Deer are known for their voracious appetite and their tendency to munch on a variety of plants in gardens and landscapes. However, one of the great benefits of the Aralia ‘Sun King’ is that it is deer-resistant. This means that deer are less likely to eat or damage this particular perennial.
In my personal experience, I have planted Aralia ‘Sun King’ in my garden, which is frequented by deer due to its proximity to wooded areas. Despite having a large deer population in the area, I have not observed any instances of the deer grazing on my Sun King plants.
The golden yellow to chartreuse foliage of the Aralia ‘Sun King’ may be one reason why deer tend to avoid it. Deer are known to be attracted to green foliage, and they often graze on plants with succulent, tender leaves. The bold and vibrant color of the Sun King’s foliage may be less appealing to deer, leading them to bypass this plant in favor of others.
Additionally, the compound foliage of the Sun King may also contribute to its deer-resistance. Compound leaves are made up of multiple leaflets, which can make the plant less palatable to deer. The complex structure of the leaves may make it more difficult for deer to consume or damage the foliage, further deterring them from eating the Sun King.
It is important to note that while the Aralia ‘Sun King’ is generally considered deer-resistant, there is no guarantee that deer will never eat it. In times of extreme hunger or limited food sources, deer may be more likely to eat plants that they would normally avoid. However, compared to many other plants, the Sun King is less likely to be targeted by deer.
Deer typically do not eat Aralia ‘Sun King’ due to its deer-resistant qualities. The bold, golden yellow to chartreuse foliage and compound leaf structure may make the plant less appealing or more difficult for deer to consume. However, it is still important to remain vigilant and take measures to protect your garden from deer if they are known to frequent the area.