I discovered that if you cut up a bar of charcoal into small pierces and place it around plants you do not want eaten they will stay away from that area of the garden. Catawba rhododendrons, rosebay rhododendrons, and smooth azaleas are all excellent options for gardens where deer are a problem. Partial to full sun. Partial to full sun. 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. According to Rutgers University, most Euonymus varieties are damaged by deer, but wintercreeper experiences the worst and is frequently severely damaged by Bambi. However, if youre looking for an elegant white flower, it might be one to experiment with. Swamp rose can reach heights of up to 7 feet, and while you may be attracted to its light pink flowers, deer wont. Some can grow up to 100 feet tall! These are a hybrid that is evergreen in the winter, has a small leaf and has a particular odor to the leaf when you crush it. These include kousa dogwood, red osier dogwood, and red twigged dogwood. The green leaf clusters remain evergreen even through our Pacific Northwest snowfalls. Finally, gardeners should be sure to keep their rhododendrons well-maintained. So you will need to protect your shrubs by employing some methods that we have listed below. The most deer resistant rhododendron is the Rhododendron 'Hexe'. Thank you for your feedback! Additionally, landscaped plants are often more attractive to deer because they are fertilized and irrigated. What kind of soil does a PJM Rhododendron need? 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). So weve written quite a bit about plants that thrive in the shade. Some plants, both native and ornamental, used for landscaping are preferred as forage by deer. Ferns seem to be generally deer resistant as do hellebores of all types. Flowers are a vibrant purple-blue against glossy green foliage. We have clay soil, and a "seep" that doesn't dry out from November-May. Choose an Appropriate Location for Rhododendrons, Do not plant your rhododendrons near trees that attract deer such as willow, apple, oak, hawthorn, cedar, yew, and. WOODY Ornamental Plants FREQUENTLY Severely Damaged by Deer 7. , rose of Sharon is generally avoided by deerand provides seasonal color for humans. Zones 4-8. Use commercially available liquid concentrates and spray them around your rhododendrons. Are you a pet owner? A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Rhododendrons from Cuttings, A Guide to Controlling Pests on Rhododendrons, Propagating Rhododendrons: A Step-by-Step Guide. This is the first year for the deer fence. One of the questions that I always get asked is if those plants are deer resistant. 2 comments on "Deer Resistant Shrubs for Northern Wisconsin" Rita Kelnhofer @ May 23, 2019 at 11:55 am. It thrives on hot and humid weather, so its perfect for my South Carolina summers. I absolutely love my Japanese painted ferns! Deer leave these hedges alone, making them a popular choice in suburban gardens with moist, well-drained soil. I have two Snowflake Spirea and have had them 7 years. If I spent a bunch of time making them into balls like this garden in France, Id be really upset if a deer came along and wrecked it all! Deer Feeding Preferences The plants deer prefer to eat vary from region to region and can even change seasonally. Thats it for my list of shade plants that deer will avoid. Zones: 3-8 . A Visual Guide to Mustard Greens: What Do They Look Like? sempervirens, an early-blooming species hardy to minus 25oF. Plus, in late spring, youll be blessed with stunning pale pink flower clusters that are bigup to six-inches in diameter big! Full sun. Zones 4-9. Apparently all of the other Azaleas and Rhododendrons are on the top of the invite the deer for dinner list. C = Occasionally Severely Damaged I also wonder if a Cinnamomum might fit the bill. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, deer love to eat rhododendrons and azaleas, especially in the colder months when there isn't much green foliage for them left to feed on."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What Flowering Shrubs Are Deer-resistant? Up to 8 tall, 5 wide. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions. Overall, it typically takes two to three years for a rhododendron to become deer resistant. The animal avoids plants that are leathery or fibrous as they find them difficult to digest. Deer may develop a taste for any new plant depending on the season, when it was planted, how much water it gets, and a host of other factors. Its also important to know that while the leaves and stems will keep deer away, theyre also poisonous to pets. Are rhododendron deer resistant? Using landscape plants NOT preferred by deer is one way to prevent or at least lessen damage. Its also much less likely than its relatives to be destroyed by deer. The plants deer prefer to eat vary from region to region and change seasonally. A tree Manzanita would be nice, too. 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. 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. I have great success with toad lily against the foundation of my house where the get barely any light at all. Nothing was safe. Taking these steps can help to ensure that your rhododendrons remain healthy and deer-free. Deer, rabbits, raccoons, and coyotes are common, but deer and rabbits cause the most damage. The animal dislikes strong odors and the smell of the spray will be a put-off for them. as they find them difficult to digest. They'll nibble away small stems, break off flower heads, and graze on the whole plant until nothing but a small stub remains. Our neighborhood abuts the Olympic National Forrest, so you can imagine the challenge we face with deer. These include kousa dogwood, red osier dogwood, and red twigged dogwood. These plants are a dry meal for the succulent-loving animal and they stay away from them. Deer are put off by certain fragrant plants such as. 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. I have to admit that I have not had much success growing toad lilies. Its a tall beautiful yellow bush like flower that hummingbirds absolutely adore and deer hate. Of course in the fall when theyre hungry theyll eat almost anything. Zones 2-8. Try in dry shade gardens where other plants wont grow! Bamboo is an evergreen deer resistant (or semi-evergreen) shrub provides beauty throughout the entire year. Install physical barriers: Physical barriers, such as fences or netting, are also a great way to protect your rhododendrons from deer damage. PRE-ORDER FOR SPRING - All orders made now will be delivered in Spring 2023 - LEARN MORE. If you are worried about their spread, look for seedless varieties. Zone 5b suggestions for privacy/hedge upright narrow 8 feet tall evergreen or maybe ornamental grass. A compact, upright variety with no unwanted seedlings, and long-lasting purple flowers. It wasnt that many years ago that most of the land around here was wooded. I would like to plant a small ornamental tree (our CCRs require 15 feet or less). Can I order directly from you? 3. What can I substitute for Rhododendrons? However, with proper care, diligent maintenance, and the use of deer repellent sprays and other deterrents, you can help ensure that your rhododendrons remain deer resistant for many years to come. A dense, pointed conifer with a naturally conical growth habit. Next up are all of the shade perennials that are not deer favorites. Unveiling the Signs: When is the Right Time to Divide a Rhododendron Plant? Th plants are small or medium depending on where purchased. , they are deer resistant. Up to 4 tall and wide. While they typically wont attract deer, do expect to see a lot of butterflies. But after looking into deer resistant shade plants, I think part of it may be that I (unintentionally) chose the right plants! Are rose of Sharon shrubs deer resistant? Let us know if you have any tried-and-true deer-resistant plants in your garden. For fragrance, theres nearly nothing better than a lilac shrub. Beautiful and hardy, medium height and stout, can provide privacy as well as shade, while being low maintenance. 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. Toxic plants the animal will commonly avoid are. Up to 2 tall, spreading to 8 ft. wide. For deer-resistant dogwood species, significant deer damage is rare. 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. A word of caution, the animal can get tangled in the line so be watchful. If food is scarce enough, hungry deer have been . What evergreen shrubs are deer resistant. A tough, no-nonsense choice where you need a rugged, low-maintenance groundcover. Deer avoid rocky spots and it is a natural way to keep them at a distance. Boxwoods are another easy to grow evergreen bush, and are well known for being easy to shape. (the ones that deer dont like very much). Full sun. Maybe my toad lilies arent getting enough waterIll have to try them in a different spot and see if that helps . Since a starving deer will eat any-thing to stay alive, no plant is guaranteed! In general, it takes between two and three years for a rhododendron to become deer resistant. With their natural habitats shrinking, deer are becoming a way of life in many residential neighborhoods across the country. Gardening is a great way to beautify ones outdoor space and add unique touches to any living area. Use deer repellents: Deer repellents are a great way to deter deer from your garden and prevent them from damaging your rhododendrons. We love gardening and we want to share this love with you. Some examples of small, compact varieties that are more deer resistant include 'English Roseum', 'Coccinea', and 'J.C. Pinus is the Pine genus and means that all the hundreds of Pine varieties are resistant. I'm definitely going to add some to my garden! , many spirea shrubs will also not be the meal-of-choice for deer. Tallest Deer Resistant Shrubs 1. Deer-Resistant Plants Deer have preferences for feeding on certain plant species. This species is native to eastern North America and is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 18 feet. The shrub is not resistant to the animal which loves to chew on its leaves, especially in winters. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 JMF Landscaping, Garden Center & Nursery. Its also much less likely than its relatives to be destroyed by deer. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Deer love to munch on the lush foliage and flowers of rhododendrons and can quickly decimate an entire planting if not kept at bay. , we mentioned barberry shrubs earlier. However, its only well suited to USDA zones 9-10, meaning that the Northeast is too cold for this plant. Rhododendron is a very nutrient-rich plant. Japanese pieris can reach average heights of 9-12 feet tall. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Deer love to munch on the leaves of the plant. Thanks to their spiny leaves, there are many small and tall varieties that are deer resistant. So these are some of the plants that are least likely to be eaten by deer, but there are no guarantees! The only sure-fire way to keep the deer from nibbling is to put up a tall enough fence. WOODY Ornamental Plants SELDOM Severely Damaged by Deer 4. YES, we mentioned barberry shrubs earlier. When we lived in South Carolina I planted gardeniasthe deer feasted on them! In addition to keeping deer away, these low-lying shrubs are great for shrub beds or hedging. Zones 4-9. Junipers are some of the most common deer resistant shrubs that also happen to be great at providing shade. Forsythia may have a short bloom season, but when it is on, it is ON! 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. Up to 3 tall and wide. Here is a detailed list of deer-resistant evergreen plants that you can line your property with and protect those precious rhododendron shrubs. Perfect for pruning as deer-resistant topiaries. Are Venus Fly Traps Poisonous For People and Pets. I am often asked what is the difference between Rhododendrons and Azaleas. It contains high levels of essential vitamins and minerals, which make it an excellent food source for deer. KEY: A = Rarely Damaged Let's be frank: there are no absolutely 100% deer-proof plants. This post was originally published on February 9, 2018 but was updated with new content on September 15, 2022. Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Zones 3 - 5 Lil' Sizzle Spirea A tough, compact variety that doesn't burn in full sun. 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. Write in the comments, or share them with us on social media @MonroviaPlants. Mix Strong Smelling Plants With Your Rhododendron, Surround your rhododendron shrubs with plants that emit a strong smell. so that the deer do not go right through it. Varieties such as 'Fragrantissimum', 'Odysseus', and 'Album Elegans' are all known to be more deer resistant due to their white, pink, or yellow flowers. It's great to know that they are deer resistant and that they can thrive in your garden. love surrounding your patio or deck with this shrub, but deer wont be as impressed. This deer-resistant shrub bears reddish fall foliage and bluish berries in addition to white flowers in the spring. 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. van Tol'. 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. First, it is important to understand the concept of deer resistance. With their strong sense of smell, deer are sensitive to certain odors and fragrances. 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. In these areas, gardeners need to be willing to share, . Full sun. And, considersubscribing to our monthly newsletter to be in the know! The holly species has dark green and glossy leaves, and produces a small black fruit. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection such as the use of fencing, repellents, etc. We are sorry. Relatively few rhododendrons are fully hardy . 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 . Monkshood is a beautiful late summer, early fall flower that is poisonous and deer avoid. 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. $79.19. Here are our top 10 tips on how to choose deer resistant plants for your garden: 1. The grey-green foliage has a creamy soft, wool like texture that deer do not like making it another deer resistant plant. Other varieties of dogwood may become more damaged, however. 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. Deer have a strong sense of smell and rely completely on it to navigate toward food. 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