Home Garden

The Best Deer Repellent for Roses

Often referred to as the "Queen of the Garden," roses are hardy perennial plants that are members of the plant family Rosaceae. They are part of the genus Rosa. In 1996, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that honored the rose as the National Flower of the United States. Rose are edible and provide food for humans and wildlife. Deer love roses. Keep deer from nibbling new growth by apply deer repellent tactics.

  1. Aromatic Plants.

    • Aromatic flowers and plants not only repel deer, but also enhance your garden.

      Plant various varieties of mint around the base of rose bushes to ward off wildlife and insects. Lavender, common mint, peppermint, spearmint and lemon balm contain aromatic properties that are pleasant to humans but repugnant to deer, elk, moose, squirrels, gophers and rabbits. Plants in the mint family spread readily and provide an excellent groundcover for bare spots beneath the rose bushes.

    Animal Scents

    • You can buy products in powder or granular form that smell of wolf or coyote urine, and sprinkle it around your roses..

      The scent of carnivores deters deer. Wolf, coyote, cougar and bear are natural predators that kill deer. When deer smell the scent of a predator they will flee the area. Purchase carnivore scent online or from local hunting supply stores. Sprinkle a few drops on a strip of cloth or wick and tie to the rose bush. Renew the scent after a heavy rain.

    Human Scent

    • Save hair clippings to repel deer from the garden.

      Deer are repelled by the scent of male human urine. It is readily available and costs nothing. Collect urine in a container, dilute half and half with water and use it to water around the base of your rosebushes. The scent of human hair is also a deer deterrent. Ask your local barber or beauty shop to save sweepings of human hair. Sprinkle clumps around the base of the plant. Refresh after a heavy rain.

    Motion Detection Sensors

    • Deer will jump all but the tallest fences.

      Motion sensors can be installed around the perimeter of the garden. Sensors can be employed to activate garden sprinklers, flashing lights, predator calls or any loud music that will startle deer and encourage them to leave the area. These methods may work for some time. If the deer become accustomed to a sound or sensation, however, they will remain, eating away. If that is the case, a tall, strong fence is the only sure deterrent.