Rhubarb Plants and Deer: Why They’re a Target and 3 Effective Deterrents

Deer target rhubarb because its high moisture content and mild, slightly tart flavor make it irresistible—especially during spring and summer when new growth is most tender. 🌿 Unlike many plants, rhubarb contains calcium and oxalates that deer actively seek out, making it a prime snack.

This attraction explains why gardens without protection often see rapid destruction of both young and established plants.

What makes this worse is that deer don't just nibble—they can completely defoliate plants in a single night, leaving your harvest in ruins. The damage isn't just cosmetic; it weakens the plant's ability to produce strong stalks for future harvests. Without intervention, you might lose an entire season's growth.

Why deer love rhubarb plants

Deer are drawn to rhubarb primarily because of its high moisture content—around 90% in fresh stalks—which provides essential hydration during dry seasons. This water-rich composition makes rhubarb stems especially appealing, particularly when other vegetation is scarce.

The plant's mild, slightly tart flavor profile also aligns perfectly with deer's natural preference for palatable greens, unlike bitter or toxic alternatives they avoid.

Beyond hydration, rhubarb contains nutrients deer actively seek: calcium (up to 200mg per 100g) and oxalates, which support their digestive systems. These compounds are absent in many deer-resistant plants like daffodils or lavender, which contain toxic alkaloids or strong aromatics.

The combination of moisture, mild taste, and essential minerals creates a nutritional powerhouse for browsing deer—especially during spring when new growth emerges.

Seasonal vulnerability peaks in spring and early summer, when rhubarb's tender shoots first appear. Deer prioritize these young shoots because they're less fibrous and easier to digest. Mature leaves become less appealing as they develop tougher textures and stronger oxalate concentrations.

This seasonal pattern explains why gardeners often see damage during these periods, while fall harvests may escape notice.

Comparing rhubarb to other deer-targeted plants reveals its unique appeal. While deer also favor hostas or roses, rhubarb's high water content and nutrient density make it a preferred snack. For example, hostas contain toxic saponins that deter deer when consumed in large quantities, whereas rhubarb's palatability remains consistent.

This nutritional contrast explains why rhubarb gardens require more aggressive protection measures.

The plant's growth habit also contributes to its appeal. Rhubarb's broad leaves and upright stalks create an accessible buffet for deer, unlike low-growing ground covers that require more effort to access.

This vertical structure makes it particularly vulnerable to browsing damage, especially when plants are spaced closely together in garden beds.

What most gardeners don't realize is that deer don't just target rhubarb for food—they're also drawn to its scent profile. While not strongly aromatic like herbs, rhubarb emits subtle volatile compounds that signal fresh, edible vegetation.

This olfactory cue triggers deer's natural foraging instincts, making protected gardens particularly tempting during nighttime browsing sessions.

3 Proven deer deterrents for rhubarb gardens

When protecting your rhubarb patch, I recommend starting with a physical barrier like an 8-foot tall fence made of chicken wire or hardware cloth. This creates an absolute shield that deer simply can't jump or chew through.

For smaller gardens, even a 5-foot fence works well since deer typically don't bother with plants they can't reach. The key is to bury the fence at least 12 inches deep to prevent digging underneath, and extend it 6 inches outward at the top to discourage climbing.

This method offers 100% effectiveness but requires upfront installation time and some yard space.

For a more budget-friendly option, try commercial deer repellents containing putrescent egg solids or garlic extracts. Products like Liquid Fence or Deer Out work by creating unpleasant smells that deer avoid. Apply these sprays every 2-3 weeks or after heavy rain, focusing on leaves and stems.

I've found that combining repellents with a water spray (mix 1 part dish soap with 9 parts water) enhances their effectiveness. While not as foolproof as fencing, these sprays provide 70-80% protection and are easy to reapply throughout the growing season.

Another effective strategy is companion planting with deer-deterring herbs. Surround your rhubarb with strongly scented plants like rosemary, thyme, or lavender—deer dislike their aromatic oils. You can also interplant with alliums (garlic, onions, chives), which deer find unpalatable.

For best results, create a 2-foot border of these plants around your rhubarb patch. This method offers 50-60% protection and has the added bonus of improving your garden's overall biodiversity and pollinator appeal.

Here's my recommended approach based on effectiveness and cost: Start with companion planting for minimal investment, then add commercial repellents during peak browsing seasons. For high-value gardens, invest in fencing as your primary defense.

Remember to rotate repellent applications to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to the scent, and always monitor your plants for new damage signs. The key is layering these methods for maximum protection without breaking the bank.

One final tip: Place motion-activated sprinklers around your rhubarb patch for an extra layer of defense. These devices spray water when they detect movement, startling deer away. I've seen them work particularly well in areas where deer are persistent browsers.

The combination of repellents, companion plants, and sprinklers creates a multi-sensory deterrent that's hard for deer to ignore.