They start blooming in the winter and are often still blooming in June. Choose Rhododendron Varieties Deer Dislike, Deer dislike some varieties of rhododendrons and avoid them most times. HERBACEOUS Plants OCCASIONALLY Damaged by Deer 6. The PJM Rhododendron does . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Rhododendrons are a hardy, evergreen shrub that is widely used in landscaping due to its beautiful, showy blooms and lush foliage. Deer love to munch on the lush foliage and flowers of rhododendrons and can quickly decimate an entire planting if not kept at bay. Up to 2 tall and 3 wide. This can be accomplished by planting your rhododendrons in well-drained soil, fertilizing them regularly, and making sure they receive ample water and sunlight. YES, but this variety is also better suited to warmer climates. We already mentioned wintercreeper, which is in the same Eunoymus family as burning bush. Here are our top 10 tips on how to choose deer resistant plants for your garden: 1. The animal avoids plants that are leathery or fibrous as they find them difficult to digest. . Read more about climate zones in our climate zone guide. Some varieties may be more appealing to deer than others, so it is best to research the type of rhododendron you are planting to determine its deer resistance. Deer Resistant Flowers During this time, the plant needs to establish itself and grow enough foliage for the deer to recognize it as an undesirable food source. 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. Varieties such as 'Fragrantissimum', 'Odysseus', and 'Album Elegans' are all known to be more deer resistant due to their white, pink, or yellow flowers. An ideal spot that will be out of reach will be to, Are you a pet owner? Gardeners love to plant shrubs. I do have some Japanese Iris, some sweet flag, and some calla lilies that are doing fairly well in that spot. Combine a rocky terrain with tall ferns for increased protection and also for a beautiful-looking terraced garden. How long does it typically take for a rhododendron to become deer resistant? We just went through a tornado causing the loss of many trees and shrubs. I also wonder if a Cinnamomum might fit the bill. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Details. Very dense foliage and forms a bit of a pyramid when mature. Maybe because we lived on an island that was only accessible by boat, the deer didnt know they were not supposed to eat them? Here is a detailed list of deer-resistant evergreen plants that you can line your property with and protect those precious rhododendron shrubs. Use a fishing line and surround the perimeter of your flower bed. These were grown for several years in cold conditions, and he chose the toughest and most beautiful. Take care the plants are close enough to make it difficult for the deer to reach over to the precious shrubs within it. Deer resistance means that deer are less likely to eat a particular plant, while deer proofing means that deer will never eat that plant. The spray contains characteristic odors such as garlic, mint, egg solids, and chili peppers, which keep the deer away. 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! These anemones will spread so make sure to plant them where they have room to do so. Boxwood is also one of the most deer-resistant shrubs available. Do not plant your rhododendrons near fences, steps, and railings as deer can stand on their hind feet to pull out the shrubs. A cold-hardy, blue-gray creeping juniper. A tough, no-nonsense choice where you need a rugged, low-maintenance groundcover. Zones 5-10. It is native to North America from Ontario and Nova Scotia south to Ohio, Alabama, and Georgia, with a concentration of plants in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Some examples of small, compact varieties that are more deer resistant include 'English Roseum', 'Coccinea', and 'J.C. Hi Jennifer, Ive been reading all over the interne, including your piece, that deer love rhododendrons. Description: From 150-foot trees to creeping shrubs, evergreen to deciduous, with tubular flowers usually grouped at. Let us summarize the key points from this article through the list below. 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. For those of us who want an easy to maintain arborvitae that grows well in any soil, our best bet is the Thuja variety. Evergreen With Fantastic Spring Show. This list provides a guide and was developed from a variety of sources which may not all be equally reliable. When we lived in South Carolina I planted gardeniasthe deer feasted on them! Just a few ideas from a fellow gardener (who wishes I was zone 9 ;-). I have planted euphoria which is a green plant with tiny little faces on the tips of mature leaves. Realizing that no plant is deer proof, plants in the Rarely Damaged, and Seldom Severely Damaged categories would be best for landscapes prone to deer damage. We always had something blooming but that was in Ohio. Anything pungent, the animal stays away from it. Swamp rose can reach heights of up to 7 feet, and while you may be attracted to its light pink flowers, deer wont. Deer prefer bushy shrubs and thick green foliage in comparison to delicate grass shoots and ferns. Also known as Carolina allspice, we can say that YES, this shrub provides fragrance, summer blooms, and a shrub that is generally avoided by deer. Using landscape plants NOT preferred by deer is one way to prevent or at least lessen damage. This is a deciduous shrub native to the southeastern United States, and grows to heights of up to 8 feet. Deer-Resistant Plants Deer have preferences for feeding on certain plant species. Many evergreen plants serve as favorite winter food sources, including arborvitae, rhododendron, holly, and yew. Copyright 2023 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. When selecting rhododendrons for your garden, its important to choose plants that are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. holly shrubs are deer resistant, thanks to the fact that their berries may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. A few examples of such plants are ladys mantle, flowering tobacco, poppies, Siberian bugloss, and purple top vervain. Its also much less likely than its relatives to be destroyed by deer. Theyre also fast growing, and can reach up to 20 feet in just a few years. Think salvia, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, poppies, globe amaranth, lantana, and cleome. What about Arbutus menziesii? Forsythia: As soon as spring rounds the corner, forsythia's yellow flowers bloom. Foliage is a shiny dark green. Catawba rhododendrons, rosebay rhododendrons, and smooth azaleas are all excellent options for gardens where deer are a problem. Smooth azaleas have attractive yellow or orange flowers that bloom in late spring. First of all, remember that deer resistant does not mean deer proof! Zones: 3-8 . Best, Kate. Another way to make rhododendrons less attractive to deer is to use deer repellents. The fact that they have purple leaves and are easy to grow and maintain make ninebark shrubs a good garden choice. Full shade. 2. Ferns appear to be typically deer resistant, as do hellebores of all types. Using the same university study, we can conclude that YES, many spirea shrubs will also not be the meal-of-choice for deer. Just make sure to buy the varieties for shade, as some of them require full sun. If youre planting in an area with heavy clay soil or partial shade, you may want to consider other species of rhododendron. Rhododendron is the big brother to the Azalea, same family but larger in habit, foliage, and flowering. Deer resistance is not the same as deer proofing. Karen. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions. As I mentioned, in a pinch deer will eat just about anything so it's important to work with your local garden center to get the best local choices. Aside from plum yews (Cephalotaxus), these are a well-known favorite for deer. Up to 4 tall, 6 wide. Wed recommend going with a shrub that has a better record of being resistant to hungry deer. 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. Blossom Time: Late summertime through fall . Join our dynamic garden community. WOODY Ornamental Plants FREQUENTLY Severely Damaged by Deer 7. Purple/pink flowers bloom from early May through June at least. When it comes to deer resistant rhododendrons, gardeners should take extra precautions to ensure that the plants remain healthy and safe from deer damage. YES, we mentioned barberry shrubs earlier. I am gardening a half acre of hillside in Sequim, Washington, zone 8a. Deer tend to avoid plants that are hairy, spiny, tough, or particularly aromatic. This species is native to eastern North America and is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 18 feet. No, the purple gem rhododendron is a shrub that the deer love to feast on. LANDSCAPE DESIGN The 7 Best Plant Types . As an extremely drought-tolerant species, Eastern, Heres a native evergreen species that wont attract deer (but will be enjoyed by songbirds). Abies, True Fir; Acer circinatum, Vine Maple; Acer negundo, Box . 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. Check out all of the plants below to see the widest number of choices. Are Venus Fly Traps Poisonous For People and Pets. An evergreen conversation starter especially in colder zones, with striped foliage and tall, showy spikes of blooms. Tips To Keep the Animal Away. Gardening friends here shake their heads in disbelief, and never use repellent. New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station The only thing about using rhododendron as a . , they are known to be deer resistant. This is one plant Deer are sure to pass up! Spirea, juniper, yucca, and blue spruce have been very reliable. The holly species has dark green and glossy leaves, and produces a small black fruit. This large shrub has beautiful yellow flowers and a wonderful scent. Deer Resistant: Yes Inkberry Holly (Ilex gabra) Inkberry holly is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen shrub that grows in an upright habit with small greenish-white flowers during May and June. The holly species has dark green and glossy leaves, and produces a small black fruit. 8940 192ST, Surrey, BC, Canada | Hours: Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm Tel: 604.882.1201 These include kousa dogwood, red osier dogwood, and red twigged dogwood. Mock orange shrubs have an intoxicating fragrance, plus, YES, they are deer resistant. See our list of deer-resistant plants to encourage Bambi to walk on by. Zones 5-9. Planting shrubs or trees on the outside of the fence can also help to make the barrier more effective. 88 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8525. Rhododendrons are a popular choice for gardeners because of their bright, colorful blooms and deer resistance. Planting time Yezberries or haskaps (Lonicera caerulea) are an easy to grow edible that grows like a shrub from Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs. Up to 3 tall and wide. With a combination of selective planting, physical barriers, repellents, and proper maintenance, gardeners can keep their rhododendrons safe and beautiful. Particularly, azaleas appear to be a favorite with deer. I am in zone 3 btw. Our, What you will provide a meal for, however, is a variety of songbirds, who enjoy the gray-blue and berry-like cones. Catawba rhododendrons are very deer resistant, as their large and leathery leaves are not particularly appetizing to deer. and it is a natural way to keep them at a distance. Heat and cold tolerant, deer resistant shrub. It may not keep the animal away but will reduce it from lingering long and exploring your property any further. A tree Manzanita would be nice, too. Five most-deer-resistant plants for shade: clockwise from upper left: Sweetbox (Sarcococca), Lily of the Valley Shrub (Pieris), Leucothoe, Rhododendron, and Hellebore (Helleborus) Most conifer trees (fir, incense cedar, deodar cedar, false cypress, cypress, juniper, spruce, pine, Fix it at a height of about two or three feet so that the deer do not go right through it. Try in dry shade gardens where other plants wont grow! PRE-ORDER FOR SPRING - All orders made now will be delivered in Spring 2023 - LEARN MORE. Zones 9-11. The spray contains characteristic odors such as garlic, mint, egg solids, and chili peppers, which keep the deer away. Partial to full sun. 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. Rhododendron P.J.M has a distinctive lavender-pink flower color and a burgundy fall and winter leaf color. Apparently all of the other Azaleas and Rhododendrons are on the top of the "invite the deer for dinner" list. Read more about deer fencing Thanks, Kathleen! Deer have evolved to eat certain types of plants, so native plants are more likely to be deer resistant than non-native plants. So weve written quite a bit about plants that thrive in the shade. A word of caution here; these plants are toxic to pets as well. Common boxwood. Bamboo is an evergreen deer resistant (or semi-evergreen) shrub provides beauty throughout the entire year. Are rose of Sharon shrubs deer resistant? varieties are damaged by deer, but wintercreeper experiences the worst and is frequently severely damaged by Bambi. 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. 1. Cold hardy. In conclusion, there are a number of rhododendron species that are particularly deer resistant. Reapply the repellent every few weeks to ensure that deer stay away from your rhododendrons. LAMB'S EAR. Up to 18" tall, 26" wide. The information on both garden design, in particular the middle of the border suggestions and the deer resistant plant ideas are fantastic. Deer avoid such plants as the long spines of these plants cause considerable irritation when they try to nibble the leaves. Fortunately, there are some particular varieties of rhododendrons that are more deer resistant than others. One thing to keep in mind, thoughno plants are totally deer proof. It too is highly deer-tolerant, and grows well in dry soil (and even in drought conditions). Rhododendrons are considered to be highly susceptible to deer damage. Up to 15' tall and wide. Zones 5-9. Who doesnt need more late-summer-into-fall flowers? Database Design: Kathy Robinson and Phil Wisneski 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. foods for deer to take their attention off your favorite plants: 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 [15]. Some varieties grow into large trees (up to 20 feet), but smaller shrubby varieties are also available. Plus, in late spring, youll be blessed with stunning pale pink flower clusters that are bigup to six-inches in diameter big! I'm so glad to know that they are deer resistant! Partial to full sun. 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. . Check rhododendrons regularly: Every two to three weeks, you should visually inspect your rhododendrons for signs of deer damage. 2 comments on "Deer Resistant Shrubs for Northern Wisconsin" Rita Kelnhofer @ May 23, 2019 at 11:55 am. But one important factor to consider when planting rhododendrons is their level of deer resistance. Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Zones 3 - 5 Lil' Sizzle Spirea A tough, compact variety that doesn't burn in full sun. Thanks for the great suggestions! JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. When choosing a rhododendron that is more deer resistant than others, it is important to consider the size and shape of the plant. Its also important to know that while the leaves and stems will keep deer away, theyre also poisonous to pets. Do not plant your rhododendrons near trees that attract deer such as willow, apple, oak, hawthorn, cedar, yew, and dogwood as these trees attract deer. The bristly texture is harsh on the animals tongue thus they detest it. Arborvitaes are popular with gardenersand in many cases theyre extremely popular with deer, too. I have not heard of that idea before . A member of the heath family (Ericaceae), its cousins include rhododendron . Red twig dogwood 'Baileyi' is one of the deer resistant shrubs recommended by Randy Soergel, owner of Soergel Greenhouses in Wexford. A tough, compact variety that doesn't burn in full sun. The grey-green foliage has a creamy soft, wool like texture that deer do not like making it another deer resistant plant. HERBACEOUS Plants OCCASIONALLY Damaged by Deer 6. Yes, rhododendron maximum or the rosebay rhododendron is not a favorite of deer. Deer, not so much. Then last winter none of my rhododendrons were deer resistant and they even figured out how to get at the plants under the netting. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 JMF Landscaping, Garden Center & Nursery. Many shade bloomers, including the P.J.M. Remove it in spring before the shrubs begin to bloom. Mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia) is Pennsylvania's State Flower . We are sorry. The shrub itself can also be large, up to 15 feet tall and wide, however they do grow relatively slowly. Rhododendron is easy to digest. Also lavender has worked well, and it blooms in summer. If you don't mind the deer stopping by but want to stop short of rolling out the welcome mat for them, here are five perennials and shrubs to not plant, and some ideas for what you can plant instead. It has gorgeous purple flowers, makes for a great hedge, grows well in the Northeast, and can reach heights of up to 12 feet once mature. Its a tall beautiful yellow bush like flower that hummingbirds absolutely adore and deer hate. I do a lot of garden research on line, and saw that you propagate Baby Grand Magnolia, and state that it tolerates soggy soils. Sometimes, the deer will still munch on a few dogwood shoots but will not cause significant damage. The drought-tolerant shrub does attract butterflies, but it is seldom damaged by deer. Their olfactory senses dislike pungent and strong odors and therefore they stay away from them. Remember to check your rhododendrons every two to three weeks, use repellents, and install physical barriers to keep deer away from your plants. Below you will find a comprehensive list of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals, ground covers, and vines that are deer resistant. It grows to roughly 6 to 10 feet but can get even taller in the right conditions. Plant them in threes. Be welll, Sue. 3. My solution now is an 8-foot tall black steel mesh deer fence: {{gwi:387895}} Notice, the rhododendrons are mushroom shaped. Your email address will not be published. 2. You should also consider kirengoshoma I think its called or more commonly wax bells? This spiny shrub is one typically avoided by deer. Rhododendrons are a beloved addition to many gardens, but gardeners often have to contend with pesky deer destroying their plants. 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. Up to 5 tall, 4 wide. Thanks for the plant suggestions! 2. Best wishes! . Surround your property with rhododendron types such as. They have attractive bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of white, pink, or purple, and bloom in mid-spring. Deer-resistant plants are those that the animal will stay away from due to their. Rhododendron is a nutritious food source. Their lacy green foliage adds a tropical feeling to any garden. Deer resistant. Rhododendrons are not deer-resistant shrubs especially during winters when there isnt much foliage for the herbivorous animal. I'm a professional gardener and have been in the business for 44 years. Thanks for sharing your experience with rhododendrons! Plus, deer wont nibble on them if other food is available. You can also search Rutgers' handy database of plants for their deer-resistant rating. In addition, plants that have dense, leathery foliage are also less likely to be eaten by deer due to their tough texture. Mock orange shrubs have an intoxicating fragrance, plus. Let us know if you have any tried-and-true deer-resistant plants in your garden. This is a hardy evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and is native to the Appalachian mountains. 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. Rosebay rhododendrons have large white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Note that no plant is completely "deer proof", particularly when deer densities are high. The dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly. Up to 3 tall and wide. Deer browsing depends upon the available food source for that year, time of year, location, deer species, and simple curiosity. 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. I have found they stay away from foxglove too. I wish I could try so of those other good looking plants on your list, but I garden in zone 5. Having deep purple blooms twice a year! Im sure they would be eaten if the deer liked them, so it sounds like daisies are another one to add to the list . Bravo! This deer-resistant shrub bears reddish fall foliage and bluish berries in addition to white flowers in the spring. When it comes to native evergreen shrubs, this is one of the best choices for a shrub that will be ignored by deer. Many species have attractive flowers, grow quickly, dont require a lot by way of maintenance, and make for perfect accent border plants. We can say that the versatility of boxwood shrubs and the fact that YESthey are deer resistantmake boxwood a great addition to any landscape. Thanks to their spiny leaves, there are many small and tall varieties that are deer resistant. Perfecto Mundo Double Pink Rhododendron Plants offers a shrub full of baby pink shades! varieties are damaged by deer, but wintercreeper experiences the worst and is frequently severely damaged by Bambi [17]. Boxwoods are another easy to grow evergreen bush, and are well known for being easy to shape. Recent construction in the area has replaced a lot of those forests with subdivisions which means lots of deer looking for alternate food sources. Cistus is an unsung hero of dry, sunny gardens. Thank you for this information. Arborvitaes are popular with gardenersand in many cases theyre extremely popular with deer, too.