Deer-resistant plants are those that the animal will stay away from due to their prickly foliage, furry leaves, and strong scents. What Flowering Shrubs Are Deer-resistant? Theyre also fast growing, and can reach up to 20 feet in just a few years. Fortunately, there are some evergreen trees and shrubs that are mostly avoided by deer. Common examples of such foliage are elephant ears, peonies, viburnum, and dragon wing begonias. Check out all of the plants below to see the widest number of choices. I have two Snowflake Spirea and have had them 7 years. What is the fastest growing Juniper? I commented above, and thanks again-it is like bringing growing time into the dead of winter-8 below! It grows to roughly 6 to 10 feet but can get even taller in the right conditions. The animal avoids plants that are leathery or fibrous as they find them difficult to digest. This includes many juniper species, boxwood, pieris, heavenly bamboo, and holly. , camellia shrub, also known as camellia bush (. Yes, deer love to eat rhododendrons and azaleas, especially in the colder months when there isnt much green foliage for them left to feed on. Gardening is a great way to beautify ones outdoor space and add unique touches to any living area. Up to 4 tall and wide. Are you a pet owner? So you will need to protect your shrubs by employing some methods that we have listed below. Also known as Hibiscus syriacus, we can say that YES, rose of Sharon is generally avoided by deerand provides seasonal color for humans. 2. Tolerates heat and sun better than most other varieties. 16. When using a repellent, make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. I appreciate it! Like Eastern red cedar, this is another juniper that could host cedar apple rust, so keep it away from apples. My deer are city deer and cant read deer resistant labels?. A member of the heath family (Ericaceae), its cousins include rhododendron . Hi Jennifer, Ive been reading all over the interne, including your piece, that deer love rhododendrons. One option for deer-resistant flowering shrubs is the Brilliant Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia "Brilliantissima") which, like azaleas, offers both spring and fall interest, with lush white . Ignored by deer but loved by nature. 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. is one of the most deer tolerant plants for shady gardens. Zones 4-10. I actually live in an area where deer are plentiful. , but this variety is also better suited to warmer climates. If you wish to share our content, please click here to see our conditions. Prevent an infestation by choosing resistant species or hybrids that show resistance and by keeping the area around the plant cleaned up. Alternatively, you could try draping deer netting over your rhododendrons next fall. Who needs flowers when the leaves are so pretty? Not all varieties of rhododendrons are deer resistant. Arborvitaes are popular with gardenersand in many cases theyre extremely popular with deer, too. When it comes to deer resistant rhododendrons, gardeners should take extra precautions to ensure that the plants remain healthy and safe from deer damage. There are a variety of repellents available on the market, such as sprays and granules, which contain strong-smelling ingredients that deer find unpleasant. Ive tried all kinds of home mixes and store bought remedies, but Deer Out has workedso far!! How long does it typically take for a rhododendron to become deer resistant? The good news is that there are a number of strategies gardeners can employ to make rhododendrons less attractive to deer and keep their plants safe from these hungry intruders. My solution now is an 8-foot tall black steel mesh deer fence: {{gwi:387895}} Notice, the rhododendrons are mushroom shaped. Dappled willow shrubs are great to help to prevent erosion, have a beautiful weeping structure, and YES, they are known to be deer resistant. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. They can also tolerate drought and make for a perfect privacy screen. Yes, rhododendrons are generally deer resistant. 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. Choose Rhododendron Varieties Deer Dislike, Deer dislike some varieties of rhododendrons and avoid them most times. A word of caution here; these plants are toxic to pets as well. In harsh northern winters, they will browse the juniper, Thank you for your comment. Use rocks of varying sizes and shapes so that the deer will find it impossible to walk over them. For deer-resistant dogwood species, significant deer damage is rare. Examples of such plants are. The third species to consider is Rhododendron luteum, commonly known as the smooth azalea. 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 . Rhododendron is easy to digest. Thanks for the suggestions, Rebecca! Here is a detailed list of deer-resistant, Line your garden with these deer deterrent plants that have fuzzy leaves and stems. Zones 4-9. . It's almost impossible to keep deer out, but . A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Rhododendrons from Cuttings, A Guide to Controlling Pests on Rhododendrons, Propagating Rhododendrons: A Step-by-Step Guide. Overall, it typically takes two to three years for a rhododendron to become deer resistant. It will prevent the animal from exploring your property and eating those precious rhododendron shrubs. Below you will find a comprehensive list of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals, ground covers, and vines that are deer resistant. Unveiling the Signs: When is the Right Time to Divide a Rhododendron Plant? Examples of such varieties include 'PJM Elite', 'Elizabeth', and 'Hotei'. and additionally they also bring in an ornamental look to your garden. We have recommendations about flowering, shading, privacy, and moreand can recommend shrubs that will also be deer resistant. Evergreen With Fantastic Spring Show. , rose of Sharon is generally avoided by deerand provides seasonal color for humans. In general, it takes between two and three years for a rhododendron to become deer resistant. Up to 4 tall and 5' wide, with up to 6 flower spikes. Ferns appear to be typically deer resistant, as do hellebores of all types. 2018 availability. Examples of such plants are cardoon, sea hollies, globe thistle, and bears breeches. Use deer repellents: Deer repellents are a great way to deter deer from your garden and prevent them from damaging your rhododendrons. This is a hardy evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and is native to the Appalachian mountains. Anything pungent, the animal stays away from it. 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. The fact that they have purple leaves and are easy to grow and maintain make ninebark shrubs a good garden choice. Zones 5-9. Who doesnt need more late-summer-into-fall flowers? Rhododendrons are a beautiful and . 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. It may not keep the animal away but will reduce it from lingering long and exploring your property any further. Tallest Deer Resistant Shrubs 1. The most effective deer deterrent is a fencebut it must be at least 8 feet tall, or else the deer will jump right over, as you've experienced. This compact variety is colorful and upright. Spirea, juniper, yucca, and blue spruce have been very reliable. A succulent that is dense and protective. Penstemon is also fairly deer resistant. Line your shrubs with these plants and see the animal stay away from eating them. Most rhododendrons are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, although some variance exists between . See our list of deer-resistant plants to encourage Bambi to walk on by. It is a dense, evergreen shrub that grows to a height of 6-8 feet and a width of 4-6 feet. But one important factor to consider when planting rhododendrons is their level of deer resistance. Hellebores are very good and will try columbines now. The best deer-resistant flowering shrubs are butterfly bush, swamp rose, and Russian sage. I'm a professional gardener and have been in the business for 44 years. Rhododendrons that are planted in well-draining, slightly acidic soil are less likely to be damaged by deer, as they are more likely to thrive in such conditions. Full sun. Cistus is an unsung hero of dry, sunny gardens. Finally, gardeners should be sure to keep their rhododendrons well-maintained. Create a rocky perimeter around your property or specifically around your rhododendron shrubs. Boxwoods are another easy to grow evergreen bush, and are well known for being easy to shape. Planting Pros Recommend: Fertilome Root Stimulator 4-10-3 - 16oz - Only $19.99. In the fall, however, male deer will pick out several mature rhododendrons and attack them with their horns. Fortunately, there are some particular varieties of rhododendrons that are more deer resistant than others. We can say that the versatility of boxwood shrubs and the fact that. as they find them difficult to digest. Preventing deer damage to the shrubs is one of the best ways, so dive right into the section. Think salvia, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, poppies, globe amaranth, lantana, and cleome. They leave our cosmos & dahlias alone. Choose plants that are native to your area. Between dark green foliage and stunning red berries, youll love surrounding your patio or deck with this shrub, but deer wont be as impressed. , it is generally thought that sweet pea shrub is deer resistant. Let us know if you have any tried-and-true deer-resistant plants in your garden. Heres another reason: YES, all ninebark species are avoided by deer and other animals. So the fact that they are deer-resistant and fairly drought-tolerant (once established) makes them an even better plant selection for your perennial garden. These anemones will spread so make sure to plant them where they have room to do so. The pink Dogwood and red Japanese maple are now tall enough that the deer cant reach the tops. The fact that they have purple leaves and are easy to grow and maintain make ninebark shrubs a good garden choice. You can keep your deer from eating your rhododendrons by creating barriers and using deterrents. They can also tolerate drought and make for a perfect privacy screen. Aside from plum yews (Cephalotaxus), these are a well-known favorite for deer. The bristly texture is harsh on the animals tongue thus they detest it. According to Rutgers University, most Euonymus varieties are damaged by deer, but wintercreeper experiences the worst and is frequently severely damaged by Bambi. Technically a subshrub (and ironically not a true sage), this lavender-lookalike behaves like a shrub and can thrive in poor, dry soils. Do not plant your rhododendrons near fences, steps, and railings as deer can stand on their hind feet to pull out the shrubs. Are Rhododendron Deer Resistant? When it comes to native evergreen shrubs, this is one of the best choices for a shrub that will be ignored by deer. Up to 2 tall, spreading to 8 wide. Get a budget-friendly one or a decorative garden fence from your local store that is at least eight to twelve feet in height. 1. Swamp rose can reach heights of up to 7 feet, and while you may be attracted to its light pink flowers, deer wont. We will update our content. Common examples of such foliage are elephant ears, peonies, viburnum, and dragon wing begonias. No, the purple gem rhododendron is a shrub that the deer love to feast on. During this time, the plant needs to establish itself and grow enough foliage for the deer to recognize it as an undesirable food source. Best wishes! , they are known to be deer resistant. Deer Resistant Trees. In addition to keeping deer away, these low-lying shrubs are great for shrub beds or hedging. Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub but can live for a very long time. An ideal spot that will be out of reach will be to plant them near the porch or deck. I went to my favorite nursery to see if could be special ordered, and they said it wouldn't be available this year. Are rhododendron deer resistant? How To Keep Deer From Eating Rhododendrons, You can keep your deer from eating your rhododendrons by. We list the botanical genus name which will cover all plants starting with that name. The spray contains characteristic odors such as garlic, mint, egg solids, and chili peppers, which keep the deer away. Block your rhododendrons by surrounding them with other plants deer detest such as. Try in dry shade gardens where other plants wont grow! The dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly. Reapply the repellent every few weeks to ensure that deer stay away from your rhododendrons. However, its only well suited to USDA zones 9-10, meaning that the Northeast is too cold for this plant. lets flip this question around to discuss which shrubs are, In some cases, landowners will want to support the. What certainly doesnt go unseen, however, are the deer that have become worrisome for many people living in the Northeast, including in, Its high time we talk about deer damage, as well as what deer resistant shrubs in the Northeast can be planted to not only look great, but also keep deer at bay. Zones 5-10. with Rutgers websites to: accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier or Provide Feedback Form. Cold hardy. Hot-pink flowers pop against foliage that starts as bright orange and matures to gold. 2023 MONROVIA NURSERY COMPANY. If youre looking for a multi-functional shrub to add to your landscape, let us help! e.g. When selecting rhododendrons for your garden, its important to choose plants that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. How to Choose Deer Resistant Shrubs For Your Front and Backyard, When we think of garden pests, we often think of insects who often arent seen but certainly leave their mark on some of our favorite flowers, vegetables, plants, and shrubs. Note that no plant is completely "deer proof", particularly when deer densities are high. This is the first year for the deer fence. In these areas, gardeners need to be willing to share, . Then last winter none of my rhododendrons were deer resistant and they even figured out how to get at the plants under the netting. Mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia) is Pennsylvania's State Flower . Native to the Southeast, we might be pushing hardiness with this zone 5-9 tolerant shrub. School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Office of Continuing Professional Education, Report Accessibility Barrier or Provide Feedback Form, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Executive Dean of Agriculture and Natural Resources. If you have a short fence, plant tall ferns near it which will act as a double fence and discourage the animal from jumping over. This large shrub has beautiful yellow flowers and a wonderful scent. Shrubs are frequently eaten by deer due to their low height and accessible edible bits. Now I now what I should try. Full sun. Pinus is the Pine genus and means that all the hundreds of Pine varieties are resistant. Please share it with others who also love to garden (use the icons at the top of this page). Some varieties, such as the hybrid types, are less attractive to deer than others. Again, many of the taller shrubs are also excellent for providing shade. 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Such foliage are elephant ears, peonies, viburnum, and are easy to grow maintain.
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