Rhubarb should not be treated as deer-proof. It is often regarded as a less-preferred garden plant, but that does not establish that deer will never sample it or damage nearby crops. If protecting a harvest matters, confirm the animal responsible and use a suitable barrier rather than relying on the plant’s reputation.
Oregon State Extension reports that, despite rhubarb’s deer-resistant reputation, some Pacific Northwest growers have lost whole plantings to deer. Treat local browsing evidence as more important than a general resistance label.
Do not confuse leaf toxicity with guaranteed protection
Rhubarb’s edible stalks and leaf blades are different parts of the plant. North Carolina Extension’s rhubarb entry identifies the leaves and roots as poisonous parts. That supports keeping them out of food and feed; it does not prove a precise mechanism or guaranteed level of deer avoidance.
Do not use discarded rhubarb leaves to feed or deter wildlife. There is no need to make unsupported claims that the plant’s smell always repels deer or that a specific amount causes a particular outcome in wild deer.
Check what is actually damaging the plant
Photograph missing or torn foliage, inspect for insects and look for tracks or direct observations. Wind, broken stalks and other animals can also cause damage. A deer seen elsewhere in the yard is a clue, not proof that it caused every hole.
Record whether damage is occasional or repeated and whether neighboring plants are being eaten. Protecting one vulnerable bed may be more practical than attempting to change all wildlife activity in the yard.
Protect the bed, including access points
Use a fence or securely supported enclosure suitable for local deer pressure and the bed’s size. Keep gates closed and inspect gaps. Ask local extension about design rather than assuming any short fence or improvised electrical wire will work. Leave room to harvest and maintain the rhubarb without tangling leaves in the barrier.
If using a repellent, confirm that the label allows use on the edible crop and intended site. Some ornamental-plant products are unsuitable for food gardens. Follow harvest and reapplication directions, and do not spray an unlabeled homemade mixture onto stalks you plan to eat.
Care for a browsed plant without forcing growth
Assess how much healthy foliage and crown remain. Maintain appropriate growing conditions and avoid heavy harvesting from a badly stressed plant. Extra fertilizer is not an immediate replacement for lost leaves. Seek local advice if the crown is damaged or decline continues despite protection.
Less-preferred neighboring plants are not a living fence. Choose companion plantings for their own suitability, and avoid encouraging deer with food piles. The New York DEC deer-management resource explains why managing deer conflicts requires more than selecting a single plant.
