The Best Deer Resistant Bushes To Plant – 5 Bushes Deer Will Leave Alone: They may be cute, but deer can really mess up your yard with their browsing habits. Picking the right plants can make a big difference if you want to keep your yard looking nice without having to fight deer all the time. Some plants naturally keep deer away because of their texture, smell, or toxins, which makes them great choices for a garden that deer can’t get into. Here are five of the best bushes that deer won’t eat that will help your garden stay green and whole.
1. Boxwood (varieties of Buxus)
In addition to being a traditional choice for formal gardens and hedges, boxwood is renowned for its resistance to deer.
- Look: Evergreen shrubs with dense, compact foliage that can take on a variety of shapes are called boxwoods. They are frequently employed to make tidy topiaries and hedges.
- Deer Resistance: Because boxwoods have thick, rough leaves, deer usually stay away from them. These animals are put off by the plant’s potent scent and harsh flavor.
Growing Hints: Boxwoods prefer full to partial light and well-drained soil. Although they require little upkeep, they gain from routine pruning to keep their shape. Make sure there is adequate air circulation to ward against illnesses.
2. Mahonia (species Mahonia)
Mahonia, sometimes called Oregon grape, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that deer usually stay away from.
- Mahonia has a glossy, holly-like appearance with a spiky structure. It also bears blue-purple berries after dazzling yellow flower clusters.
- Deer Resistance: Mahonia’s leathery, pointed leaves render it indigestible to deer. The potent, spicy scent of the plant keeps deer away as well.
- Growing Hints: Mahonia loves acidic, well-drained soil and shade, but not too much shade. It is a low-maintenance plant that gives your garden year-round interest. To avoid root rot, make sure it is not planted in very damp situations.
3. Berberis spp., or barberry
Barberry is a multipurpose shrub that deters deer well because of its prickly branches and vivid foliage.
- Look: Barberries have vivid leaves in shades of red, orange, and green. They are found in a variety of species and cultivars. Moreover, certain types have eye-catching fruit.
- Deer Resistance: Barberry’s prickly stems naturally discourage deer from approaching the plant in order to avoid getting hurt. Deer also find the plant’s spiky foliage repulsive.
- Growing Hints: Barberry thrives in full sun but may tolerate some shade. It is tolerant of various soil types. It’s a great option for many garden settings because it’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Frequent pruning helps keep it in form and gets rid of any branches that are broken or dead.
4. Lavender (species Lavender)
Lavender is well-known for its aromatic perfume and lovely purple blossoms, but it’s also believed to keep deer away.
- Looks: Lavender is a fragrant, evergreen shrub with summertime spikes of purple flowers and slender, silver-gray leaves.
- Deer Resistance: Deer find lavender’s powerful scent to be overbearing and dislike it. The plant is not a desirable food source for deer due to its rough, fragrant foliage and blooms.
- Growing Hints: Full sun and well-drained soil are ideal for lavender growth. It does well in drought conditions and likes slightly alkaline soil. After flowering, prune lavender to promote new growth and keep the plant in a compact form. Steer clear of too much dampness to avoid root rot.
5. Holly with winterberry (Ilex verticillata)
A deciduous plant with a deer-resistance reputation, winterberry holly brings seasonal interest to your yard.
- Winterberry holly is a visually appealing option for cold-season interest because of its eye-catching red berries, which remain scarlet throughout the winter. In the fall, its dark green leaves become yellow.
- Deer Resistance: Because of the winterberry holly’s prickly, pointed leaves and less appetizing berries, deer often stay away from it. Deer typically find the texture and flavor of plants unpleasant.
- Growing Tip: Full sun is preferred over partial shade by winterberry holly, which also likes acidic, wet soil. Make sure you plant both male and female kinds, as berries require a male plant for pollination. Regular pruning helps the shrub keep its shape and gets rid of any dead or broken wood.
Extra Advice for a Garden Resistant to Deer
- Combine Plants: Pair these bushes with other deer-resistant plants, like decorative grasses, herbs, and perennials, to make a more successful deer-resistant garden.
- Employ Deer Repellents: Although selecting plants resistant to deer is a good idea, you can safeguard your garden even more by applying additional repellents and deterrents. Deer can be deterred with commercial deer repellents or with DIY remedies like garlic or hot pepper sprays.
- Build Physical Barriers: To further safeguard your plants in high-deer-pressure locations, think about erecting physical barriers like fences.
In summary
Selecting shrubs that are resistant to deer is a proactive approach to keep your garden flourishing and lovely without having to worry about harm from the animals. Winterberry holly, boxwood, mahonia, barberry, and lavender are all great choices that have both natural deer deterrent properties and aesthetic appeal. You can have a lush, well-preserved garden by adding these plants to your landscape and using extra deer management techniques. Happy gardening!