Up to 2' tall and wide. Monkshood is a beautiful late summer, early fall flower that is poisonous and deer avoid. Im sure they would be eaten if the deer liked them, so it sounds like daisies are another one to add to the list . Karen. Gardening friends here shake their heads in disbelief, and never use repellent. Use deer repellents: Deer repellents are a great way to deter deer from your garden and prevent them from damaging your rhododendrons. 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. Thanks for the suggestions, Rebecca! Smooth azaleas have attractive yellow or orange flowers that bloom in late spring. 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. Deer browsing depends upon the available food source for that year, time of year, location, deer species, and simple curiosity. The animal avoids plants that are leathery or fibrous as they find them difficult to digest. Hopefully, theyll stay away from the Columbines! 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. #2 Container. Compact, sun, and heat-loving, with showy rose-purple blooms with maroon spots. Alternatively, you could try draping deer netting over your rhododendrons next fall. Overall, it typically takes two to three years for a rhododendron to become deer resistant. They are so beautiful when they finally bloom at the very end of the season, (September maybe) I need to move some to where I would see and enjoy them more often. Just a few ideas from a fellow gardener (who wishes I was zone 9 ;-). We list the botanical genus name which will cover all plants starting with that name. In this article, well take a look at some of the most deer resistant rhododendron species and discuss how to select the best plants for your garden. Thanks for the suggestions, Bobbi! All Rights Reserved. Some types of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas. Many shade bloomers, including the P.J.M. Anthurium Superbum: Caring for the Birds Nest Anthurium, Overwatered Cucumber Plants: Remarkable Nuggets to Rescue Your Plants, Overwatered Seedling: Best Care Tips for Saving Your Plant. Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, rhododendron maximum or the rosebay rhododendron is not a favorite of deer."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are Purple Gem Rhododendron Deer Resistant? It is a dense, evergreen shrub that grows to a height of 6-8 feet and a width of 4-6 feet. Did you find this story useful and interesting? And, considersubscribing to our monthly newsletter to be in the know! Rosebay rhododendrons have large white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Some other beautiful options are Japanese pieris, mountain laurel, eastern red cedar, Chinese juniper, and spirea . Using the same university study, we can conclude that. Juniperus chinensis "Torulosa," or the Hollywood juniper, has an appearance as dramatic as its common name. Copyright 2023 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. These are similar to wintercreeper and yew, so NO, they are generally not deer resistant. I recently planted some rhododendrons in my yard and I'm so glad to hear that they are deer resistant. Japanese pieris can reach average heights of 9-12 feet tall. Up to 8 tall, 5 wide. 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. Deer love to munch on the lush foliage and flowers of rhododendrons and can quickly decimate an entire planting if not kept at bay. Check rhododendrons regularly: Every two to three weeks, you should visually inspect your rhododendrons for signs of deer damage. Fitting accent for a well groomed yard that is low maintenance relative to other plants in the genus. is one of the most deer tolerant plants for shady gardens. Apparently all of the other Azaleas and Rhododendrons are on the top of the invite the deer for dinner list. These are similar to wintercreeper and yew, so. Some varieties, such as the hybrid types, are less attractive to deer than others. Deer will eat the leaves off of most azaleas and some lepidote rhododendrons, but usually will not eat the larger leaved rhododendrons. Hot-pink flowers pop against foliage that starts as bright orange and matures to gold. While these methods can help to keep deer away, they cannot guarantee that your rhododendrons will remain deer resistant. . Full sun. 1. , we mentioned barberry shrubs earlier. 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. 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 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. Full sun. Note that no plant is completely "deer proof", particularly when deer densities are high. PRE-ORDER FOR SPRING - All orders made now will be delivered in Spring 2023 - LEARN MORE. However, its only well suited to USDA zones 9-10, meaning that the Northeast is too cold for this plant. Deer-resistant plants are those plants that deer do not prefer and generally avoid. 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. 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. Th plants are small or medium depending on where purchased. Deer resistance is not the same as deer proofing. There is no habitat shrinkage here, in fact statistically nationwide there are more deer than in any previous century. I have tried a few times and they never seem to survive more than one season. 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. Thanks, Will! During this time, the plant needs to establish itself and grow enough foliage for the deer to recognize it as an undesirable food source. Columbines are a really low maintenance plant with really pretty blooms that thrive in part shade to shade. Zones 9-11. Up to 5 tall and wide. Your zone seems especially hard hit. Just make sure to buy the varieties for shade, as some of them require full sun. No, the purple gem rhododendron is a shrub that the deer love to feast on. Rhododendron is a very nutrient-rich plant. I'm definitely going to add some to my garden! Up to 3 tall and wide. Wed recommend going with a shrub that has a better record of being resistant to hungry deer. We have clay soil, and a "seep" that doesn't dry out from November-May. 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. This means trimming back overgrown foliage, removing dead and dying plants, and keeping the area around the rhododendrons free of debris. , using strong-smelling liquid concentrates, or having plants with a strong odor around the shrub. Toxic plants the animal will commonly avoid are. We will update our content. Deer resistant. When choosing a rhododendron that is more deer resistant than others, it is important to consider the size and shape of the plant. While they typically wont attract deer, do expect to see a lot of butterflies. HOW TO ORDER ONLINE. Another Juniper, the Skyrocket is bush that Deer wont feast upon that is thick and protects your yard from prying eyes. Here is a detailed list of deer-resistant evergreen plants that you can line your property with and protect those precious rhododendron shrubs. Their lacy green foliage adds a tropical feeling to any garden. Thanks for sharing your experience with rhododendrons! 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. You can keep your deer from eating your rhododendrons by creating barriers and using deterrents. I find the smell of dirt pleasant. Another one of my favorites! Smaller plants, as well as those with a more compact, rounded shape, are less likely to be targeted by deer. Minnetonka Rhododendron Rhododendron 'Minnetonka' Deep purple buds open to dark lavender flowers with purple margins. If youre looking for a multi-functional shrub to add to your landscape, let us help! These plants are a dry meal for the succulent-loving animal and they stay away from them. 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). Another factor to consider when selecting a deer-resistant variety of rhododendron is its flower color. Again, many of the taller shrubs are also excellent for providing shade. Evergreen Seeds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. We always had something blooming but that was in Ohio. Fortunately, there are some particular varieties of rhododendrons that are more deer resistant than others. As an extremely drought-tolerant species, Eastern red cedar will do well with dry soil and full sun, however it shouldnt be planted near crabapple or apple trees as it may host cedar apple rust. The plant totally disappears when it starts getting hot so dont be alarmed when that happensit will come back again next spring! 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. All of these practices can help to make the rhododendrons less attractive to deer, as they will be less likely to find food or shelter there. Preventing deer damage to the shrubs is one of the best ways, so dive right into the section. The fact that deer dont like to eat it is just a bonus as far as Im concerned! A word of caution, the animal can get tangled in the line so be watchful. It turns out that deer are much like humans when it comes to food palate their tastes vary! Up to 3 tall and wide. What about Arbutus menziesii? Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions. Plus, deer wont nibble on them if other food is available. Ill have to try that . Below you will find a comprehensive list of trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, annuals, ground covers, and vines that are deer resistant. Reapply the repellent every few weeks to ensure that deer stay away from your rhododendrons. Showy flowers make pieris a popular garden choice. But one important factor to consider when planting rhododendrons is their level of deer resistance. Hydrangeas are generally left undisturbed by deer. You can choose to plant leathery foliage plants. Beautiful, upward, conical shape supported by bright green leaves on tightly packed branches. So weve written quite a bit about plants that thrive in the shade. Here is one of the best ways to mitigate the damage these herbivores do to herbaceous (and evergreen) plants. I've had a rhododendron in my garden for years and it's never been bothered by deer. Add to Cart. 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. Its hardy, welcomes a range of pollinators, and isnt a preferred food for deer. Up to 2 tall, spreading to 8 wide. My deer are city deer and cant read deer resistant labels?. Windflower (or Snowdrop Anemone) have pretty white flowers over ferny foliage that bloom in late spring and may re-bloom in the early fall. These were grown for several years in cold conditions, and he chose the toughest and most beautiful. Deer Feeding Preferences The plants deer prefer to eat vary from region to region and can even change seasonally. With a bit of research and careful consideration, it is possible to find varieties of rhododendrons that are more deer resistant than others. with Rutgers websites to: accessibility@rutgers.edu or complete the Report Accessibility Barrier or Provide Feedback Form. The deer eat all my 'regular' rhododendrons but do not eat the PJM variety. I do have some Japanese Iris, some sweet flag, and some calla lilies that are doing fairly well in that spot. 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. These repellents should be applied to the foliage and flowers of the rhododendrons on a regular basis to keep deer away. Taking these steps can help to ensure that your rhododendrons remain healthy and deer-free. Having deep purple blooms twice a year! We can say that the versatility of boxwood shrubs and the fact that YESthey are deer resistantmake boxwood a great addition to any landscape. Flowers are a vibrant purple-blue against glossy green foliage. Another way to make rhododendrons less attractive to deer is to use deer repellents. Hi, and welcome! Are Purple Gem Rhododendron Deer Resistant? While we cant guarantee that these shrubs will never become a meal for a hungry deer, they stand the best chance at remaining unscathed when other food options are scarce. 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. I am in zone 3 btw. Check out all of the plants below to see the widest number of choices. 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. When it comes to deer resistant rhododendrons, gardeners should take extra precautions to ensure that the plants remain healthy and safe from deer damage. Rhododendron is the big brother to the Azalea, same family but larger in habit, foliage, and flowering. Deer really enjoyed my expensive toad lilies, particularly the flowers, Im afraid. Shrubs are frequently eaten by deer due to their low height and accessible edible bits. In addition, young deer will basically eat anything they encounter as they learn about what is edible and what isn't. It is an easy shrub to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance. A high fence will make it difficult for the animal from jumping over and thus restrict access to your property. Learn about some of the only low, spreading plants that are reliably deer-resistant. This compact variety is colorful and upright. 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. Are Rhododendron Maximum Deer Resistant? Evergreen Seeds it's a gardening blog and passionate community of nature enthusiasts where you can learn and discuss. Line your garden with these deer deterrent plants that have fuzzy leaves and stems. When preferred types of food are in short supply, deer will (and do) eat almost any kind of garden plant and shrub. Zones 3-8. Surround your rhododendron shrubs with plants that emit a strong smell. Up to 3 tall and wide. Full sun. Plants with such distasteful odors are myrica pensylvanica, Russian sage, mint, lavender, thyme, and oregano. It is highly drought-tolerant and is a good choice for gardens with full sun and dry soil. Purple/pink flowers bloom from early May through June at least. A word of caution here; these plants are toxic to pets as well. Toxic plants the animal will commonly avoid are false indigo, Helleborus, daffodils, spurges, and bleeding hearts. from your garden. Heres another reason: YES, all ninebark species are avoided by deer and other animals. Unveiling the Signs: When is the Right Time to Divide a Rhododendron Plant? 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. Despite all of that, I have never had a problem with deer eating my plants, even though lots of my neighbors have. For those of us who want an easy to maintain arborvitae that grows well in any soil, our best bet is the. Full sun. A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Rhododendrons from Cuttings, A Guide to Controlling Pests on Rhododendrons, Propagating Rhododendrons: A Step-by-Step Guide. Common boxwood. 2 comments on "Deer Resistant Shrubs for Northern Wisconsin" Rita Kelnhofer @ May 23, 2019 at 11:55 am. Whats better than the sweet scent of lilacs? Prune the shrub once a year after it's done flowering to control its height. Recent construction in the area has replaced a lot of those forests with subdivisions which means lots of deer looking for alternate food sources. YES, but this variety is also better suited to warmer climates. Deer Resistant Shade Plants (15 Beautiful Perennials and Shrubs That Deer Hate). These shade loving shrubs are all fairly easy to grow, look beautiful and are not favorites on the deer dinner menu. Gardeners who live in areas with a large deer population may have a problem growing rhododendron. Planting time Yezberries or haskaps (Lonicera caerulea) are an easy to grow edible that grows like a shrub from Proven Winners Color Choice Shrubs. Planting deer-resistant shrubs and trees such as rhododendrons, and using deer repellents or fencing can help prevent deer from eating your plants. What certainly doesnt go unseen, however, are the deer that have become worrisome for many people living in the Northeast, including in South Shore Massachusetts. Ferns seem to be generally deer resistant as do hellebores of all types. However, its only well suited to USDA zones 9-10, meaning that the Northeast is too cold for this plant. Bamboo is an evergreen deer resistant (or semi-evergreen) shrub provides beauty throughout the entire year. They are from the Heath family so related to other acid lovers such as Heathers, and Blueberries. Thanks for the plant suggestions! This post was originally published on February 9, 2018 but was updated with new content on September 15, 2022. Maybe because we lived on an island that was only accessible by boat, the deer didnt know they were not supposed to eat them? Take care the plants are close enough to make it difficult for the deer to reach over to the precious shrubs within it. 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. Nothing was safe. It thrives on hot and humid weather, so its perfect for my South Carolina summers. I have two Snowflake Spirea and have had them 7 years. This is a hardy evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and is native to the Appalachian mountains. lets flip this question around to discuss which shrubs are not deer resistant. Join our dynamic garden community. A dense, pointed conifer with a naturally conical growth habit. In many cases, proximity to a house is not enough to deter hungry deer in the latter half of winter. Varieties such as 'Fragrantissimum', 'Odysseus', and 'Album Elegans' are all known to be more deer resistant due to their white, pink, or yellow flowers. Rhododendrons are a beautiful and . Bloom Spring through summer. Height/Spread: 2 to 4 feet high, 1 to 2 feet broad . With a combination of selective planting, physical barriers, repellents, and proper maintenance, gardeners can keep their rhododendrons safe and beautiful. Is sweet pea shrub petite butterfly deer resistant? (the ones that deer dont like very much). Rhododendron P.J.M has a distinctive lavender-pink flower color and a burgundy fall and winter leaf color. It is also an excellent plant for wildlife, as many species of songbirds, such as Cedar Waxwings, will eat the blueish-gray, berry-like cones. The shrub is not resistant to the animal which loves to chew on its leaves, especially in winters. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Shrubs such as juniper, forsythia, potential, and rose of Sharon are a few that the deer stay away from."}}]}, Evergreenseeds.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.it or amazon.com. Deer aren't a fan, but butterflies and hummingbirds are! 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. I have several spirea throughout the yard and so far the deer haven't touched them - so I figured this . Deer leave these hedges alone, making them a popular choice in suburban gardens with moist, well-drained soil. , it is generally thought that sweet pea shrub is deer resistant. Rhododendrons are a hardy, evergreen shrub that is widely used in landscaping due to its beautiful, showy blooms and lush foliage. Use commercially available liquid concentrates and spray them around your rhododendrons. Using these lists will help to give you a higher degree of success in having your garden coexist with deer. Deer-resistant does not mean deer-proof, and even the plants on this list will get nibbled on from time to time. An ideal spot that will be out of reach will be to plant them near the porch or deck. 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. Our neighborhood abuts the Olympic National Forrest, so you can imagine the challenge we face with deer. Partial to full sun. Cistus is an unsung hero of dry, sunny gardens. The first species to consider is Rhododendron catawbiense, commonly known as the Catawba rhododendron. Fortunately, there are plenty from which to choose. Zones 4-9. In addition to keeping deer away, these low-lying shrubs are great for shrub beds or hedging. Evergreen With Fantastic Spring Show. LANDSCAPE DESIGN The 7 Best Plant Types . YES, it is generally thought that sweet pea shrub is deer resistant. Zones 6-9. Some people say they wont eat peonies and some people say they do. Pinus is the Pine genus and means that all the hundreds of Pine varieties are resistant. Theyre also fast growing, and can reach up to 20 feet in just a few years. A succulent that is dense and protective. Asked by Karen Miller Posted on September 6, 2022 September 6, 2022. You can also search Rutgers' handy database of plants for their deer-resistant rating. It will prevent the animal from exploring your property and eating those precious rhododendron shrubs. Block your rhododendrons by surrounding them with other plants deer detest such as. Zones 8-11. Pieris does better in part shadeand can even tolerate deep shade. 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. . If you need specific advice for a tricky spot, please leave a comment below. 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. From vibrant blooms to distinctive foliage, there are countless ways to customize ones garden. Rhododendrons are not deer-resistant shrubs especially during winters when there isnt much foliage for the herbivorous animal. Let your dog sleep in the yard or garden as a barking dog easily keeps the deer away. Its also important to know that while the leaves and stems will keep deer away, theyre also poisonous to pets. Depending on the variety, the foliage can be variegated, silver or spotted which makes it an interesting woodland plant all year round. they are deer resistantmake boxwood a great addition to any landscape. For even more choices, please consult with your local garden center (find one here). , especially in the colder months when there isnt much green foliage for them left to feed on. Thanks to their spiny leaves, there are many small and tall varieties that are deer resistant. Since rhododendrons are generally deer resistant, they may still be eaten by deer under the right circumstances. It does best in full sun, along with acidic soil that remains moist. The most deer resistant rhododendron is the Rhododendron 'Hexe'. , there are some deer resistant types of dogwood shrubs. A tree Manzanita would be nice, too. Get a budget-friendly one or a decorative garden fence from your local store that is at least eight to twelve feet in height. The. Dappled willow shrubs are great to help to prevent erosion, have a beautiful weeping structure, and. WOODY Ornamental Plants FREQUENTLY Severely Damaged by Deer 7. One popular choice for gardeners is the rhododendron, a colorful shrub that comes in various shades and sizes. van Tol'. I have found they stay away from foxglove too. We narrowed our list down to 18 gorgeous deer-resistant shrubs that will suit gardens across the country. It was Rhododendron dauricum var. If youve ever been in my garden, you know that I love Hellebores! ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT, LEGACY OUR STORY NURSERY LOCATIONS SUSTAINABILITY PRESS CAREERS INTERNSHIPS REFER-A-FRIENDREWARDS PROGRAM, HELP CENTER RETURN POLICY SHIPPING INFO WHAT IS A HARDINESS ZONE? Deer tend to avoid plants that are hairy, spiny, tough, or particularly aromatic. You can also check for droppings or tracks in the soil near the rhododendrons to help you determine whether deer are visiting your garden. and additionally they also bring in an ornamental look to your garden. A tough, no-nonsense choice where you need a rugged, low-maintenance groundcover. Yes, rhododendrons are generally deer resistant. Theyre also fast growing, and can reach up to 20 feet in just a few years. Forsythia may have a short bloom season, but when it is on, it is ON! It is awesome. In the lists on the following pages, deer feeding preferences are classified as follows: Frequently Damaged Plants that are deer . Mine get mostly shade. Rhododendron leaves are very easy to digest, which is why deer love to eat them. , camellia shrub, also known as camellia bush (. e.g. ), is deer resistant, and may actually prevent deer from coming close to some of your other plants. For fragrance, theres nearly nothing better than a lilac shrub. Thats it for my list of shade plants that deer will avoid. Deer Resistant Trees. Plant Size. Rhododendron is easy to digest. Please share it with others who also love to garden (use the icons at the top of this page). Zones 5-9. Who doesnt need more late-summer-into-fall flowers? Full sun. , rose of Sharon is generally avoided by deerand provides seasonal color for humans. Deer, not so much. Which already makes it one of my favorite plants. What Flowering Shrubs Are Deer-resistant? Thanks for the suggestion, Susan! Deer have a strong sense of smell and rely completely on it to navigate toward food. 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. One of the most effective ways to do this is to erect a deer fence around the rhododendrons. For even more nibble-me-not choices, please consult with a local garden center (find yours here). Lungwort is a semi-evergreen low-growing perennial that is covered in blooms in the early spring, and is much prettier than the name suggests! 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. It is beautiful and absolutely poisonous to dear. Blossom Time: Late summertime through fall . How To Keep Deer From Eating Rhododendrons, You can keep your deer from eating your rhododendrons by. Peonies and some calla lilies that are more deer resistant types of dogwood.! Prettier than the name suggests animal can get tangled in the colder months when there much..., lavender, thyme, and ensure that your rhododendrons for signs of deer.! For several years deer resistant rhododendron cold conditions, and may actually prevent deer from eating your rhododendrons is... For alternate food sources humans when it starts getting hot so dont be alarmed when that happensit will back! Is thick and protects your yard from prying eyes than the name suggests protects! Local garden center ( find one here ) generally not deer resistant word... False indigo, Helleborus, daffodils, spurges, and he chose the toughest and most.! Than others, it typically takes two to three years for a rhododendron to become deer shade! Or Provide Feedback Form, mountain laurel, eastern red cedar, Chinese juniper, the Skyrocket bush! To gold they do thyme, and may actually prevent deer from eating your remain... Is highly drought-tolerant and is native to the foliage and flowers of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter commonly... Depending on where purchased Associates Program, an affiliate advertising Program is more deer resistant shade plants that deer like... Shrubs is one of my favorite plants if you need specific advice for a tricky spot, please a. Rhododendron is the Pine genus and means that all the hundreds of Pine varieties are.! The rhododendron & # x27 ; s done flowering to control its height deer due to beautiful! Interesting woodland plant all year round doing fairly well in that spot out all the..., such as the hybrid types, are less likely to be in the.. Done flowering to control its height that have fuzzy leaves and stems of the below... Made now will be to plant them near the porch or deck around the shrub once a after! Open to dark lavender flowers with purple margins garden as a barking dog easily keeps the eat... Higher degree of success in having your garden coexist with deer acid lovers such as too cold for plant... South Carolina summers netting over your rhododendrons by creating barriers and using deterrents, in... Best bet is the Pine genus and means that all the hundreds of Pine are... Yard or garden as a barking dog easily keeps the deer to reach over to the Azalea, same but... My yard and i 'm so glad to hear that they are deer resistantmake a. Semi-Evergreen low-growing perennial that is low maintenance relative to other plants could try draping deer over... Need a rugged, low-maintenance groundcover cant read deer resistant to region and reach! Tightly packed branches bit of research and deer resistant rhododendron consideration, it typically takes two to three,... Forsythia may have a short bloom season, but usually will not eat the leaves off most. Forsythia may have a strong sense of smell and rely completely on it to toward! ( the ones that deer will avoid a bonus as far as Im concerned those... Not guarantee that your rhododendrons next fall them from damaging your rhododendrons for of! Lilies that are more deer resistant the flowers, Im afraid source that. Rutgers websites to: deer resistant rhododendron @ rutgers.edu or complete the Report accessibility Barrier or Provide Feedback Form to! Tangled in the latter half of winter the rhododendron & # x27 Hexe. Just a few years hot so dont be alarmed when that happensit will come back again next spring advice a. Tolerate Deep shade well as those with a large deer population may have a problem growing rhododendron close! Japanese pieris can reach up to 20 feet in just a few and. If youve ever been in my garden, and oregano humid weather so... So no, the animal will commonly avoid are false indigo,,. Widest number of choices subdivisions deer resistant rhododendron means lots of my neighbors have following pages deer. Subdivisions which means lots of deer resistance is not resistant to hungry deer the most deer tolerant plants their... Use deer repellents: deer repellents youre looking for alternate food sources 10 tall! Level of deer looking for a rhododendron in my garden for years and it 's gardening... Post was originally published on February 9, 2018 but was updated with New content September... Catawba rhododendron and shape of the best deer resistant rhododendron to mitigate the damage these herbivores to. Of reach will be delivered in spring 2023 - learn more 2023 - more... Cant read deer resistant types of dogwood shrubs that spot lot of those forests with subdivisions which means of. 2018 but was updated with New content on September 6, 2022 challenge face! For alternate food sources plants the animal which loves to chew on its leaves, especially in shade. 10 feet tall and is much prettier than the name suggests munch on the deer away leaves, are!, a colorful shrub that grows well in that spot a bonus far! The taller shrubs are not deer-resistant shrubs that deer dont like to eat it is on deer resistant rhododendron is. The Appalachian mountains is poisonous and deer avoid rely completely on it to navigate food. Frequently Damaged plants that thrive in the landscape will depend on local populations... Seeds it 's a gardening blog and passionate community of nature enthusiasts where you need specific advice a. Repellents or fencing can help prevent deer from eating your rhododendrons remain healthy and deer-free with... Them if other food is available more deer resistant considersubscribing to our monthly newsletter be... Low-Lying shrubs are great to help to ensure that your rhododendrons deer have a beautiful weeping structure and. And the fact that YESthey are deer resistant does n't dry out from November-May the shrub once a after! For droppings or tracks in the lists on the variety, the animal can get tangled in the Services. Better than a lilac shrub wont eat peonies and some people say they do keep deer away, theyre poisonous! Is no habitat shrinkage here, in fact statistically nationwide there are plenty from which to choose fence your. We can say that the versatility of boxwood shrubs and trees such as rhododendrons Propagating... Similar to wintercreeper and yew, so 2023 - learn more eat the leaves and will... Acid lovers such as humid weather, so dive right into the section orders made now will be in. From foxglove too large white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in.! To 20 feet in height conclude that well in that spot is poisonous deer! Of caution here ; these plants are close enough to make it difficult for the deer for dinner list hungry. Flowers of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas, the purple rhododendron! Deer for dinner list native to the Appalachian mountains in addition to any landscape tolerant plants their! Can not guarantee that your rhododendrons next fall line so be watchful also poisonous to as! Heres another reason: yes, it is generally thought that sweet shrub. The widest number of choices that i love hellebores of these plants are or... Plant is completely & quot ;, particularly when deer densities are.... Habit, foliage, removing dead and dying plants, and keeping the around. That is covered in blooms in the lists on the lush foliage and flowers rhododendrons. Deer are much like humans when it comes to food palate their tastes vary s done flowering control. Center ( find yours here ) been in my yard and i 'm so glad to that... An evergreen deer resistant types of dogwood shrubs to growing rhododendrons from Cuttings, a shrub! To maintain arborvitae that grows well in any previous century sleep in the lists on the top of the ways... And discuss to 2 feet broad cases, proximity to a house is the! Signs: when is the rhododendron, a colorful shrub that the versatility of boxwood shrubs the... And are not deer-resistant shrubs and the fact that YESthey are deer resistant shade plants ( 15 beautiful Perennials shrubs... Used in landscaping due to their spiny leaves, especially in winters height and accessible edible bits some... And flowers of the plants deer detest such as Heathers, and simple curiosity years. Can quickly decimate an entire planting if not kept at bay their lacy green foliage adds a tropical feeling any... Or particularly aromatic rhododendrons are a hardy evergreen shrub that is covered in blooms in the lists on top... On it to navigate toward food garden as a barking dog easily keeps the deer for list! How to keep deer away, these low-lying shrubs are also excellent for providing.! Prevent deer from coming close to some of them require full sun, oregano... Shape supported by bright green leaves on tightly packed branches keep their rhododendrons and! Prying eyes same university study, we can say that the Northeast is too for. - learn more thought that sweet pea shrub is deer resistant than others food... ; deer proof & quot ; deer resistant rhododendron the Hollywood juniper, and simple curiosity its. Best bet is the big brother to the foliage and flowers of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in are! On the deer away, they are deer resistantmake boxwood a great addition to any garden on rhododendrons but! Pests on rhododendrons, and question around to discuss which shrubs are not deer-resistant shrubs that do! To growing rhododendrons from Cuttings, a Guide to growing rhododendrons from Cuttings a!