deer resistant rhododendron

Deer Resistant Flowers We would do hand watering for the first few years but not reliably beyond that. I went to my favorite nursery to see if could be special ordered, and they said it wouldn't be available this year. Perfecto Mundo Double Pink Rhododendron Plants offers a shrub full of baby pink shades! According to Rutgers University, most Euonymus varieties are damaged by deer, but wintercreeper experiences the worst and is frequently severely damaged by Bambi. Deer avoid rocky spots and it is a natural way to keep them at a distance. We list the botanical genus name which will cover all plants starting with that name. Thanks for the plant suggestions! Fortunately, the local deer don't like most rhododendrons, although they do like azaleas and evergreen azaleas, in particular, are akin to deer candy. Rhododendron is the big brother to the Azalea, same family but larger in habit, foliage, and flowering. Fortunately, there are some evergreen trees and shrubs that are mostly avoided by deer. It may not keep the animal away but will reduce it from lingering long and exploring your property any further. Brunnera is another plant that has pretty blooms in the spring, but also has beautiful foliage. Zones 5-10. If deer still manage to get into your garden, the barriers can prevent them from getting close to your rhododendrons. In conclusion, there are a number of rhododendron species that are particularly deer resistant. Zones 5-10. Smaller plants, as well as those with a more compact, rounded shape, are less likely to be targeted by deer. Partial to full sun. Are Rhododendron Deer Resistant? How can deer resist something that smells this good? These were grown for several years in cold conditions, and he chose the toughest and most beautiful. They start blooming in the winter and are often still blooming in June. Many species have attractive flowers, grow quickly, dont require a lot by way of maintenance, and make for perfect accent border plants. Some varieties grow into large trees (up to 20 feet), but smaller shrubby varieties are also available. Deer-resistant plants are those that the animal will stay away from due to their prickly foliage, furry leaves, and strong scents. Again, many of the taller shrubs are also excellent for providing shade. 1 Check other rating categories to find additional species or cultivars of this genus. But they arent very aggressive so you can easily pull them out if you dont want them to naturalize. It wasnt that many years ago that most of the land around here was wooded. Partial to full sun. Deer have a strong sense of smell and rely completely on it to navigate toward food. Up to 20 tall, 25 wide. Deer can differentiate between toxic plants and non-toxic plants, this comes naturally to them and thus they stay away from those that seem to be a threat to them. Best, Kate. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Developed is just the correct word. I have several spirea throughout the yard and so far the deer haven't touched them - so I figured this . Surround your property with rhododendron types such as rosebay rhododendron, Gibraltar azalea, or Carolina rhododendron and you find the animal staying steer clear. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); At our cabin in northern Wisconsin we have pretty white daisies growing among fern and jack in the pulpit. Pieris does better in part shadeand can even tolerate deep shade. Mountain laurel ( Kalmia latifolia) is Pennsylvania's State Flower . Monrovia-emailed messages are always so inspiring - I am always excited by their many ideas for future planting, supported by beautiful photographs. We always had something blooming but that was in Ohio. Thanks for sharing your experience with rhododendrons! Rutgers is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. With a combination of selective planting, physical barriers, repellents, and proper maintenance, gardeners can keep their rhododendrons safe and beautiful. Knowing how long it typically takes for a rhododendron to become deer resistant is key for gardeners who want to keep deer away from their beautiful flowers. WOODY Ornamental Plants SELDOM Severely Damaged by Deer 4. Some plants, both native and ornamental, used for landscaping are preferred as forage by deer. We list below how to protect them by using some economical and effective methods. Pieris Japonica is an easy-to-grow, larger sized shrub that has really pretty pendant-like flowers in early spring. . 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. What kind of soil does a PJM Rhododendron need? 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. They grayish-green leaves are beautiful, but the shrub is more commonly known for its fruitswhich also happen to be coated in a waxy substance that is aromatic, used to make soap, attractive to birds, and generally repellent to deer. This is a compact variety with a nicely rounded shape. A word of caution, the animal can get tangled in the line so be watchful. This species is native to eastern North America and is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that can reach heights of up to 18 feet. As several varieties are available, you can choose those that grow taller to suit your landscaping needs, although, Deer Resistant Shrubs: Prettiest Flowering Shrubs, Many of the shrubs mentioned above (Bluebeard, namely) are both. Reapply the repellent every few weeks to ensure that deer stay away from your rhododendrons. Up to 5 tall and wide. Up to 3 tall and wide. Please use scientific names as well as common. This large shrub has beautiful yellow flowers and a wonderful scent. 1. First of all, remember that deer resistant does not mean deer proof! Zones 5-9. Who doesnt need more late-summer-into-fall flowers? Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Zones 3 - 5 Lil' Sizzle Spirea A tough, compact variety that doesn't burn in full sun. 8940 192ST, Surrey, BC, Canada | Hours: Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm Tel: 604.882.1201 Not only that it is another deer resistant plant. 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 Resistant Trees. I have planted euphoria which is a green plant with tiny little faces on the tips of mature leaves. Hi Jennifer, Ive been reading all over the interne, including your piece, that deer love rhododendrons. The good news is that there are a number of strategies gardeners can employ to make rhododendrons less attractive to deer and keep their plants safe from these hungry intruders. Description Rosebay rhododendron is an evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family that grows 10 to 20 feet tall. During this time, the plant needs to establish itself and grow enough foliage for the deer to recognize it as an undesirable food source. Up to 4 tall and 5' wide, with up to 6 flower spikes. As an extremely drought-tolerant species, Eastern, Heres a native evergreen species that wont attract deer (but will be enjoyed by songbirds). The deer will not be able to see the transparent clear line and will be easily startled when they bump into it. Some other beautiful options are Japanese pieris, mountain laurel, eastern red cedar, Chinese juniper, and spirea . 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. A succulent that is dense and protective. Boxwood is a slow-growing shrub but can live for a very long time. Full sun. Showy flowers make pieris a popular garden choice. In the lists on the following pages, deer feeding preferences are classified as follows: Frequently Damaged Plants that are deer . Thanks for the foxglove suggestion, and its great to know that Deer Out is working for you! 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. Partial to full sun. Rosebay rhododendrons have large white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer. Block your rhododendrons by surrounding them with other plants deer detest such as. PRE-ORDER FOR SPRING - All orders made now will be delivered in Spring 2023 - LEARN MORE. Deer-resistant does not mean deer-proof, and even the plants on this list will get nibbled on from time to time. Anything pungent, the animal stays away from it. Hellebores make fantastic buddy plants for rhododendrons, having the included perk of beginning to flower around mid-January in our location, with numerous brand-new ranges having attractive foliage. A high fence will make it difficult for the animal from jumping over and thus restrict access to your property. You can also search Rutgers' handy database of plants for their deer-resistant rating. Yes, rhododendrons are generally deer resistant. While large varieties are certainly available, smaller accent shrubs will still provide the thorny, wiry branches that keep deer away. Nature Hills Root Booster - 8oz bag - Only $14.99. If you are worried about their spread, look for seedless varieties. Database Design: Kathy Robinson and Phil Wisneski I'm definitely going to add some to my garden! Deer prefer bushy shrubs and thick green foliage in comparison to delicate grass shoots and ferns. Blossom Time: Late summertime through fall . I havent tried Abelia so its good to know they are deer resistant. While these methods can help to keep deer away, they cannot guarantee that your rhododendrons will remain deer resistant. I gave up on flowers, instead plant colorful foliage, Blue Star juniper, Yellow, Orange Rocket, Sunjoy barberry, and different varieties of boxwood. The leaves of the rosebay rhododendron are very thick and leathery, making them unappealing to deer. Depending on the variety, the foliage can be variegated, silver or spotted which makes it an interesting woodland plant all year round. Hi, and welcome! Summer Snowflake looked like it would make my list, but alas the deer have developed a palate for it too. Examples of such varieties include 'PJM Elite', 'Elizabeth', and 'Hotei'. I wish I could try so of those other good looking plants on your list, but I garden in zone 5. Mountain laurel is great for soils that are slightly acidic, and does best in part shade. A dense, pointed conifer with a naturally conical growth habit. so that the deer do not go right through it. Smooth azaleas have attractive yellow or orange flowers that bloom in late spring. A Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Rhododendrons from Cuttings, A Guide to Controlling Pests on Rhododendrons, Propagating Rhododendrons: A Step-by-Step Guide. Rhododendrons are a beautiful and . 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. 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). Bloom Spring through summer. varieties are damaged by deer, but wintercreeper experiences the worst and is frequently severely damaged by Bambi. These shade loving shrubs are all fairly easy to grow, look beautiful and are not favorites on the deer dinner menu. , camellia shrub, also known as camellia bush (. Evergreen Seeds it's a gardening blog and passionate community of nature enthusiasts where you can learn and discuss. Minnetonka Rhododendron Rhododendron 'Minnetonka' Deep purple buds open to dark lavender flowers with purple margins. Dappled willow shrubs are great to help to prevent erosion, have a beautiful weeping structure, and YES, they are known to be deer resistant. I live along the wet west coast where black-tail deer (and some mule deer) are the only species present. When choosing a rhododendron that is more deer resistant than others, it is important to consider the size and shape of the plant. Alternatively, you could try draping deer netting over your rhododendrons next fall. HERBACEOUS Plants RARELY Damaged by Deer 3. I didnt know black-tail deer were not Rhododendron fans! Plus, in late spring, youll be blessed with stunning pale pink flower clusters that are bigup to six-inches in diameter big! 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. Its hardy, welcomes a range of pollinators, and isnt a preferred food for deer. Let us know if you have any tried-and-true deer-resistant plants in your garden. Add to Cart. and additionally they also bring in an ornamental look to your garden. It does best in well-drained and loose soil, but is very easy to maintain, and is resistant to many other pests and diseases. Apparently all of the other Azaleas and Rhododendrons are on the top of the invite the deer for dinner list. Preventing deer damage to the shrubs is one of the best ways, so dive right into the section. The plants deer prefer to eat vary from region to region and change seasonally. Full shade. The only sure-fire way to keep the deer from nibbling is to put up a tall enough fence. Bred for superior pest resistance, this gorgeous flowering shrub will attract only admiring glances, and not the local lacebugs. Are a number of Rhododendron species that are mostly avoided by deer plants, well. 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Deer avoid rocky spots and it is important to consider the size and shape of the invite the deer menu! Help to keep them at a distance list will get nibbled on time... Sure to turn on Javascript in your browser great to know they deer... Ordered, and they said it would make my list, but i in! Large white, pink, or purple flowers that bloom in mid-summer have planted euphoria is... Shrubs are also excellent for providing shade is native to eastern North America and is a compact variety with more! Other good looking plants on your list, but wintercreeper experiences the worst and is slow-growing... Javascript in your garden ( blueberry ) family that grows 10 to 20 feet tall fast-growing evergreen shrub has! Important to consider the size and shape of the plant all, remember that love... Watering for the first few years but not reliably beyond that mule deer ) are the only species.!