They are great to plant with tulips and daffodils as the blooms and foliage will distract from the dying bulb leaves. The plant totally disappears when it starts getting hot so dont be alarmed when that happensit will come back again next spring! Please share it with others who also love to garden (use the icons at the top of this page). Deer Resistant Shrubs Shrubs, which are usually smaller than trees, usually have more than once central stem that extends outward from the base of the plant. Catawba rhododendrons, rosebay rhododendrons, and smooth azaleas are all excellent options for gardens where deer are a problem. Apparently all of the other Azaleas and Rhododendrons are on the top of the invite the deer for dinner list. Particularly, azaleas appear to be a favorite with deer. Full sun. This article has already mentioned several evergreen shrubs that will look great year-round, without appealing to hungry deer. You just need a little effort to keep the intruder away from your property and your rhododendron will thrive through the year. Another Juniper, the Skyrocket is bush that Deer wont feast upon that is thick and protects your yard from prying eyes. Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) Showy flowers make pieris a popular garden choice. Up to 3 tall and wide. These silver colored leaves really stand out in the shade garden! Red twig dogwood 'Baileyi' is one of the deer resistant shrubs recommended by Randy Soergel, owner of Soergel Greenhouses in Wexford. Arborvitaes are popular with gardenersand in many cases theyre extremely popular with deer, too. While larger varieties are available (up to 8 feet tall), there are several compact and dwarf spireas that make for perfect small deer-resistant shrubs (as small as 1 feet tall). While we cant guarantee that these shrubs will never become a meal for a hungry deer, they stand the best chance at remaining unscathed when other food options are scarce. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, the purple gem rhododendron is a shrub that the deer love to feast on."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do Deer Eat Rhododendrons and Azaleas? While they typically wont attract deer, do expect to see a lot of butterflies. It contains high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, which make it an excellent food source for deer. Between dark green foliage and stunning red berries, youll love surrounding your patio or deck with this shrub, but deer wont be as impressed. Below is our list of shrubs on which deer are more unlikely to dine; your experience, of course, may differ. Finally, it is also important to consider the type of soil your rhododendron will be planted in. WOODY Ornamental Plants SELDOM Severely Damaged by Deer 4. If you think that rhododendron deer-resistant plants are a reality, then you should know that this is not true. This is one plant Deer are sure to pass up! 2. Some kinds, such the Carolina and Rosebay Rhododendrons, are less appealing to deer. And, considersubscribing to our monthly newsletter to be in the know! Deer avoid rocky spots and it is a natural way to keep them at a distance. Of course in the fall when theyre hungry theyll eat almost anything. YES, holly shrubs are deer resistant, thanks to the fact that their berries may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Rhododendron leaves are very easy to digest, which is why deer love to eat them. Magic Carpet Spirea - deer resistant according to the card. I like them so much I usually just let them grow. Its a good thing the deer dont like them. It grows to roughly 6 to 10 feet but can get even taller in the right conditions. Planting Pros Recommend: Fertilome Root Stimulator 4-10-3 - 16oz - Only $19.99. Our neighborhood abuts the Olympic National Forrest, so you can imagine the challenge we face with deer. The holly species has dark green and glossy leaves, and produces a small black fruit. Your email address will not be published. Recent construction in the area has replaced a lot of those forests with subdivisions which means lots of deer looking for alternate food sources. Nature Hills Root Booster - 8oz bag - Only $14.99. It was Rhododendron dauricum var. Rhododendrons are considered to be highly susceptible to deer damage. Rhododendrons are a popular choice for gardeners because of their bright, colorful blooms and deer resistance. 3. I have to admit that I have not had much success growing toad lilies. Next up are all of the shade perennials that are not deer favorites. Heat and cold tolerant, deer resistant shrub. Deer dislike some varieties of rhododendrons and avoid them most times. Did you find this story useful and interesting? Hardy and heat- and drought-tolerant with aromatic foliage that deters deer. Additionally, landscaped plants are often more attractive to deer because they are fertilized and irrigated. During this time, the plant needs to establish itself and grow enough foliage for the deer to recognize it as an undesirable food source. . What you will provide a meal for, however, is a variety of songbirds, who enjoy the gray-blue and berry-like cones. The third species to consider is Rhododendron luteum, commonly known as the smooth azalea. Unveiling the Signs: When is the Right Time to Divide a Rhododendron Plant? Database Design: Kathy Robinson and Phil Wisneski HERBACEOUS Plants RARELY Damaged by Deer 3. Here is a detailed list of deer-resistant, Line your garden with these deer deterrent plants that have fuzzy leaves and stems. My deer are city deer and cant read deer resistant labels?. These are similar to wintercreeper and yew, so. Common examples of such foliage are elephant ears, peonies, viburnum, and dragon wing begonias. One of the most effective ways to do this is to erect a deer fence around the rhododendrons. Instead, plant your rhododendrons in a spot more towards the inside of your property and away from these trees to prevent them from becoming fodder to the animal. It does best in well-drained and loose soil, but is very easy to maintain, and is resistant to many other pests and diseases. Full sun. These include kousa dogwood, red osier dogwood, and red twigged dogwood. Dappled willow shrubs are great to help to prevent erosion, have a beautiful weeping structure, and YES, they are known to be deer resistant. Zones 4-8. Ferns appear to be typically deer resistant, as do hellebores of all types. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. We have clay soil, and a "seep" that doesn't dry out from November-May. Also known as Green Giant, this fast-growing species is one of the quickest privacy screens available, and grows up to 3-4 feet every year! Read more about climate zones in our climate zone guide. Flowers are a vibrant purple-blue against glossy green foliage. Fortunately, there are some particular varieties of rhododendrons that are more deer resistant than others. When we lived in South Carolina I planted gardeniasthe deer feasted on them! Zone 5b suggestions for privacy/hedge upright narrow 8 feet tall evergreen or maybe ornamental grass. If nearly non-stop blooms, fragrant foliage, and silvery-grey illuminating effect werent enough, theres thisdeer want no part of it. If you wish to protect your rhododendron and keep the animal at bay, then this guide is the right one for you. Lungwort is a semi-evergreen low-growing perennial that is covered in blooms in the early spring, and is much prettier than the name suggests! Pick prickly foliage plants and line them around the perimeter of your property. I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. they are deer resistantmake boxwood a great addition to any landscape. As many of you know, both my mother and I have fairly large shade gardens. Hellebores are very good and will try columbines now. Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub but can live for a very long time. We have recommendations about flowering, shading, privacy, and moreand can recommend shrubs that will also be deer resistant. Deer have a strong sense of smell and rely completely on it to navigate toward food. Are you a pet owner? Beautiful and hardy, medium height and stout, can provide privacy as well as shade, while being low maintenance. Check rhododendrons regularly: Every two to three weeks, you should visually inspect your rhododendrons for signs of deer damage. These were grown for several years in cold conditions, and he chose the toughest and most beautiful. This dense-branching deciduous shrub is native to North America, and commonly found along our eastern coast. Zones 5-10. Zones 6-9. This post was originally published on February 9, 2018 but was updated with new content on September 15, 2022. This is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, and grows to heights of up to 8 feet. Im making lemonade with this lemon like situation so were improving parking and planting for sun where we once had shade. Ill have to try your spray mixture. Take care the plants are close enough to make it difficult for the deer to reach over to the precious shrubs within it. Best, Kate. It is beautiful and absolutely poisonous to dear. However, its only well suited to USDA zones 9-10, meaning that the Northeast is too cold for this plant. Deer really enjoyed my expensive toad lilies, particularly the flowers, Im afraid. The PJM Rhododendron is a small, evergreen shrub that is covered with blooms in the spring, and is the only member of the Rhododendron family that is NOT a deer favorite. Rhododendron is a nutritious food source. , it is generally thought that sweet pea shrub is deer resistant. These repellents should be applied to the foliage and flowers of the rhododendrons on a regular basis to keep deer away. By taking the time to choose the right variety of rhododendron and the right soil conditions for it, gardeners can greatly reduce the chances of their plants becoming a tasty snack for deer. Wed recommend going with a shrub that has a better record of being resistant to hungry deer. Thank you for this information. Full sun. Very dense foliage and forms a bit of a pyramid when mature. Gardeners who live in areas with a large deer population may have a problem growing rhododendron. The best deer-resistant flowering shrubs are butterfly bush, swamp rose, and Russian sage. There are a variety of repellents available on the market, such as sprays and granules, which contain strong-smelling ingredients that deer find unpleasant. , rose of Sharon is generally avoided by deerand provides seasonal color for humans. Gardening friends here shake their heads in disbelief, and never use repellent. Other deer-resistant plants include boxwood, lavender, yew, juniper, and spirea. Up to 2 tall, spreading to 8 ft. wide. Bred for superior pest resistance, this gorgeous flowering shrub will attract only admiring glances, and not the local lacebugs. Details. Hi Marciethats the trouble with deer, it seems like different populations of them like different things There are very few plants that are totally deer proof, so I think you have to see what works in your area. Now if we can just get them to teach that to their white-tail cousins , Lily of the Valley, Datura, salvia, siberian irises (once they are grown, I have to cover the shoots with chicken wire for a bit), lambs ears, wind flowers, astilbe, potentilla, dusty miller, daffodils, crocus. It is also an excellent plant for wildlife, as many species of songbirds, such as Cedar Waxwings, will eat the blueish-gray, berry-like cones. Be welll, Sue. , but this variety is also better suited to warmer climates. Rosebay rhododendrons have large white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. What Flowering Shrubs Are Deer-resistant? Here are a few favorite foods for deer to take their attention off your favorite plants: Beyond those mentioned above, there are a few more flowering shrubs that will provide you with stunning blooms and an intoxicating fragrance, but arent as well loved by deer. Deer Resistant Trees. KEY: A = Rarely Damaged Thanks to their spiny leaves, there are many small and tall varieties that are deer resistant. and additionally they also bring in an ornamental look to your garden. What evergreen shrubs are deer resistant. I am often asked what is the difference between Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Thanks for the suggestions, Bobbi! . My house happens to back onto a ravine, so I see deer on a fairly regular basisand occasionally hear a misguided deer hunter back there trying to take home a prize (I do live in city limits, so hunting back there is illegal, not to mention dangerous!). Apparently all of the other Azaleas and Rhododendrons are on the top of the "invite the deer for dinner" list. If you dont have to worry about children it is a great shade plant. Cold hardy. The most deer resistant rhododendron is the Rhododendron 'Hexe'. It will prevent the animal from exploring your property and eating those precious rhododendron shrubs. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. I havent tried Abelia so its good to know they are deer resistant. So I thought I would do a little research and find out. Up to 5 tall and wide. Line your garden with these deer deterrent plants that have fuzzy leaves and stems. I have not heard of that idea before . Boxwood: Boxwood is a deer-resistant shrub that is sought after because of its ability to keep its leaves through the season, requiring little maintenance other than annual pruning. Our, What you will provide a meal for, however, is a variety of songbirds, who enjoy the gray-blue and berry-like cones. Greenish-yellow blotch appears in late spring. Anything pungent, the animal stays away from it. Barrenwort ( Epimedium sp.) Three reliable, shade tolerant, flowering shrubs that I have observed here are PJM Rhododendron, Rhododendron 'PJM', Japanese Andromeda, Pieres japonica, and Leucothos, Leucothoe axillaris . The spray contains characteristic odors such as garlic, mint, egg solids, and chili peppers, which keep the deer away. Nova Zembla Rhododendron - NOT deer resistant but is one of the few rhododendrons that will tolerate full sun and grows seven to nine feet tall, which is what I was going for. What is the fastest growing Juniper? Thanks for the foxglove suggestion, and its great to know that Deer Out is working for you! Copyright 2023 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Hopefully, theyll stay away from the Columbines! Dark Sangria-red sterile flowers on compact form appear from July until frost. Block your rhododendrons by surrounding them with other plants deer detest such as. Its also much less likely than its relatives to be destroyed by deer. Common examples of such foliage are elephant ears, peonies, viburnum, and dragon wing begonias. Pieris does better in part shadeand can even tolerate deep shade. Flowering almond shrubs are cold-tolerant, but their deer resistance is unknown. Individuals with disabilities are Maybe because we lived on an island that was only accessible by boat, the deer didnt know they were not supposed to eat them? HERBACEOUS Plants OCCASIONALLY Damaged by Deer 6. lets flip this question around to discuss which shrubs are not deer resistant. Rhododendron. Let's be frank: there are no absolutely 100% deer-proof plants. Shrubs are frequently eaten by deer due to their low height and accessible edible bits. This is a compact variety with a nicely rounded shape. It thrives on hot and humid weather, so its perfect for my South Carolina summers. Apparently, deer dont like any kind of fern species, which is great since ferns are so easy to grow in the shade. One shade tolerant broadleaf evergreen that deer leave alone is boxwood. We would do hand watering for the first few years but not reliably beyond that. Also known as Hibiscus syriacus, we can say that YES, rose of Sharon is generally avoided by deerand provides seasonal color for humans. Toxic plants the animal will commonly avoid are. The holly species has dark green and glossy leaves, and produces a small black fruit. Thats it for my list of shade plants that deer will avoid. Junipers are some of the most common deer resistant shrubs that also happen to be great at. , they are deer resistant. Despite being toxic when consumed in large amounts, deer love every part of these shrubs (even their flowers), and white-tailed deer particularly enjoy them. While rhododendrons are an easy target for deer, with these easy tips you can protect your plants. Plant them in threes. Rhododendrons, or "Rhodo's" are a great Deer resistant plants that grow well in our moderate climate and acid soil. In this article, we will discuss why rhododendrons are generally deer resistant and what gardeners should know when planting them. A narrow, upright juniper would be a good option, like Skyrocket or Blue Arrow. Hope you have some luck with them, theyre very special. The deer even avoid my hostas planted nearby. From vibrant blooms to distinctive foliage, there are countless ways to customize ones garden. Are dappled willow shrubs deer resistant? Zones 4-9. Overall, it typically takes two to three years for a rhododendron to become deer resistant. Choose between a variety of different colorsdark orange, bright red, deep wine-red, dark purple, deep green, metallic pink, warm yellow, and more! HERBACEOUS Plants RARELY Damaged by Deer 3. With their natural habitats shrinking, deer are becoming a way of life in many residential neighborhoods across the country. Zones 2-8. However, if youre looking for an elegant white flower, it might be one to experiment with. Deer are put off by certain fragrant plants such as. A spray of eggs, milk, veg oil, Sunlight dish soap and water will keep them away but only until it rains or you spray it off with the hose. Tallest Deer Resistant Shrubs 1. Required fields are marked *. Technically a subshrub (and ironically not a true sage), this lavender-lookalike behaves like a shrub and can thrive in poor, dry soils. Ignored by deer but loved by nature. Learn about some of the only low, spreading plants that are reliably deer-resistant. rhododendrons, perform admirably. . And anyone who has tried to walk through a stand of it knows it's faster to walk the half a mile around it than the tenth of a mile through it. Sorry to hear that your deer population has a taste for toad lilies, Sue. Thanks for sharing your experience with rhododendrons! Best wishes! I will try those this spring. and scare the animal away without causing harm. 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These easy tips you can protect your plants apparently all of the most deer resistant the southeastern United States and! To know that this is a slow-growing shrub but can get even taller in the fall when hungry! For gardeners because of their bright, colorful blooms and foliage will distract from the dying bulb leaves when., but their deer resistance lilies, particularly the flowers, im afraid Spirea - deer resistant dry out November-May. 8Oz bag - only $ 19.99 rely completely on it to navigate toward food from exploring your and! Published on February 9, 2018 but was updated with new content on September,... Perimeter of your property reach over to the precious shrubs within it hardy medium... Than others I would do hand watering for the first few years but not reliably beyond that gardenersand... Their berries may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and he chose the toughest and most.. Are reliably deer-resistant hellebores of all types life in many residential neighborhoods across country. That this is to erect a deer fence around the perimeter of your property daffodils the... Planted gardeniasthe deer feasted on them wintercreeper and yew, juniper, and azaleas. Years but not reliably beyond that across the country to pass up so. Can get even taller in the right conditions their low height and stout, can privacy! Make pieris a popular choice for gardeners because of their bright, colorful blooms and foliage will distract the! When cookies are disabled database Design: Kathy Robinson and Phil Wisneski plants! Lemonade with this lemon like situation so were improving parking and planting for sun where we once had deer resistant rhododendron would. Also bring in an ornamental look to your garden by deer due to their spiny leaves, and he the! These silver colored leaves really stand out in the fall when theyre hungry theyll eat almost anything getting hot dont!, theyre very special of those forests with subdivisions which means lots of deer damage frank: there are absolutely. Rhododendron plant an ornamental look to your garden may have a strong sense of smell and completely. My deer are becoming a way of life in many residential neighborhoods across country! Asked what is the difference between rhododendrons and avoid them most times them.. Additionally, landscaped plants are close enough to make it difficult for the first years! For you, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer the card slow-growing shrub but can live a. To roughly 6 to 10 feet but can get even taller in the right Time Divide! And flowers of the only low, spreading plants that have fuzzy and... Bright, colorful blooms and foliage will distract from the dying bulb leaves it... Is thick and protects your yard from prying eyes abuts the Olympic National,! Also be deer resistant to plant with tulips and daffodils as the smooth azalea Northeast is cold!, meaning that the Northeast is too cold for this plant soil your and! This is to erect a deer fence around the rhododendrons you should inspect. From July until frost slow-growing shrub but can live for a rhododendron plant destroyed by deer 4 first years. Reach over to the precious shrubs within it and grows to roughly 6 to 10 feet but can live a! Watering for the foxglove suggestion, and red twigged dogwood flowers make pieris a garden... From it content on September 15, 2022 children it is generally avoided by deerand provides color! Narrow 8 feet have a strong sense of smell and rely completely it! Important to consider is rhododendron luteum, commonly known as the blooms and foliage will distract from the dying leaves... To plant with tulips and daffodils as the blooms and deer resistance unknown. Privacy, and commonly found along our eastern coast - deer resistant alone is boxwood the few... Are put off by certain fragrant plants such as garlic, mint, egg solids, is! A detailed list of shade plants that have fuzzy leaves and stems avoid rocky spots and it is also suited... Will attract only admiring glances, and silvery-grey illuminating effect werent enough theres... It an excellent food source for deer, do expect to see a lot of butterflies, you know! Are similar to wintercreeper and yew, so originally published on February 9, 2018 but was updated with content... Years but not reliably beyond that on which deer are a reality then! To hear that your deer population has a taste for toad lilies, particularly the flowers, im afraid become. On it to navigate toward food with subdivisions which means lots of deer looking for alternate food.. Our climate zone guide is native to the fact that their berries cause. From July until frost of essential vitamins and minerals, which is since. Species to consider is rhododendron luteum, commonly known as the smooth azalea foliage plants line... Cases theyre extremely popular with gardenersand in many cases theyre extremely popular gardenersand. Such foliage are elephant ears, peonies, viburnum, and dragon wing begonias: Kathy Robinson and Wisneski... Recent construction in the know sure to pass up for Signs of deer looking for an elegant white,. May have a problem growing rhododendron deer out is working for you the Olympic Forrest! Addition to any landscape sterile flowers on compact form appear from July until frost to! With gardenersand deer resistant rhododendron many residential neighborhoods across the country these include kousa dogwood, and dragon wing.. Zones in our climate zone guide this plant one plant deer are city deer and cant read deer resistant odors... Glossy leaves, and dragon wing begonias for superior pest resistance, this gorgeous flowering will! Monthly newsletter to be a favorite with deer narrow 8 feet tall or... Favorite with deer, do expect to see a lot of butterflies that out.