If you’re a gardening enthusiast, you know that ornamental shrubs and bushes are beautiful additions to any garden. However, having deer wandering around your yard can quickly turn your gardening hobby into a frustrating task. Deer can easily wreak havoc on your plants, leaving you with nothing but unsightly stumps and an empty wallet. Luckily, there are ornamental shrubs and bushes that deer won’t eat, saving you both time and money. In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on 10 types of shrubbery deer won’t eat to add to your garden.
Forsythias: How to Grow and Care For
Forsythias, with their vibrant yellow blooms, are known to be one of the least preferred food sources for deer, making them an excellent choice for your garden. To grow and care for Forsythias, follow these steps:
Planting: Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Ensure the soil is well-drained as Forsythias prefer slightly moist soil, but cannot tolerate waterlogging.
Watering: Water the plants thoroughly after planting, and then only when the soil is dry to the touch. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
Pruning: Forsythias should be pruned immediately after flowering to keep the plant in shape and to promote vigorous growth. Avoid pruning in late summer as this can reduce the number of flowers in the next season.
Fertilizing: Feed the Forsythias with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. This keeps them healthy and encourages a profusion of blooms.
Remember, Forsythias are hardy plants and can withstand harsh conditions, making them an ideal choice for beginner gardeners. Plus, the deer in your area will likely steer clear, preserving the beauty of your garden.
Japanese Pieris: How to Grow and Care For
Japanese Pieris, also known as ‘Pieris Japonica’, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that deer tend to avoid. It is known for its attractive cascading clusters of white or pinkish-white flowers. Here are steps to cultivate and look after Japanese Pieris:
Planting: Japanese Pieris prefers well-drained, acidic soils, rich in organic matter. It’s best to plant them where they will receive partial shade to full sun exposure.
Watering: Water well after planting, then maintain moderate watering practices. The soil should be kept consistently moist but avoid waterlogging as it can lead to root diseases.
Pruning: Pruning is generally unnecessary unless you want to maintain a certain shape or size. If needed, prune after its blooming season, as Japanese Pieris flowers on old wood.
Fertilizing: Use a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins. This will enhance growth and promote prolific blooming.
Japanese Pieris is not just beautiful but also hardy, and with proper care, it can be a wonderful addition to your garden. Its resistance to deer makes it a great choice for maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
Bluebeard: How to Grow and Care For
Bluebeard, also known as Caryopteris, is a delightful deciduous shrub, which is particularly resistant to deer. With its striking blue to purple flowers that bloom in late summer and its aromatic foliage, Bluebeard is an excellent addition to any garden. Here’s how to cultivate and care for it:
Planting: Bluebeards thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun exposure. They are quite adaptable and can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil.
Watering: After planting, provide ample water to establish roots. Thereafter, Bluebeards have good drought resistance and require moderate watering.
Pruning: Prune Bluebeards down to the ground in early spring before the new growth starts. This will encourage a bushier growth and more blooms.
Fertilizing: Apply a general-purpose fertilizer in early spring to promote vigorous growth and abundant flowering.
The Bluebeard is both beautiful and easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its resistance to deer further adds to its appeal, ensuring your garden remains beautifully intact.
Andromeda: How to Grow and Care For
Andromeda, also known as pieris or lily-of-the-valley shrub, is a beautiful evergreen that isn’t a favorite of deer. Its delicate cascades of white or pink bell-shaped flowers and bronze-colored new growth make it a popular choice for many gardens. Here’s how to care for and grow Andromeda:
Planting: Andromeda prefers acidic, well-drained soil. It should be planted in a location with partial to full sun, where it is sheltered from harsh winds.
Watering: After planting, water the Andromeda thoroughly. Keep the soil consistently moist, but make sure not to overwater to avoid root rot.
Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed for Andromeda, but if required, it should be carried out in early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can help maintain a tidy shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and flowering.
Andromedas are not just visually appealing but also deer-resistant, making them an excellent choice for maintaining a serene, wildlife-friendly garden.
Butterfly Bush: How to Grow and Care For
Butterfly Bush, scientifically known as Buddleia, is a vibrant and eye-catching shrub. As the name suggests, it’s particularly attractive to butterflies. In addition, it’s generally not a favored plant among deer, making it a desirable option for your garden. Here’s how to grow and care for Butterfly Bush:
Planting: Butterfly Bush prefers well-drained soil and should be planted in a location that receives full sun. They are tolerant of a wide range of soil types but perform best in slightly alkaline conditions.
Watering: After planting, water the bush thoroughly. Afterwards, it requires only occasional watering as Butterfly Bush is drought-tolerant. However, ensure the soil doesn’t dry out completely.
Pruning: Heavy pruning, down to the ground in late winter or early spring, is recommended for Butterfly Bush. This promotes healthier, more vigorous growth and better flowering.
Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to maintain nutrient levels and support growth.
Butterfly Bushes add a touch of color to any garden and create a lively atmosphere with their capacity to attract butterflies. Their resistance to deer damage makes them an excellent addition to your landscape.
Barberry: How to Grow and Care For
Barberry, known scientifically as Berberis, is a hardy deciduous shrub with vibrant, colorful foliage and thorny stems that make it an excellent choice for defensive landscaping. It’s also usually not favored by deer, making it a good addition for maintaining your garden’s look. Here’s a guide on how to grow and care for Barberry:
Planting: Barberry thrives in well-drained soil and can adapt to a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, or sandy soils. They prefer full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant Barberry is in the spring or fall.
Watering: After planting, water the Barberry thoroughly. Thereafter, they are highly drought-tolerant and require only occasional watering.
Pruning: Prune Barberry in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This will help maintain its shape and promote healthier growth.
Fertilizing: Feed your Barberry with a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring to encourage vibrant foliage and healthy growth.
Barberry, with its beautiful foliage and natural defense against deer, can be a valuable addition to any garden. Its minimal care requirements make it an ideal choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners.
Lilac: How to Grow and Care For
Lilac, known scientifically as Syringa, is a classic springtime shrub known for its sweet fragrance and vibrant purple blooms. Although deer occasionally browse lilacs, in general, these plants are considered deer-resistant. Here’s a guide on how to grow and care for Lilacs:
Planting: Lilacs thrive in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. They should be planted in a location that gets at least six hours of sun each day for optimal blooming.
Watering: After planting, water the Lilac thoroughly and keep the soil moderately moist. Over time, Lilacs develop some drought tolerance, but it’s essential to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially in the hot summer months.
Pruning: Pruning is essential for Lilacs and should be performed immediately after blooming has finished. This helps to maintain the shape of the shrub and encourages the growth of new blooms for the following year.
Fertilizing: Feed your Lilacs with a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring to stimulate healthy growth and abundant blooms.
Lilacs are not just visually striking but also intoxicatingly fragrant, making them an excellent choice for both sensory appeal and maintaining a serene, wildlife-friendly garden. Their relative resistance to deer further adds to their benefits.
Smokebush: How to Grow and Care For
Smokebush, scientifically known as Cotinus, is a dramatic, eye-catching shrub known for its unique, smoky plumes and vibrant foliage that changes color throughout the seasons. Though they can occasionally attract deer, they are generally considered deer-resistant. Here is a guide on how to grow and care for Smokebush:
Planting: Smokebush thrives in well-drained soil and should be planted in a location that receives full sun, as this promotes the most vibrant leaf color. They can adapt to a wide range of soil types.
Watering: After planting, water the Smokebush thoroughly. Then, the plant generally needs only occasional watering, as it has good drought tolerance. However, during dry spells, it’s best to keep the soil moderately moist.
Pruning: Prune Smokebush in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. This helps to maintain the shape and size of the shrub.
Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth and optimal leaf color.
Smokebush, with its captivating appearance and resistance to deer, makes a stunning addition to any garden. Its ease of care adds to its appeal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Spirea: How to Grow and Care For
Spirea, known scientifically as Spiraea, is a hardy, versatile shrub that blooms in a variety of colors depending on the species. This low-maintenance plant is generally considered deer-resistant, making it a suitable addition to many gardens. Here’s a guide on how to grow and care for Spirea:
Planting: Spirea thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sun to partial shade, but it can adapt to a wide range of soil types. The best time to plant Spirea is in early spring or fall.
Watering: After planting, water the Spirea thoroughly. Thereafter, it requires only occasional watering, as Spirea is relatively drought-tolerant.
Pruning: Prune Spirea in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This helps to maintain the plant’s shape and promote healthier, more abundant blooms.
Fertilizing: Feed your Spirea with a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring to support vibrant foliage and healthy growth.
Spirea is a popular choice for many gardeners due to its beautiful blooms, low-care regime, and excellent deer resistance. Its wide range of species and variety in bloom colors makes it a versatile choice for any garden aesthetic.
Viburnum: How to Grow and Care For
Viburnum, a diverse genus of flowering shrubs, is known for its beautiful blossoms, vibrant berries, and attractive foliage. Most Viburnum species are considered deer-resistant, which makes them an excellent addition to any garden. Here’s a guide on how to grow and care for Viburnum:
Planting: Viburnum thrives in well-drained soil but can adapt to a wide range of soil types. They prefer full sun to partial shade. The best time to plant Viburnum is in the early spring or fall.
Watering: After planting, water the Viburnum thoroughly. Thereafter, it requires only occasional watering as Viburnum is quite drought-tolerant.
Pruning: Prune Viburnum in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. This helps to maintain the plant’s shape and promote healthier, more abundant blooms.
Fertilizing: Feed your Viburnum with a slow-release, all-purpose fertilizer in early spring to support its vibrant foliage and healthy growth.
Viburnum’s beautiful blossoms, diverse species, and deer resistance makes it a favorite among many gardeners. Its adaptable nature and low maintenance requirements further enhance its appeal.
Happy Gardening!
Having a lovely garden full of ornamental shrubs and bushes is possible even if you live in a region that deer frequent. With the variety of deer-resistant plants available, you can have a beautiful garden without worrying about your plants being destroyed by deer. Remember to choose plants that are best suited for your soil type, sun exposure, and climate zone for optimal growth. So go ahead and plant those boxwoods, butterfly bushes, forsythias, junipers, and yew shrubs, and enjoy a lovely and deer-resistant garden all year round.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post page for more growing tips on Deer Resistant Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, bulbs and how to plant them, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Container Gardening and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!