Thanks, Will! Among the most popular are Kalmia latifolia ( Mountain Laurel ) and Pieris japonica (Japanese andromeda) whose particularly attractive blooms overlap with those of Rhododendrons and Azaleas and create a . Zones 5-9. How can deer resist something that smells this good? Flowering lasts for 4-6 weeks in spring, and then . The first step in making rhododendrons less attractive to deer is to select varieties that are not as palatable to deer as other varieties. Of course in the fall when theyre hungry theyll eat almost anything. Spring flowers, late summer berries, fall color, and layered form that shines in every season. Hardy and heat- and drought-tolerant with aromatic foliage that deters deer. . Versatile small shrub for sunny beds and borders with late summer blooms. The dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly. Deer Resistant Flowers Surround your property with rhododendron types such as. Dappled willow shrubs are great to help to prevent erosion, have a beautiful weeping structure, and YES, they are known to be deer resistant. Examples of such plants are. One thing to keep in mind, thoughno plants are totally deer proof. (the ones that deer dont like very much). Up to 8 tall, 5 wide. A cold-hardy, blue-gray creeping juniper. In addition, plants that have dense, leathery foliage are also less likely to be eaten by deer due to their tough texture. In addition, young deer will basically eat anything they encounter as they learn about what is edible and what isn't. How long does it typically take for a rhododendron to become deer resistant? In many cases, proximity to a house is not enough to deter hungry deer in the latter half of winter. This species is native to eastern North America and is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 18 feet. This large shrub has beautiful yellow flowers and a wonderful scent. Deer really enjoyed my expensive toad lilies, particularly the flowers, Im afraid. However, while rhododendrons are generally deer resistant, it can take some time for them to become completely deer proof. Furthermore, install sensor devices that sense intruder motion and scare the animal away without causing harm. Contact us today for help! Im Wanda and I believe that anyone can create a relaxing garden retreat in their city backyardno matter the size. Wonderful in containers. Just look at this patch growing on the north side of my house which is so close to my neighbors house they dont get any sun at all. Check out all of the plants below to see the widest number of choices. Attractive deer resistant plants: Rhododendrons, daffodils, Mexican sage, Lithodora and hellebores. We narrowed our list down to 18 gorgeous deer-resistant shrubs that will suit gardens across the country. Zones 4-9. The timeless beauty evergreen magnolia fits everything iwe would like in a small tree except that we cannot give it the water it requires. I planted a Japanese Dappled Willow which died, and several perennials which said they tolerate soggy soils, but nothing is thriving. Use a fishing line and surround the perimeter of your flower bed. With their strong sense of smell, deer are sensitive to certain odors and fragrances. Rhododendrons are shrubs with showy flowers in spring, usually in shade of white, pink, purple and red. For those of us who want an easy to maintain arborvitae that grows well in any soil, our best bet is the. Silene has survived the deer for eight years now. Surround your property with rhododendron types such as rosebay rhododendron, Gibraltar azalea, or Carolina rhododendron and you find the animal staying steer clear. Additionally, landscaped plants are often more attractive to deer because they are fertilized and irrigated. Let us summarize the key points from this article through the list below. In the lists on the following pages, deer feeding preferences are classified as follows: Frequently Damaged Plants that are deer . Katie redoing our bushes live in st Germain, looking for 3lavendar plants, love the orange rocket barberry 2 . Partial to full sun. Consequently, deer can cause significant damage to a rhododendron plant in a matter of days. I will try those this spring. This includes many juniper species, boxwood, pieris, heavenly bamboo, and holly. Choose the right plants and you can have color despite the darn deer! Website Design: Phil Wisneski. Other varieties of dogwood may become more damaged, however. Zones 4-9. Are Ligustrum Ibolium s DEER resistant Or DEER Proof? WOODY Ornamental Plants OCCASIONALLY Damaged by deer 5. Blossoms flower in spring, then again in summer until frost. Content: Pete Nitzsche, Pedro Perdomo, and David Drake We would do hand watering for the first few years but not reliably beyond that. Finally, gardeners should be sure to keep their rhododendrons well-maintained. The deer eat all my 'regular' rhododendrons but do not eat the PJM variety. Examples of such varieties include 'PJM Elite', 'Elizabeth', and 'Hotei'. Prevent an infestation by choosing resistant species or hybrids that show resistance and by keeping the area around the plant cleaned up. Do not plant your rhododendrons near fences, steps, and railings as deer can stand on their hind feet to pull out the shrubs. Junipers are some of the most common deer resistant shrubs that also happen to be great at providing shade. Despite all of that, I have never had a problem with deer eating my plants, even though lots of my neighbors have. The best deer-resistant flowering shrubs are butterfly bush, swamp rose, and Russian sage. Deer Feeding Preferences The plants deer prefer to eat vary from region to region and can even change seasonally. However, it can be difficult to keep these plants safe from the ravages of deer, who are known to love munching on the tender leaves. Zones 4-9. Thanks for the suggestion, Syble! Best wishes! Write in the comments, or share them with us on social media @MonroviaPlants. and additionally they also bring in an ornamental look to your garden. This spray contains an ingredient that deer find unpleasant and will help to deter them from eating your plants. Wed recommend going with a shrub that has a better record of being resistant to hungry deer. If you're looking for the best deer resistant plant to grow in your landscape then you've found it. Its a tall beautiful yellow bush like flower that hummingbirds absolutely adore and deer hate. Explodes with masses of soft yellow early spring flowers. . Deer-Resistant Plants Deer have preferences for feeding on certain plant species. The first species to consider is Rhododendron catawbiense, commonly known as the Catawba rhododendron. 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. What Flowering Shrubs Are Deer-resistant? Additionally, you can also plant tall grasses, ferns, thyme, mint, and daffodils around rhododendrons to keep the animal away from them. We mentioned a Rutgers University study of deer resistance earlier, and they found that some varieties of dogwood are known to be seldom damaged by deer, so YES, there are some deer resistant types of dogwood shrubs. It's a good option to use as a privacy hedge if you are planting it in a location with partial sun, under the shadows of tall trees. Tips To Keep the Animal Away. Planting time Yezberries or haskaps (Lonicera caerulea) are an easy to grow edible that grows like a shrub from Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs. As several varieties are available, you can choose those that grow taller to suit your landscaping needs, although most varieties are relatively compact, growing just 3-4 feet tall. First, it is important to understand the concept of deer resistance. Small lot in town full sun, 2 to 3 feet wide. Rosebay rhododendrons have large white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. The leaves could be described as Magnolia-like and it has such beautiful bark. Direct exposure: Full sun to partial shade . Exploring the Unique Appearance of the Mustard Tree. Many shade bloomers, including the P.J.M. encouraged to direct suggestions, comments, or complaints concerning any accessibility issues Also lavender has worked well, and it blooms in summer. Fitting accent for a well groomed yard that is low maintenance relative to other plants in the genus. These anemones will spread so make sure to plant them where they have room to do so. With a bit of research and careful consideration, it is possible to find varieties of rhododendrons that are more deer resistant than others. . It turns out that deer are much like humans when it comes to food palate their tastes vary! The next step is to create a physical barrier to deer. Some other beautiful options are Japanese pieris, mountain laurel, eastern red cedar, Chinese juniper, and spirea . Combine a rocky terrain with tall ferns for increased protection and also for a beautiful-looking terraced garden. Hope you have some luck with them, theyre very special. I knew I moved to paradise when I moved out here away from Virginia white-tails. Perfect upright and dense small tree laden with large fragrant flowers over a long season. In addition to using a deer repellent spray, other methods of deterring deer include planting other deer-resistant plants near your rhododendrons, installing a fence to keep deer away, and using motion activated lights or sprinklers. This list provides a guide and was developed from a variety of sources which may not all be equally reliable. Fortunately, there are plenty from which to choose. During this time, the plant needs to establish itself and grow enough foliage for the deer to recognize it as an undesirable food source. In some cases, landowners will want to support the biodiversity and ecological systems that surround them, and one of the best things to do in this case is provide rabid grazers with some tasty shrubs. The animal avoids plants that are leathery or fibrous as they find them difficult to digest. The common hybrid rhododendron seems to be a favorite food of deer. Beautiful, upward, conical shape supported by bright green leaves on tightly packed branches. Greenish-yellow blotch appears in late spring. Deer Resistant Plants. But they arent very aggressive so you can easily pull them out if you dont want them to naturalize. Theyre also fast growing, and can reach up to 20 feet in just a few years. Up to 3 tall and wide. Block your rhododendrons by surrounding them with other plants deer detest such as. It may not keep the animal away but will reduce it from lingering long and exploring your property any further. Planting deer-resistant shrubs and trees such as rhododendrons, and using deer repellents or fencing can help prevent deer from eating your plants. When selecting plants, be sure to choose species that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions to ensure the best chance of success. Get a budget-friendly one or a decorative garden fence from your local store that is at least eight to twelve feet in height. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Use rocks of varying sizes and shapes so that the deer will find it impossible to walk over them. Bred for superior pest resistance, this gorgeous flowering shrub will attract only admiring glances, and not the local lacebugs. Let your dog sleep in the yard or garden as a. . The real issue with their abundance is a lack of hunting pressure in neighborhoods, and misguided people who wanting to be kind set up feeding stations. They can also tolerate drought and make for a perfect privacy screen. (No irrigation system in this part of our property ) What would you suggest we plant for a small tree ith similar wonderful qualities? There are many different types of deer repellents available on the market, such as scent-based repellents and natural repellents. Gardeners know that one of the most frustrating aspects of growing rhododendrons is keeping deer away. If youre looking for the tallest deer resistant shrubs, the Eastern red cedar might take the cake as it can reach up to 50 feet tall. So if youre a big Rhododendron fan like I am, you may have to be careful where you plant them. Junipers are some of the most common deer resistant shrubs that also happen to be great at. Clearly this is a topic that we must continue to explore and we value real-time input from gardeners like you about what does and does not work. Nature Hills Root Booster - 8oz bag - Only $14.99. So my mother and I are on a mission to help you do just that by sharing the DIY outdoor projects, plant suggestions and gardening tips weve learned through our combined 75+ years of experience. Just a few ideas from a fellow gardener (who wishes I was zone 9 ;-). Read more about deer fencing I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables, watching them grow, then harvesting their fruits or veggies to cook with my family at dinner time. D = Frequently Severely Damaged. 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. Some types of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas. We can say that the versatility of boxwood shrubs and the fact that. I recently planted some rhododendrons in my yard and I'm so glad to hear that they are deer resistant. Other deer-resistant plants include boxwood, lavender, yew, juniper, and spirea. Rhododendron P.J.M has a distinctive lavender-pink flower color and a burgundy fall and winter leaf color. For some taller varieties to form into a shade providing hedgerow/privacy screen, consider the following (all of which have dense foliage and upright pyramidal forms): A type of Juniper, these trees can reach heights upwards of 50 feet, resistant to deer, and would be great for blocking the sun! Individuals with disabilities are Shrubs such as juniper, forsythia, potential, and rose of Sharon are a few that the deer stay away from. Deer avoid rocky spots and it is a natural way to keep them at a distance. Perfect for pruning as deer-resistant topiaries. They leave our cosmos & dahlias alone. A compact, upright variety with no unwanted seedlings, and long-lasting purple flowers. If you are looking for help gardening youve come to the right place! Dappled willow shrubs are great to help to prevent erosion, have a beautiful weeping structure, and. so that the deer do not go right through it. They are great to plant with tulips and daffodils as the blooms and foliage will distract from the dying bulb leaves. Understanding the Basics of Fertilizing Rhododendrons, Caring for Your Potted Rhododendron: A Step-by-Step Guide. The spray contains characteristic odors such as garlic, mint, egg solids, and chili peppers, which keep the deer away. I live along the wet west coast where black-tail deer (and some mule deer) are the only species present. Recent construction in the area has replaced a lot of those forests with subdivisions which means lots of deer looking for alternate food sources. A friend just told me Pieris Japonica is a go, and since it is toxic to pets, I assume this is the reason. They're also at the top of the . Use deer repellents: Deer repellents are a great way to deter deer from your garden and prevent them from damaging your rhododendrons. If youre planting in an area with heavy clay soil or partial shade, you may want to consider other species of rhododendron. Ignored by deer but loved by nature. Let us know if you have any tried-and-true deer-resistant plants in your garden. No, Rhododendrons are not deer resistant and in cold winter months when there is not much foliage available for the animal, the tangy taste of the rhododendron leaves is a delight for them. However, if youre looking for an elegant white flower, it might be one to experiment with. I have found they stay away from foxglove too. They grayish-green leaves are beautiful, but the shrub is more commonly known for its fruitswhich also happen to be coated in a waxy substance that is aromatic, used to make soap, attractive to birds, and generally repellent to deer. Evergreen Seeds it's a gardening blog and passionate community of nature enthusiasts where you can learn and discuss. Even in neutral soil (pH 7.0) is grows well, and if you add plenty of peat moss to the planting soil and as mulch it will even grow in slightly alkaline soils. How often should deer-resistant rhododendrons be checked for deer damage? Are you a pet owner? Fix it at a height of about two or three feet so that the deer do not go right through it. Create a rocky perimeter around your property or specifically around your rhododendron shrubs. For several years, this has been one of the rare pants with flowers the deer have not touched so far. Their olfactory senses dislike pungent and strong odors and therefore they stay away from them. Planting Instructions: Select a location protected from strong winds. ), these are a well-known favorite for deer [16]. and in cold winter months when there is not much foliage available for the animal, the tangy taste of the rhododendron leaves is a delight for them. What can I substitute for Rhododendrons? If they are hungry enough, deer will eat pretty much anything. The only thing about using rhododendron as a . ), these are a well-known favorite for deer. Up to 3 tall and wide. For deer-resistant dogwood species, significant deer damage is rare. Karen. With a combination of selective planting, physical barriers, repellents, and proper maintenance, gardeners can keep their rhododendrons safe and beautiful. While these methods can help to keep deer away, they cannot guarantee that your rhododendrons will remain deer resistant. I'm looking forward to having them in my garden for years to come! The fact that they have purple leaves and are easy to grow and maintain make ninebark shrubs a good garden choice. Its also important to know that while the leaves and stems will keep deer away, theyre also poisonous to pets. Im sure they would be eaten if the deer liked them, so it sounds like daisies are another one to add to the list . Partial to full sun. Select ones that are not on their preferred menu. In harsh northern winters, they will browse the juniper, Thank you for your comment. Line your garden with these deer deterrent plants that have fuzzy leaves and stems. Fortunately, there are plenty of shade-loving perennials that feature at least one of those characteristics and are avoided by deer in all but the leanest of times. We will update our content. What you will provide a meal for, however, is a variety of songbirds, who enjoy the gray-blue and berry-like cones. When preferred types of food are in short supply, deer will (and do) eat almost any kind of garden plant and shrub. Mine get mostly shade. Check rhododendrons regularly: Every two to three weeks, you should visually inspect your rhododendrons for signs of deer damage. Bravo! Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub but can live for a very long time. Are rhododendron deer resistant? While large varieties are certainly available, smaller accent shrubs will still provide the thorny, wiry branches that keep deer away. Compact, sun, and heat-loving, with showy rose-purple blooms with maroon spots. The plant totally disappears when it starts getting hot so dont be alarmed when that happensit will come back again next spring! I find the smell of dirt pleasant. It may not keep the animal away but will reduce it from lingering long and exploring your property any further. This species is native to eastern North America and is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 18 feet. Despite the fact that the genus Rhododendron contains well over 1,000 distinct species, most rhododendrons are not deer-resistant. It can be toxic to pets, so if you have a dog that likes to chew on your plants, you may want to be careful about planting this. They are thriving here near La Pine, OR at 4200'. Are flowering almond shrubs deer resistant? Zones 8-10. Thanks for the suggestion, Susan! A tough, compact variety that doesn't burn in full sun. Deer-resistant does not mean deer-proof, and even the plants on this list will get nibbled on from time to time. Since we just discussed most of the plants that deer dont like to eatin the Northeast, deflection is another effective strategy to offer plants that Deer really do enjoy. A high fence will make it difficult for the animal from jumping over and thus restrict access to your property. Lucky for us, they do. Cistus is an unsung hero of dry, sunny gardens. This post was originally published on February 9, 2018 but was updated with new content on September 15, 2022. When selecting rhododendrons for your garden, its important to choose plants that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. The only sure-fire way to keep the deer from nibbling is to put up a tall enough fence. I havent tried Abelia so its good to know they are deer resistant. Hellebores make fantastic buddy plants for rhododendrons, having the included perk of beginning to flower around mid-January in our location, with numerous brand-new ranges having attractive foliage. Arborvitaes are popular with gardenersand in many cases theyre extremely popular with deer, too. . Thanks to their spiny leaves, there are many small and tall varieties that are deer resistant.