From a botanical perspective, hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) are not considered a deer-resistant plant. They lack the specific defensive traits that effectively deter deer browsing. While they are not the absolute favorite food of deer, they are certainly not immune. In areas with high deer pressure or during times of natural food scarcity, hollyhocks become a prime target. Their tall, flower-laden stalks are highly visible and easily accessible, making them a convenient and nutritious meal for these opportunistic herbivores.
Hollyhocks possess several characteristics that make them palatable to deer. Firstly, their foliage is soft, broad, and non-toxic. Unlike plants with tough, leathery, or fuzzy leaves (like lamb's ear or yucca), hollyhock leaves are tender and easy to digest. Secondly, the plant does not produce significant quantities of strong-smelling volatile oils or bitter-tasting alkaloids that make many herbs like lavender or daffodils unpalatable to deer. The stems, while somewhat hairy, are not densely covered in spines or thorns that would cause physical irritation. From a nutritional standpoint, the plant provides moisture and nutrients, which is especially attractive during dry spells.
The flowering period of the hollyhock presents a particular point of vulnerability. The plant directs a great deal of energy into producing large, showy blooms. These flowers are not only visually attractive to pollinators but also to foraging deer. The petals and developing seed pods are tender and nutritious. A deer can easily strip an entire stalk of its flowers and buds in a single feeding, effectively destroying the plant's reproductive display for the season. This makes the hollyhock a high-value target when it is at its most visually appealing to gardeners.
To understand the hollyhock's susceptibility, it is useful to compare it to plants that are consistently listed as deer-resistant. These plants have evolved potent defensive strategies. For example, plants like Russian sage and catmint emit strong aromatic scents from their oils that deer find offensive. Others, such as foxgloves and milkweed, contain cardiac glycosides and other toxins that are harmful if ingested. Some, like barberry and roses, have developed formidable physical armor with sharp thorns. The hollyhock, in contrast, relies more on its prolific seed production for survival rather than sophisticated anti-herbivory defenses, placing it lower on the resistance scale.
While the hollyhock plant itself cannot change its inherent lack of resistance, gardeners can employ strategies to protect them. The most effective method is physical barrier fencing. Planting hollyhocks close to the house or in enclosed areas can also reduce deer encounters. Another tactic is to interplant hollyhocks with truly deer-resistant, strongly aromatic plants like lavender, sage, or oregano, which can sometimes help to mask the appealing scent of the hollyhocks. Furthermore, the use of scent-based or taste-aversion repellents can create an artificial defense system, though these require consistent reapplication, especially after rain.
