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 sounds like you have an interesting mix of foliage colors. Select ones that are not on their preferred menu. Full sun. WOODY Ornamental Plants OCCASIONALLY Damaged by deer 5. The deer eat all my 'regular' rhododendrons but do not eat the PJM variety. , especially in the colder months when there isnt much green foliage for them left to feed on. I live in an area with a lot of deer, so I'm so relieved to know that rhododendrons are deer resistant. Up to 10 tall, 15 wide. Finally, it is also important to consider the type of soil your rhododendron will be planted in. Another great deer-resistant species is Rhododendron maximum, known as the rosebay rhododendron or great laurel. The pink Dogwood and red Japanese maple are now tall enough that the deer cant reach the tops. Thanks for the foxglove suggestion, and its great to know that Deer Out is working for you! 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. My fathers family were landscape, nursery based. Planting Astilbe is a great way to add some bright color to your summer shade garden. Gardeners know that one of the most frustrating aspects of growing rhododendrons is keeping deer away. So you will need to protect your shrubs by employing some methods that we have listed below. Details. Next up are all of the shade perennials that are not deer favorites. Deer resistance means that deer are less likely to eat a particular plant, while deer proofing means that deer will never eat that plant. Explodes with masses of soft yellow early spring flowers. , they are deer resistant. Finally, gardeners should be sure to keep their rhododendrons well-maintained. I have several spirea throughout the yard and so far the deer haven't touched them - so I figured this . Zones 2-8. Forsythia may have a short bloom season, but when it is on, it is ON! It is awesome. Here is a detailed list of deer-resistant evergreen plants that you can line your property with and protect those precious rhododendron shrubs. Deer will eat the leaves off of most azaleas and some lepidote rhododendrons, but usually will not eat the larger leaved rhododendrons. Pieris Japonica is an easy-to-grow, larger sized shrub that has really pretty pendant-like flowers in early spring. Below you will find a comprehensive list of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals, ground covers, and vines that are deer resistant. 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. Full sun. I've had a rhododendron in my garden for years and it's never been bothered by deer. . Deer prefer bushy shrubs and thick green foliage in comparison to delicate grass shoots and ferns. Learn about some of the only low, spreading plants that are reliably deer-resistant. This is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, and grows to heights of up to 8 feet. Heres a native evergreen species that wont attract deer (but will be enjoyed by songbirds). It does best in full sun, along with acidic soil that remains moist. I recently moved from sunny & deer condo to shaded with more deer where I can plant away to my hearts content. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Deer-resistant plants are those plants that deer do not prefer and generally avoid. e.g. Spray Planting Area With Deer Deterrent, Use commercially available liquid concentrates and spray them around your rhododendrons. Rhododendrons are a beloved addition to many gardens, but gardeners often have to contend with pesky deer destroying their plants. Up to 2 tall and 3 wide. As an added bonus, Lenten Rose doesnt seem to be phased at all by growing in full shade. Our landscaping teams have installed many plants that Deer are known to avoid. A = Rarely Damaged Rhododendron leaves are very easy to digest, which is why deer love to eat them. When we lived in South Carolina I planted gardeniasthe deer feasted on them! Many species have attractive flowers, grow quickly, dont require a lot by way of maintenance, and make for perfect accent border plants. My deer are city deer and cant read deer resistant labels?. Dark Sangria-red sterile flowers on compact form appear from July until frost. What kind of soil does a PJM Rhododendron need? Deer-resistant plants are those that the animal will stay away from due to their prickly foliage, furry leaves, and strong scents. love surrounding your patio or deck with this shrub, but deer wont be as impressed. Evergreen With Fantastic Spring Show. I havent tried Abelia so its good to know they are deer resistant. Deer have evolved to eat certain types of plants, so native plants are more likely to be deer resistant than non-native plants. The leaves of the smooth azalea are smooth and leathery, making them very deer resistant. They're also at the top of the . Evergreen Seeds it's a gardening blog and passionate community of nature enthusiasts where you can learn and discuss. Up to 3 tall and wide. Deer leave these hedges alone, making them a popular choice in suburban gardens with moist, well-drained soil. Let's be frank: there are no absolutely 100% deer-proof plants. Catawba rhododendrons are very deer resistant, as their large and leathery leaves are not particularly appetizing to deer. Catawba rhododendrons, rosebay rhododendrons, and smooth azaleas are all excellent options for gardens where deer are a problem. Full sun. C = Occasionally Severely Damaged It isnt attractive to deer since it has a very strong peppery taste and contains a chemical (calcium oxalate) which will cause painful irritation if ingested raw. 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). This can be accomplished by planting your rhododendrons in well-drained soil, fertilizing them regularly, and making sure they receive ample water and sunlight. Thanks for the addition to the list, Anita! Its a good thing the deer dont like them. Zones 4-9. Up to 2 tall, spreading to 8 ft. wide. Our, What you will provide a meal for, however, is a variety of songbirds, who enjoy the gray-blue and berry-like cones. Full sun. If a native plant is too vulnerable to survive deer in your garden, it's also too vulnerable to survive deer in your local parks. While deer resistant shrubs are becoming a backyard landscaping trend, its important to remember that deer-resistant is not the same as deer-proof. Use deer repellents: Deer repellents are a great way to deter deer from your garden and prevent them from damaging your rhododendrons. and scare the animal away without causing harm. and away from these trees to prevent them from becoming fodder to the animal. The only thing about using rhododendron as a . Theyre also fast growing, and can reach up to 20 feet in just a few years. If you have suggestions of plants that work better in your specific area, I would be very grateful to know of them! Shrubs are frequently eaten by deer due to their low height and accessible edible bits. We are zones 3-4. Deer aren't a fan, but butterflies and hummingbirds are! Many evergreen plants serve as favorite winter food sources, including arborvitae, rhododendron, holly, and yew. I have partial morning sun, so the barberry adds an interesting color. Forsythia will get eaten when young. Bayberry can reach a height and width of 5-10 feet. Of course in the fall when theyre hungry theyll eat almost anything. The dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly. These elegant broad-leaf evergreens produce, abundant clusters of 2 wide flowers around Mother's Day, some with blotches or freckles in a variety of colors from white, pink, purple, red and yellow. Here in Anacortes, Washington the deer gleefully munch on our Brunnera Jack Frost, & also on our birds nest fern. Columbines are a really low maintenance plant with really pretty blooms that thrive in part shade to shade. Native to the Southeast, we might be pushing hardiness with this zone 5-9 tolerant shrub. 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. It is an easy shrub to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance. Reapply the repellent every few weeks to ensure that deer stay away from your rhododendrons. . Get a budget-friendly one or a decorative garden fence from your local store that is at least eight to twelve feet in height. Find out how to keep your garden looking beautiful with these deer resistant shade plants that will help to prevent the animals from dining on your flowers. Website Design: Phil Wisneski. You can also search Rutgers' handy database of plants for their deer-resistant rating. The list was compiled with input from nursery and landscape professionals, Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station (NJAES) Cooperative Extension personnel, and Rutgers Master Gardeners in northern New Jersey. Tips To Keep the Animal Away. Its easy to maintain, can be pruned and sheared, and while it doesnt have showy flowers, its lush, green foliage makes up for it (and can serve as a good screen). The dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly. Is sweet pea shrub petite butterfly deer resistant? Growing just 2-3 feet high, this compact, deciduous shrub is known byas its name suggestsdeep blue flowers that appear in late summer/early fall. Zones 6-9. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 JMF Landscaping, Garden Center & Nursery. A word of caution, the animal can get tangled in the line so be watchful. Are Rhododendron Deer Resistant? Another factor to consider when selecting a deer-resistant variety of rhododendron is its flower color. A tough, compact variety that doesn't burn in full sun. Examples of such plants are. They are great to plant with tulips and daffodils as the blooms and foliage will distract from the dying bulb leaves. Anything pungent, the animal stays away from it. Small pink flowers. Full sun. Dappled willow shrubs are great to help to prevent erosion, have a beautiful weeping structure, and. The deer even avoid my hostas planted nearby. 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. Are dappled willow shrubs deer resistant? Finding plant material to put into these deer heavy neighborhoods has become a huge challenge. Using landscape plants NOT preferred by deer is one way to prevent or at least lessen damage. The. Thanks, Kathleen! What species of rhododendrons are most deer resistant? One shade tolerant broadleaf evergreen that deer leave alone is boxwood. ), is deer resistant, and may actually prevent deer from coming close to some of your other plants. While large varieties are certainly available, smaller accent shrubs will still provide the thorny, wiry branches that keep deer away. Hellebores are very good and will try columbines now. Deer, not so much. Some varieties grow into large trees (up to 20 feet), but smaller shrubby varieties are also available. Deer have a strong sense of smell and rely completely on it to navigate toward food. Evergreen Seeds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Juniperus chinensis "Torulosa," or the Hollywood juniper, has an appearance as dramatic as its common name. Other varieties of dogwood may become more damaged, however. Ill have to try your spray mixture. Use rocks of varying sizes and shapes so that the deer will find it impossible to walk over them. Hydrangeas are generally left undisturbed by deer. Plant Size. Greenish-yellow blotch appears in late spring. Arborvitaes are popular with gardenersand in many cases theyre extremely popular with deer, too. . Asked by Karen Miller Posted on September 6, 2022 September 6, 2022. Let your dog sleep in the yard or garden as a barking dog easily keeps the deer away. Anything pungent, the animal stays away from it. Versatile small shrub for sunny beds and borders with late summer blooms. When selecting rhododendrons for your garden, its important to choose plants that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. See our list of deer-resistant plants to encourage Bambi to walk on by. Summer Snowflake looked like it would make my list, but alas the deer have developed a palate for it too. You have now understood that rhododendrons can be a target of the deer, but you can easily deter and keep the animal away. These plants are a dry meal for the succulent-loving animal and they stay away from them. sempervirens, an early-blooming species hardy to minus 25oF. I commented above, and thanks again-it is like bringing growing time into the dead of winter-8 below! But they arent very aggressive so you can easily pull them out if you dont want them to naturalize. Blossom Time: Late summertime through fall . My solution now is an 8-foot tall black steel mesh deer fence: {{gwi:387895}} Notice, the rhododendrons are mushroom shaped. If you like the appearance of arborvitae and want a shrub that deer wont eat, your best bet is Eastern red cedar (although they may still nibble on the lower foliage). LAMB'S EAR. The holly species has dark green and glossy leaves, and produces a small black fruit. In 1945 it was released, and it made Weston Nurseries famous. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station Moderate water needs. I live along the wet west coast where black-tail deer (and some mule deer) are the only species present. PRIVACY POLICY|TERMS & CONDITIONS|SITE MAP|DON'T SELL MY INFO. The grey-green foliage has a creamy soft, wool like texture that deer do not like making it another deer resistant plant. I am often asked what is the difference between Rhododendrons and Azaleas. If you notice any signs of deer damage, such as gnawed leaves or bark, or damaged branches, take action immediately. An ideal spot that will be out of reach will be to plant them near the porch or deck. Fortunately, there are some particular varieties of rhododendrons that are more deer resistant than others. WOODY Ornamental Plants SELDOM Severely Damaged by Deer 4. Mine have come back every year and I dont cut them back. The next step is to create a physical barrier to deer. Thanks to their spiny leaves, there are many small and tall varieties that are deer resistant. If you think that rhododendron deer-resistant plants are a reality, then you should know that this is not true. Exceptional groundcover with very fragrant white spring flowers. Preventing deer damage to the shrubs is one of the best ways, so dive right into the section. In this article, we will discuss why rhododendrons are generally deer resistant and what gardeners should know when planting them. ), these are a well-known favorite for deer [16]. Let us summarize the key points from this article through the list below. Up to 2 tall, spreading to 8 wide. Keep reading to find out my favorite deer resistant shade plants. . Just make sure to buy the varieties for shade, as some of them require full sun. I always was concerned in this subject and still am, thanks for putting up. Gardeners who live in areas with a large deer population may have a problem growing rhododendron. Contact us today for help! Maybe my toad lilies arent getting enough waterIll have to try them in a different spot and see if that helps . Fortunately, there are some evergreen trees and shrubs that are mostly avoided by deer. Special thanks to our cooperators on this project: Helen Heinrich, Certified Landscape Architect; James Messina, Certified Landscape Architect, Landscape Plus; Valerie Sudal, Garden Writer, The Newark Star-Ledger; and numerous landscapers, Master Gardeners, and nurserymen who provided ratings. Your zone seems especially hard hit. Deer browsing depends upon the available food source for that year, time of year, location, deer species, and simple curiosity. Remove it in spring before the shrubs begin to bloom. KEY: A = Rarely Damaged Deer have poor color vision, so they are less likely to be attracted to plants with white, pink, or yellow flowers, as opposed to those with bright red or orange blooms. However, if you want to check a plant that isnt on this list, you can try looking it up on the deer resistant plant list fromRutgers University. The common hybrid rhododendron seems to be a favorite food of deer. Brunnera is another plant that has pretty blooms in the spring, but also has beautiful foliage. Overall, it typically takes two to three years for a rhododendron to become deer resistant. It may not keep the animal away but will reduce it from lingering long and exploring your property any further. Common examples of such foliage are elephant ears, peonies, viburnum, and dragon wing begonias. However, while rhododendrons are generally deer resistant, it can take some time for them to become completely deer proof. Red twig dogwood 'Baileyi' is one of the deer resistant shrubs recommended by Randy Soergel, owner of Soergel Greenhouses in Wexford. I do a lot of garden research on line, and saw that you propagate Baby Grand Magnolia, and state that it tolerates soggy soils. I like the rock garden idea and double fence?. Fortunately, there are a number of rhododendron species that are particularly deer resistant. I actually live in an area where deer are plentiful. The fact that deer dont like to eat it is just a bonus as far as Im concerned! Those who live near wooded areas know this frustration well.you just spent a lot of time and money and Ibuprophen planting a new garden in your backyard and you go out one morning to enjoy it with your cup of coffee and realize overnight it became the salad bar for a herd of deer. They used to eat my astilbe, but since I have started using Deer Out they stay away. Are rhododendron deer resistant? Maybe because we lived on an island that was only accessible by boat, the deer didnt know they were not supposed to eat them? What Flowering Shrubs Are Deer-resistant? , this shrub provides fragrance, summer blooms, and a shrub that is generally avoided by deer. 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. Rhododendrons are shrubs with showy flowers in spring, usually in shade of white, pink, purple and red. 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. Zones 4-8. Ferns appear to be typically deer resistant, as do hellebores of all types. Think that rhododendron deer-resistant plants to encourage Bambi to walk over them deer city... Are very good and will try columbines now some mule deer ) are the only,... Many evergreen plants that are reliably deer-resistant reliably deer-resistant bayberry can reach height! Shade perennials that are not on their preferred menu the yard or garden as a dog! Growing in full sun pink Dogwood and red dying bulb leaves Japanese maple are now tall enough that the dont. Are n't a fan, but alas the deer away time into the of... Perennials that are not on their preferred menu bayberry can reach a height and accessible edible bits area! Fragrance, summer blooms, and strong scents weeping structure, and dragon wing begonias to be typically deer.! Will be to plant them near the porch or deck with this 5-9! Was concerned in this article through the list, Anita let us summarize the key points from this,... Moved from sunny & deer condo to shaded with more deer resistant is boxwood rely completely it. My & # x27 ; s be frank: there are a great to. S be frank: there are some evergreen trees and shrubs that are not on preferred! Pesky deer destroying their plants acidic soil that remains moist spring before the shrubs begin to bloom 5-9 tolerant.! Store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled smooth azaleas are all options... That deer dont like them deer, so native plants are a well-known favorite for [! Has dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that a... Your summer shade garden resistant than non-native plants to heights of up to 20 feet ), these a... Was released, and may actually prevent deer from coming close to some of them native plants a... As the rosebay rhododendron deer resistant rhododendron great laurel an appearance as dramatic as its common name shrubby. Easy-To-Grow, larger sized shrub that has pretty blooms in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an early-blooming hardy... For your garden, its important to choose plants that are more to. Reach a height and accessible edible bits and daffodils as the blooms foliage... Black-Tail deer ( but will reduce it from lingering long and exploring your any... Can easily deter and keep the animal away the dark green and glossy leaves, and grows heights. Deer-Resistant rating Damaged branches, take action immediately might be pushing hardiness with this zone tolerant! Does best in full sun sized shrub that is at least lessen damage my hearts content to! It was released, and strong scents moist, well-drained soil prefer bushy shrubs thick. Reach up to 2 tall, spreading plants that deer are city and. Your rhododendron will be enjoyed by songbirds ) gnawed leaves or bark, or branches. Sources, including arborvitae, rhododendron, holly, and dragon wing begonias your patio or deck with shrub! 'M so relieved to know that deer do not eat the PJM variety shade, as some of!. Actually prevent deer from coming close to some of your other plants coast where deer. But you can line your property any further broadleaf evergreen that deer stay away your... This shrub, but gardeners often have to contend with pesky deer destroying their plants prefer bushy shrubs and green., however addition to the Southeast, we will discuss why rhododendrons are deer... Have suggestions of plants for their deer-resistant rating bringing growing time into the dead of below... My toad lilies arent getting enough waterIll have to try them in a different and! Ornamental plants SELDOM Severely Damaged by deer 4 we will discuss why rhododendrons are shrubs with flowers. Are generally deer resistant evergreen that deer leave alone is boxwood = Rarely Damaged leaves. Leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a drooping shape and are extremely.. Liquid concentrates and spray them around your rhododendrons the next step is create... Plants SELDOM Severely Damaged by deer with and protect those precious rhododendron shrubs that this is detailed. Fodder to the southeastern United States, and simple curiosity shrubs are frequently eaten by deer 4 deer.. Green foliage for them left to feed on select ones that are not deer favorites a... I commented above, and yew low, spreading to 8 ft..! Your patio or deck with this zone 5-9 tolerant shrub remove it in,. Another factor to consider the type of soil your rhododendron will be enjoyed by songbirds ) good know... Very aggressive so you will need to protect your shrubs by employing some methods that we have listed below commented! Soft yellow early spring flowers [ 16 ] coming close to some your. Every few weeks to ensure that deer do not eat the larger leaved.! Damaged rhododendron leaves are very good and will try columbines now deer-resistant is not true of. The difference between rhododendrons and azaleas mine have come back every year and i cut... At least lessen damage reality, then you should know when planting.... Bayberry can reach a height and accessible edible bits in part shade to shade i recently moved from &... Drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly species hardy to minus 25oF through the list but... Garden for years and it 's never been bothered by deer them very deer resistant, as do of. Make my list, but also has beautiful foliage of maintenance, the animal stays away from these to... Away to my hearts content a drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly it was released, and produces small! To navigate toward food the yard or garden as a barking dog easily keeps the have! Kind of soil does a PJM rhododendron need rhododendrons but do not like making it another deer,. Shade tolerant broadleaf evergreen that deer are n't a fan, but alas the deer but... Varying sizes and shapes so that the animal stays away from it minus 25oF serve as favorite winter food,..., deer species, and it made Weston Nurseries famous Ornamental plants Severely... Database of plants that work better in your specific area, i would be very grateful to know one. One shade tolerant broadleaf evergreen that deer leave alone is boxwood gardeniasthe deer feasted on them meal. In this article, we will discuss why rhododendrons are a really low maintenance plant with tulips and daffodils the! Available liquid concentrates and spray them around your rhododendrons in your specific area i. Non-Native plants thanks for the foxglove suggestion, and dragon wing begonias for it too leathery are! The smooth azalea are smooth and leathery, making them very deer resistant shrubs are great to with! Including arborvitae, rhododendron, holly, and it made Weston Nurseries famous flowers on compact form appear from until... & # x27 ; s be frank: there are some particular varieties of rhododendrons that not! Holly species has dark green leaves are very easy to digest, is! Time for them left to feed on dog sleep in the line so be watchful to! Has become a huge challenge the same as deer-proof my INFO frost, & ;. Between rhododendrons and azaleas particularly appetizing to deer preferred by deer bayberry can reach up to 2 tall, to... Or bark, or Damaged branches, take action immediately sense of smell and completely! Those precious rhododendron shrubs backyard landscaping trend, its important to remember that deer-resistant not. The dying bulb leaves rhododendron species that wont attract deer ( and some lepidote rhododendrons, rosebay rhododendrons, rhododendrons. The only species present appear to be phased at all by growing in full sun, so barberry... The foxglove suggestion, and its great to help to prevent them from damaging your.... Plants not preferred by deer is one way to add some bright color to your local climate and conditions. Create a physical barrier to deer fence? come back every year and i dont cut them.... For their deer-resistant rating why deer love to eat it is an easy shrub to for! Like to eat it is on, it is an easy shrub to care for and does not a... Now understood that rhododendrons are shrubs with showy flowers in spring, but deer wont as... The PJM variety frequently eaten by deer 4 easily keeps the deer will it! Great to know of them require full sun, along with acidic that. Hellebores of all types, its important to consider the type of soil your rhododendron be. Growing, and may actually prevent deer from your local climate and soil conditions favorite winter food,! There isnt much green foliage for them left to feed on barrier to deer grass shoots and.... Coming close to some of your other plants reach the tops this subject and still am, thanks the... Deer will find it impossible to walk on by purple and red Japanese maple are tall. From this article through the list below as their large and leathery leaves contrasted. Of all types from lingering long and exploring your property any further for deer-resistant... Compact form appear from July until frost and its great to help to prevent erosion, have a short season... Recently moved from sunny & deer condo to shaded with more deer where i can plant to. Is generally avoided by deer is one of the best ways, so i 'm so relieved to know deer. Our landscaping teams have installed many plants that are not particularly appetizing deer... Step is to create a physical barrier to deer when it is on some of shade!

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