deer resistant rhododendron

With a bit of research and careful consideration, it is possible to find varieties of rhododendrons that are more deer resistant than others. The following steps can help you to ensure that your rhododendrons are safe from deer damage and remain healthy: By taking the steps above, you can help to ensure that your deer-resistant rhododendrons remain safe from deer damage. Jack in the Pulpit is a native woodland plant that is easy to grow, has really interesting blooms in the spring, and produces berries that birds like to eat. This is a compact variety with a nicely rounded shape. However, it can be difficult to keep these plants safe from the ravages of deer, who are known to love munching on the tender leaves. If youre planting in an area with heavy clay soil or partial shade, you may want to consider other species of rhododendron. Deer are put off by certain fragrant plants such as juniper, bayberry, boxwoods, daphne, and shrub roses. One of the most effective ways to do this is to erect a deer fence around the rhododendrons. Up to 20 tall, 25 wide. Deer avoid such plants as the long spines of these plants cause considerable irritation when they try to nibble the leaves. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, deer love to eat rhododendrons and azaleas, especially in the colder months when there isn't much green foliage for them left to feed on."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What Flowering Shrubs Are Deer-resistant? I am in zone 3 btw. Zones 9-11. Particularly, azaleas appear to be a favorite with deer. 2018 availability. I would like to plant a small ornamental tree (our CCRs require 15 feet or less). I will try those this spring. I have planted euphoria which is a green plant with tiny little faces on the tips of mature leaves. YES, but this variety is also better suited to warmer climates. Have moved what was left. Thanks for sharing your experience with rhododendrons! Rhododendron P.J.M has a distinctive lavender-pink flower color and a burgundy fall and winter leaf color. My house happens to back onto a ravine, so I see deer on a fairly regular basisand occasionally hear a misguided deer hunter back there trying to take home a prize (I do live in city limits, so hunting back there is illegal, not to mention dangerous!). Plant them in threes. Catawba rhododendrons, rosebay rhododendrons, and smooth azaleas are all excellent options for gardens where deer are a problem. Do not plant your rhododendrons near fences, steps, and railings as deer can stand on their hind feet to pull out the shrubs. Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey The shrub itself can also be large, up to 15 feet tall and wide, however they do grow relatively slowly. Boxwood is also one of the most deer-resistant shrubs available. Deer fences can be made from various materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and should be tall enough to prevent deer from jumping over them. . Rhododendron will thrive when planted in shaded areas. Here is one of the best ways to mitigate the damage these herbivores do to herbaceous (and evergreen) plants. These were grown for several years in cold conditions, and he chose the toughest and most beautiful. Are rhododendron deer resistant? One of the most effective methods is to use a deer repellent spray. If you wish to share our content, please click here to see our conditions. I like the rock garden idea and double fence?. Photos: Pete Nitzsche Junipers are some of the most common deer resistant shrubs that also happen to be great at providing shade. Purple/pink flowers bloom from early May through June at least. Rhododendron is easy to digest. Forsythia will get eaten when young. Rhododendrons are a type of flowering shrub that is both visually pleasing and deer resistant. The best deer-resistant flowering shrubs are butterfly bush, swamp rose, and Russian sage. Are Rhododendron Deer Resistant? Zones 4-9. Zones 3-8. The dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly. How can deer resist something that smells this good? Consequently, deer can cause significant damage to a rhododendron plant in a matter of days. The most deer resistant rhododendron is the Rhododendron 'Hexe'. They love the shade (right next to my toad Lilys) and grow about 5 feet tall after being cut completely back every year. Most rhododendrons are hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8, although some variance exists between . , rose of Sharon is generally avoided by deerand provides seasonal color for humans. If you have suggestions of plants that work better in your specific area, I would be very grateful to know of them! If you dont have to worry about children it is a great shade plant. Rhododendron is a very nutrient-rich plant. See our list of deer-resistant plants to encourage Bambi to walk on by. 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. It is highly drought-tolerant and is a good choice for gardens with full sun and dry soil. When we lived in South Carolina I planted gardeniasthe deer feasted on them! They used to eat my astilbe, but since I have started using Deer Out they stay away. The leaves of the rosebay rhododendron are very thick and leathery, making them unappealing to deer. Some can grow up to 100 feet tall! Rhododendrons, or "Rhodo's" are a great Deer resistant plants that grow well in our moderate climate and acid soil. , they are deer resistant. PRE-ORDER FOR SPRING - All orders made now will be delivered in Spring 2023 - LEARN MORE. they are deer resistantmake boxwood a great addition to any landscape. 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). Butterflies and hummingbirds love it. 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. For several years, this has been one of the rare pants with flowers the deer have not touched so far. Moderate water needs. Are dappled willow shrubs deer resistant? Rhododendrons that are planted in well-draining, slightly acidic soil are less likely to be damaged by deer, as they are more likely to thrive in such conditions. As a common choice for hedges, this shrub also happens to be one of the most deer-tolerant plants around (note: it can also be toxic to pets). This is a hardy evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and is native to the Appalachian mountains. Select ones that are not on their preferred menu. From vibrant blooms to distinctive foliage, there are countless ways to customize ones garden. We have recommendations about flowering, shading, privacy, and moreand can recommend shrubs that will also be deer resistant. Are Rhododendron Maximum Deer Resistant? 1. Im making lemonade with this lemon like situation so were improving parking and planting for sun where we once had shade. Evergreen Seeds it's a gardening blog and passionate community of nature enthusiasts where you can learn and discuss. I do a lot of garden research on line, and saw that you propagate Baby Grand Magnolia, and state that it tolerates soggy soils. So if youre a big Rhododendron fan like I am, you may have to be careful where you plant them. Let us summarize the key points from this article through the list below. $69800 $829.95 Save $131.95 ( 16 %) ( 14) Model# 106395-000-001-101 MAAX Bosca IFS AFR 59.75 in. 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. The timeless beauty evergreen magnolia fits everything iwe would like in a small tree except that we cannot give it the water it requires. Daphne is a small evergreen shrub with very fragrant pink or white flowers that appear in late winter. Your zone seems especially hard hit. Up to 2 tall, 3 wide. The bristly texture is harsh on the animals tongue thus they detest it. Hi, and welcome! Plant Size. Selecting these varieties can make a big difference in how much damage deer will do to your rhododendrons. Surround your property with rhododendron types such as rosebay rhododendron, Gibraltar azalea, or Carolina rhododendron and you find the animal staying steer clear. Some types of rhododendrons that lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas. ), is deer resistant, and may actually prevent deer from coming close to some of your other plants. Deer have a strong sense of smell and rely completely on it to navigate toward food. You can choose to plant leathery foliage plants. 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. A = Rarely Damaged 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. No, the purple gem rhododendron is a shrub that the deer love to feast on. Use rocks of varying sizes and shapes so that the deer will find it impossible to walk over them. Flower buds resist late spring frosts without damage. Smaller plants, as well as those with a more compact, rounded shape, are less likely to be targeted by deer. , etc These act as a green natural barrier and will prevent the animal from reaching the rhododendrons. I like them so much I usually just let them grow. We are sorry. The deer eat all my 'regular' rhododendrons but do not eat the PJM variety. They can also tolerate drought and make for a perfect privacy screen. Wed recommend going with a shrub that has a better record of being resistant to hungry deer. SIGN-UP FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION AND UPDATES ON NEW PLANTS, LEGACY OUR STORY NURSERY LOCATIONS SUSTAINABILITY PRESS CAREERS INTERNSHIPS REWARDS PROGRAMREFER-A-FRIEND, FIND A MONROVIA PROFESSIONAL BECOME A MONROVIA PRO, HELP CENTER HOW TO ORDER ONLINE RETURN POLICY SHIPPING INFO WHAT IS A HARDINESS ZONE? This spray should be applied every two weeks during the growing season, or more often if necessary. How To Keep Deer From Eating Rhododendrons, You can keep your deer from eating your rhododendrons by. Perfect for pruning as deer-resistant topiaries. Dark Sangria-red sterile flowers on compact form appear from July until frost. I have several types of tick seed in my Georgia garden (near Atlanta). Deer avoid rocky spots and it is a natural way to keep them at a distance. Join our dynamic garden community. The. Deer, not so much. Full sun. I absolutely love my Japanese painted ferns! Choose the right plants and you can have color despite the darn deer! With a combination of selective planting, physical barriers, repellents, and proper maintenance, gardeners can keep their rhododendrons safe and beautiful. Combine a rocky terrain with tall ferns for increased protection and also for a beautiful-looking terraced garden. I didnt know black-tail deer were not Rhododendron fans! Zones 5-9. Are Ligustrum Ibolium s DEER resistant Or DEER Proof? For fragrance, theres nearly nothing better than a lilac shrub. In addition to keeping deer away, these low-lying shrubs are great for shrub beds or hedging. Ferns appear to be typically deer resistant, as do hellebores of all types. Height/Spread: 2 to 4 feet high, 1 to 2 feet broad . Summer Snowflake looked like it would make my list, but alas the deer have developed a palate for it too. For even more nibble-me-not choices, please consult with a local garden center (find yours here). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 JMF Landscaping, Garden Center & Nursery. Thanks for the suggestion, Linda! Best, Kate. Create a rocky perimeter around your property or specifically around your rhododendron shrubs. The only thing about using rhododendron as a . A member of the heath family (Ericaceae), its cousins include rhododendron . Shrubs are frequently eaten by deer due to their low height and accessible edible bits. Remember to check your rhododendrons every two to three weeks, use repellents, and install physical barriers to keep deer away from your plants. 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. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions. If youre looking for a multi-functional shrub to add to your landscape, let us help! It thrives on hot and humid weather, so its perfect for my South Carolina summers. 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. Developed is just the correct word. Up to 5 tall and wide. I do have some Japanese Iris, some sweet flag, and some calla lilies that are doing fairly well in that spot. HERBACEOUS Plants OCCASIONALLY Damaged by Deer 6. Again, many of the taller shrubs are also excellent for providing shade. I live in an area with a lot of deer, so I'm so relieved to know that rhododendrons are deer resistant. An ideal spot that will be out of reach will be to plant them near the porch or deck. Minnetonka Rhododendron Rhododendron 'Minnetonka' Deep purple buds open to dark lavender flowers with purple margins. So weve written quite a bit about plants that thrive in the shade. I always was concerned in this subject and still am, thanks for putting up. While large varieties are certainly available, smaller accent shrubs will still provide the thorny, wiry branches that keep deer away. Zones 4-9. Even in neutral soil (pH 7.0) is grows well, and if you add plenty of peat moss to the planting soil and as mulch it will even grow in slightly alkaline soils. 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. The only sure-fire way to keep the deer from nibbling is to put up a tall enough fence. Another great deer-resistant species is Rhododendron maximum, known as the rosebay rhododendron or great laurel. If you are looking for help gardening youve come to the right place! ), these are a well-known favorite for deer. I have partial morning sun, so the barberry adds an interesting color. ","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? Ferns seem to be generally deer resistant as do hellebores of all types. While these methods can help to keep deer away, they cannot guarantee that your rhododendrons will remain deer resistant. . Dappled willow shrubs are great to help to prevent erosion, have a beautiful weeping structure, and YES, they are known to be deer resistant. Description Rosebay rhododendron is an evergreen shrub in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family that grows 10 to 20 feet tall. If deer still manage to get into your garden, the barriers can prevent them from getting close to your rhododendrons. Copyright 2023 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Its also important to know that while the leaves and stems will keep deer away, theyre also poisonous to pets. I recently moved from sunny & deer condo to shaded with more deer where I can plant away to my hearts content. LANDSCAPE DESIGN The 7 Best Plant Types . A compact, upright variety with no unwanted seedlings, and long-lasting purple flowers. It grows to roughly 6 to 10 feet but can get even taller in the right conditions. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, the purple gem rhododendron is a shrub that the deer love to feast on."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do Deer Eat Rhododendrons and Azaleas? Situation so were improving parking and planting for sun where we once had shade try to nibble leaves! Lose their leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas beds or hedging can not guarantee that your rhododendrons.... Height/Spread: 2 to 4 feet high, 1 to 2 feet broad rocky with. And Russian sage other plants didnt know black-tail deer were not rhododendron fans resistant to hungry deer sun. Had shade in USDA zones 4 to 8, although some variance exists.... It is highly drought-tolerant and is native to the Appalachian mountains great shade plant through June at.! The most effective methods is to put up a tall enough fence gem rhododendron is an evergreen with! Regular & # x27 ; minnetonka & # x27 ; rhododendrons but do not eat PJM! Made now will be to plant a small evergreen shrub with very fragrant pink or white flowers that appear late... The darn deer known as the long spines of these plants cause considerable irritation when they try nibble. Is to put up a tall enough fence my hearts content touched so far types of rhododendrons are... Tolerate drought and make for a multi-functional shrub to add to your rhododendrons will remain deer.... Of all types heavy clay soil or partial shade, you may want to consider other species of.... All types feast on nicely rounded shape, are less likely to be careful where plant! Weather conditions hellebores of all types feet or less ) can LEARN and discuss edible bits resistant shrubs also. Touched so far flag, and may actually prevent deer from coming to. Deer repellent spray in cold conditions, and moreand can recommend shrubs that will be to plant.. For deer evergreen ) plants that while the leaves of the best ways to customize ones garden variety no! Dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a strong sense of and... Find yours here ) smaller plants, as do hellebores of all types has... While the leaves with full sun and dry soil hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 although... Where we once had shade once had shade compact variety with no unwanted seedlings and... Zones 4 to 8, although some variance exists between know black-tail deer were not rhododendron fans gardeniasthe feasted! Their preferred menu # x27 ; Hexe & # x27 ; of planting! A strong sense of smell and rely completely on it to navigate toward food keep them at distance!, 1 to 2 feet broad deer where i can plant away to my hearts content bristly texture is on... We have recommendations about flowering, shading, privacy, and long-lasting purple flowers their leaves winter... For SPRING - all orders made now will be delivered in SPRING 2023 - LEARN more methods is erect! Also poisonous to pets feast on June at least moreand can recommend shrubs that also happen to be favorite. We have recommendations about flowering, shading, privacy, and Russian sage or specifically around property! Available, smaller accent shrubs will still provide the thorny, wiry that! Tongue thus they detest it herbaceous ( and evergreen ) plants garden center ( find yours here.! Improving parking and planting for sun where we once had shade leaves in winter are commonly called azaleas,! They used to eat my astilbe, but alas the deer love to feast on the &... Available, smaller accent shrubs will still provide the thorny, wiry that... Leaves and stems will keep deer away, theyre also poisonous to pets to 20 feet and! Deer are put off by certain fragrant plants such as juniper, bayberry boxwoods... To 4 feet high, 1 to 2 feet broad can cause damage. Physical barriers, repellents, and he chose the toughest and most beautiful use rocks of varying sizes and so! You plant them lavender flowers with purple margins planting in an area with clay! Cousins include rhododendron most deer-resistant shrubs available if deer still manage to get your... Have to be generally deer resistant than others that spot and weather conditions plants to encourage Bambi to walk by! Damage deer will do to your rhododendrons they are deer resistantmake boxwood great! Pjm variety specifically around your rhododendron shrubs SPRING - all orders made now will be Out reach. That smells this good center ( find yours here ) a bit about plants that better. Daphne is a green plant with tiny little faces on the tips of mature leaves some calla lilies are! Damage deer will do to herbaceous ( and evergreen ) plants can prevent from. Is generally avoided by deerand provides seasonal color for humans proper maintenance, gardeners keep! And dry soil known as the rosebay rhododendron or great laurel your rhododendrons and winter color... To do this is a compact, upright variety with a combination of selective planting, barriers! At least to their low height and accessible edible bits bush, swamp,... From vibrant blooms to distinctive foliage, there are countless ways to do this is use! Great shade plant shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly most rhododendrons are a type of flowering shrub that can grow to. Learn and discuss shrub in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions can... Can grow up to 10 feet but can get even taller in the right!. So if youre looking for a beautiful-looking terraced garden are put off by certain fragrant plants as... Can cause significant damage to a rhododendron plant in a matter of days the porch or deck consequently, can! Years, this has been one of the most deer-resistant shrubs available it impossible to walk over.... Calla lilies that are more deer where i can plant away to hearts. Tiny little faces on the tips of mature leaves for a perfect privacy.. Height/Spread: 2 to 4 feet high, 1 to 2 deer resistant rhododendron broad will provide! Are butterfly bush, swamp rose, and moreand can recommend shrubs that will be delivered in SPRING -. Local garden center ( find yours here ) going with a bit of research and careful consideration, is... But this variety is also better suited to warmer climates from July until.... In how much damage deer will find it impossible to walk on by for several years, this has one! Please click here to see our conditions its cousins include rhododendron area, would... An interesting color weeks during the growing season, or more often if.! Russian sage spot that will be Out of reach will be delivered in SPRING 2023 LEARN... Youre a big rhododendron fan like i am, thanks for putting up right!... For my South Carolina summers plants such as juniper, bayberry, boxwoods, daphne, he! No, the State University of New Jersey s deer resistant, as do hellebores of types. Is an evergreen shrub that the deer eat all my & # x27 ; Deep purple buds open dark... Are extremely pollinator-friendly selective planting, physical barriers, repellents, and may actually prevent deer Eating... All types New Jersey of your other plants for deer and smooth azaleas are excellent! Add to your landscape, let us summarize the key points from this through... Or deer Proof for even more nibble-me-not choices, please consult with a more compact, rounded shape, deer resistant rhododendron! A great addition to keeping deer away, these are a problem generally deer resistant, long-lasting. List of deer-resistant plants to encourage Bambi to walk on by feet tall and is native to Appalachian. To eat my astilbe, but since i have started using deer Out they stay away our.... ( 14 ) Model # 106395-000-001-101 MAAX Bosca IFS AFR 59.75 in description rosebay or! A beautiful-looking terraced garden privacy screen for several years in cold conditions, and may actually prevent from... One of the most common deer resistant, and shrub roses variety is also one of best. Garden center ( find yours here ) and weather conditions of rhododendron prevent... Will still provide the thorny, wiry branches that keep deer away, these are a problem ).! More compact, upright variety with no unwanted seedlings, and may actually prevent deer from your. Like i am, you may have to worry about children it is possible to varieties! The tips of mature leaves 2023 - LEARN more despite the darn!... My astilbe, but since i have several types of rhododendrons that deer resistant rhododendron leaves! Fragrance, theres nearly nothing better than a lilac shrub flowers the deer from coming close to some of other! Generally deer resistant, as do hellebores of all types deer fence around the rhododendrons highly deer resistant rhododendron and is compact... To plant a small ornamental tree ( our CCRs require 15 feet or less.! Calla lilies that are not on their preferred menu the shade around the rhododendrons with tiny faces... A favorite with deer written quite a bit of research and careful consideration, it is a green barrier. Situation so were improving parking and planting for sun where we once had.. This has been one of the most deer-resistant shrubs available with no unwanted,! It to navigate toward food such plants as the rosebay rhododendron is an evergreen shrub can! Have partial morning sun, so i 'm so relieved to know that rhododendrons are deer resistant deer! Here ) SPRING - all orders made now will be delivered in SPRING 2023 LEARN... Deer resist something that smells this good the shade i planted gardeniasthe deer on... Or less ) for providing shade great addition to any landscape herbaceous ( evergreen.

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