What Bushes Do Deer Hate?

Deer, while often beautiful to observe in their natural habitat, can become a real nuisance when they venture into our gardens and landscapes. They can decimate a flower bed or shrubbery overnight, leaving gardeners frustrated and disheartened. But don’t despair, planting deer-resistant bushes can help deter these unwanted visitors. In this article, we will explore the types of bushes that deer tend to avoid and how to use them effectively in your landscape.

Understanding Deer Preferences

Deer are selective feeders with preferences that vary by region, season, and availability of alternative food sources. They are known to avoid certain types of plants due to their smell, taste, or texture. However, it’s important to note that no plant is completely deer-proof. A hungry deer in areas with limited food sources may still eat plants that are generally considered to be deer-resistant.

Bushes That Deer Hate

Let’s delve into the types of bushes that are most likely to deter deer:

1. Boxwood (Buxus): Boxwoods are broadleaf evergreens that are popular choices for hedges. They contain alkaloids that are distasteful to deer and emit a strong odor that deer dislike.
2. Juniper (Juniperus sp.): Junipers are members of the cypress family and give off a heavy fragrance. Because deer have a sensitive sense of smell, they tend to avoid any plants with a strong odor.
3. Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis): Bluebeard is another bush that deer tend to avoid. This plant is easy to care for and thrives in full sun.
4. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum): This deer-resistant shrub bears reddish fall foliage and bluish berries in addition to white flowers in the spring.
5. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii): These bushes are magnets for pollinators but deer tend to avoid them.
6. Shrub Roses: Shrub roses are good plants where deer are a problem due to their thorny stems that deer don’t like to eat.
7. Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica): The fragrance of bayberry deters deer from eating it.
8. ‘Carol Mackie’ Daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii ‘Carol Mackie’): This variegated bush with extremely fragrant flowers is distasteful to deer.
9. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia): This native evergreen shrub is one of the best choices for a shrub that will be ignored by deer.
10. Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): This native evergreen species is typically avoided by deer.

Strategic Planting

Homeowners can strategically plant these bushes to discourage deer from entering their yards. For instance, plant large, sprawling deer repellent varieties such as thick hedges of boxwoods or short needle spruces around the borders of your garden. If deer can’t see what’s inside, they’re less likely to enter your property.

In addition, planting patches of strongly scented herbs like garlic, chives, mint, and lavender can mask the appealing aroma of nearby plants, making your garden less appetizing to deer.

Maintaining Deer-Deterring Bushes

Regular maintenance of these bushes is crucial for their survival and continued deer deterrence. Pruning should be done once a year after the shrub has finished flowering. Monitor your plants for signs of deer damage, such as jagged or torn leaves. If you notice damage, consider implementing additional deer deterrent measures, such as fencing, repellents, or scare tactics.

In Summary

While no plant is 100% deer-proof, the bushes listed above have been found to be less appealing to deer. By strategically planting these in your landscape, you can create a garden that is both beautiful and deer-resistant. Remember to maintain these plants properly and use additional deer deterrents as necessary. With a bit of planning and effort, you can enjoy a garden that thrives despite the presence of deer.