra-tender growth.
Use fencing or repellents if deer pressure is especially high.
Plant peonies near the house or in more visible areas that deer may avoid.
A Holiday Gift to Your Garden
If deer are frequent visitors in your landscape, peonies make an excellent choice. They’re long-lived, low-maintenance, and apparently unappealing to even the most famous reindeer of all.
So while Rudolph may lead Santa’s sleigh across snowy skies this Christmas, you can rest easy knowing he—and his friends—won’t be stopping by your peony patch come spring.
And really, isn’t that the kind of holiday peace we all deserve? 🎄🌸