Are Hydrangeas Deer-Resistant? How to Keep Deer Away from Your Flowers
Hydrangeas: A Deer Delicacy
Unfortunately, hydrangeas are not deer-resistant plants. Deer find the soft, succulent blooms and leaves of hydrangeas irresistible. This can be a major problem for gardeners, as deer can quickly decimate a prized hydrangea collection. However, there are steps you can take to protect your hydrangeas from these hungry pests.
Understanding Deer Behavior
To effectively deter deer from your hydrangeas, it’s important to understand their behavior. Deer prefer tender, young plants that are high in moisture. Hydrangeas fit this description perfectly, making them a prime target for deer.
While deer tend to avoid strong-smelling plants and those with tough, thorny textures, they may still resort to eating these plants if other food sources are scarce. Therefore, it’s essential to implement a comprehensive deer-deterrent strategy to protect your hydrangeas.
Effective Deer Deterrent Techniques
1. Plant Deer-Resistant Companions
Surrounding your hydrangeas with plants that deer tend to avoid can help deter them from your prized blooms. Some deer-resistant companion plants include:
- Ageratum
- Angel’s Trumpet
- Cleome
- Dusty Miller
- Flowering tobacco
- Forget-me-nots
- Heliotrope
- Larkspur
- Poppy
- Pot marigold
- Snapdragon
- Strawflower
- Sweet alyssum
2. Motion-Activated Sprinklers and Lights
Motion-activated sprinklers and lights can be effective deer deterrents. The sudden burst of water or light can startle deer and cause them to flee the area.
3. Dogs
Dogs are natural predators of deer, and their presence in the garden can be a powerful deterrent. Even the sound of a dog barking can be enough to scare deer away.
4. Fencing
Adding a tall fence around your garden can be an effective way to keep deer out. However, fences can be expensive and may not be practical for all gardeners.
5. Chicken Wire Mats
Laying down chicken wire mats on the ground can deter deer from walking over the area. Cover the wire with a thin layer of mulch or pine straw for a more natural appearance.
6. Commercial Deer Repellent Sprays
Commercial deer repellent sprays can contain ingredients such as garlic, capsicum pepper, or putrid egg solids. These sprays can be effective, but they need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or irrigation.
7. DIY Deer Repellent Spray
You can also make your own deer repellent spray using eggs and water. Simply blend three whole eggs with two cups of water and pour the mixture into a garden sprayer. Add enough water to make one gallon and shake well to combine. Spray the mixture on your plants until the leaves are wet and shiny. Reapply every two weeks or after a rain.
Hydrangea Varieties That Deer Avoid
While no hydrangeas are completely deer-resistant, some varieties are less appealing to these hungry pests. These varieties include:
- Bracted Hydrangea (Hydrangea involucrata): The leaves are fuzzy, and the flowers are smaller and less tender than other varieties.
- Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris): Mature plants have woody stems, and the blossoms are often out of the easy reach of deer.
Hydrangea Varieties Deer Love
The following hydrangea varieties are favorites of deer:
- Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
- Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
- Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
These varieties produce tender, young shoots in spring and an abundance of buds and blooms, making them irresistible to deer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you keep deer from eating hydrangeas?
A: Implementing a comprehensive deer-deterrent strategy is key, including surrounding hydrangeas with deer-resistant plants, using motion-activated sprinklers or lights, installing fencing or chicken wire mats, and applying deer repellent sprays.
Q: Which hydrangea is deer resistant?
A: Bracted Hydrangea and Climbing Hydrangea are less appealing to deer due to their fuzzy leaves or elevated blossoms.
Q: What flowers do deer hate the most?
A: Deer tend to avoid strong-smelling plants and those with tough, thorny textures. Some of the most deer-resistant flowering annuals include ageratum, angel’s trumpet, cleome, dusty miller, flowering tobacco, forget-me-nots, heliotrope, larkspur, poppy, pot marigold, snapdragon, strawflower, and sweet alyssum.
