Flowers That Chipmunks Won’t Eat
Chipmunks can be delightful creatures to observe in nature, but when it comes to your garden and flowerbeds, they can wreak havoc by feasting on your precious blooms. If you’re tired of chipmunks nibbling away at your flowers, you’ll be pleased to know that there are certain flowers that these critters tend to avoid. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can deter chipmunks and protect your beautiful blooms. Here are some flowers that chipmunks are less likely to eat:
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee balm, also known as Monarda, is a stunning flowering plant that chipmunks generally find unappealing. The strong scent and taste of bee balm make it a less attractive choice for these little rodents.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
Purple coneflower, with its vibrant purple petals and spiky center, is another flower that chipmunks usually avoid. The bright colors and daisy-like appearance of echinacea make it a popular choice for gardens, and fortunately, chipmunks are not big fans of it.
Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida “Goldsturm”)
The cheerful and bright black-eyed Susan is generally not a target for chipmunks. These flowers, with their golden-yellow petals and dark centers, add a burst of color to your garden while deterring chipmunks from indulging in them.
Hyssop (Agastache)
The aromatic hyssop plant is not high on a chipmunk’s menu. With its fragrant leaves and flowers, hyssop adds beauty to your garden while keeping these critters at bay.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed is not only a favorite of monarch butterflies but also a plant that chipmunks tend to avoid. Chipmunks are deterred by the milky sap and distinctive scent of milkweed, making it a good addition to your garden.
Spiderwort
Spiderwort, with its lovely blue, purple, or pink flowers, is generally left alone by chipmunks. These low-maintenance perennials can add a touch of elegance to your garden while providing a chipmunk-resistant option.
Phlox (Garden, Woodland, Creeping/Moss)
Phlox, available in various types such as garden phlox, woodland phlox, and creeping/moss phlox, is generally not favored by chipmunks. Their fragrant flowers and vibrant colors make them a popular choice for gardens while deterring chipmunks from feasting on them.
Delphinium
The tall and majestic delphinium flowers are generally not on a chipmunk’s menu. These beautiful blooms, available in a range of colors, can add vertical interest to your garden while keeping chipmunks at bay.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Butterfly bushes are known for attracting butterflies with their fragrant and colorful blooms. Fortunately, chipmunks are not particularly fond of these plants, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of butterflies without worrying about chipmunk damage.
Yarrow
Yarrow, with its feathery foliage and clusters of small flowers in various colors, is generally not a preferred snack for chipmunks. Including yarrow in your garden can help deter these critters while adding visual interest to your flowerbeds.
Sneezeweed (Helenium)
The pungent scent of sneezeweed makes it a less appealing choice for chipmunks. These vibrant, daisy-like flowers can brighten up your garden while keeping chipmunks away.
Sedum/Stonecrop
Sedums, also known as stonecrop, are succulent plants that chipmunks tend to avoid. These low-maintenance plants come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a great addition to chipmunk-resistant gardens.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium)
The tall and striking Joe Pye weed is not commonly targeted by chipmunks. Its large clusters of flowers add a touch of drama to your garden while deterring these critters from your other plants.
Lupine (Lupinus)
Lupines, with their showy, spiky blooms, are generally not favored by chipmunks. These colorful flowers can add height andbeauty to your garden while keeping chipmunks at bay.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Chipmunks are not particularly attracted to the scent of catmint, making it a good choice for your garden. Catmint, with its lovely purple-blue flowers and aromatic foliage, can add a touch of charm to your outdoor space while deterring chipmunks.
Ornamental Onion (Allium)
Alliums, such as ornamental onions, have a strong odor that chipmunks tend to avoid. These unique and eye-catching flowers can add a whimsical touch to your garden while protecting your other plants from chipmunk damage.
Chives
The strong aroma of chives makes them less appealing to chipmunks. Chives not only serve as a culinary herb but also produce lovely purple flowers that can add beauty to your garden while deterring these critters.
Lavender
The fragrant and calming scent of lavender often deters chipmunks from nibbling on the plants. Lavender’s purple flowers and silvery foliage make it a popular choice for gardens while providing natural chipmunk resistance.
Evening Primrose/Sundrops (Oenothera)
Evening primrose, also known as sundrops, is generally not a preferred food source for chipmunks. These flowers, with their vibrant yellow or pink blossoms, can add a splash of color to your garden while discouraging chipmunks from feasting on other plants.
Irises
Chipmunks typically leave irises alone, allowing these elegant flowers to grace your garden undisturbed. Irises come in a variety of colors and add a touch of sophistication to any landscape.
Narcissus/Daffodils
Chipmunks generally avoid daffodils, which are known for their bright yellow or white flowers and trumpet-shaped blooms. Planting daffodils can bring a burst of spring color to your garden while deterring chipmunks.
By incorporating these chipmunk-resistant flowers into your garden, you can enjoy a beautiful and vibrant landscape without worrying about chipmunk damage. However, it’s important to note that individual chipmunks may still nibble on these plants to some extent, as preferences can vary. Implementing additional chipmunk deterrent strategies, such as using fences or repellents, can further protect your flowers and garden from these adorable but troublesome rodents.
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FAQs
What flowers will chipmunks not eat?
Chipmunks can be a nuisance when it comes to your garden and flowerbeds. Here are some frequently asked questions about flowers that chipmunks tend to avoid:
Are there specific flowers that chipmunks won’t eat?
Yes, there are certain flowers that chipmunks are less likely to eat. Some examples include bee balm, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, hyssop, milkweed, spiderwort, phlox, delphinium, butterfly bush, yarrow, sneezeweed, sedum/stonecrop, Joe Pye weed, lupine, catmint, ornamental onion, chives, lavender, evening primrose/sundrops, irises, and narcissus/daffodils.
Why do chipmunks avoid these flowers?
Chipmunks are deterred by factors such as strong scents, unappealing tastes, or the presence of certain compounds in these flowers. The specific reasons may vary depending on the flower, but chipmunks generally find them less palatable.
Will chipmunks never eat these flowers?
While chipmunks are generally less likely to eat the flowers mentioned, it’s important to note that individual chipmunks may still nibble on them to some extent. Preferences can vary, and in some cases, chipmunks may resort to these flowers if other food sources are scarce.
Are there other ways to protect my flowers from chipmunks?
Yes, in addition to planting chipmunk-resistant flowers, there are other strategies you can employ to protect your flowers. These include using physical barriers such as fences or netting, applying natural or commercial repellents, creating a less attractive environment for chipmunks by removing potential food sources or hiding spots, or introducing natural predators like cats or birds of prey to deter chipmunks.
Can I use repellents to keep chipmunks away from my flowers?
Yes, there are various repellents available that can help deter chipmunks from your flowers. Some common options include using scented repellents like predator urine or essential oils, applying taste-based repellents that make the flowers unappetizing to chipmunks, or using motion-activated devices that emit sound or water to startle and deter them.
Are there any flowers that chipmunks find particularly attractive?
While chipmunks tend to avoid certain flowers, they may still be attracted to other types of plants or bulbs. Examples include tulips, crocuses, lilies, and certain fruits or vegetables. It’s important to consider the specific preferences of chipmunks in your area when choosing plants for your garden.
Can chipmunks cause significant damage to flowers?
Chipmunks can cause damage to flowers by nibbling on petals, stems, or leaves. While they may not completely devour a plant, their feeding habits can impact its appearance and health. Preventative measures to deter chipmunks can help minimize potential damage.
Are chipmunks beneficial in any way for gardens?
Chipmunks play a role in ecosystems as seed dispersers and insect eaters. However, in garden settings, their digging habits, burrowing activities, and the damage they can cause to flowers and plants often outweigh their potential benefits. It’s important to strike a balance between appreciating their natural behaviors and protecting your garden.