Deer Proof Plants - Reality or Myth?Unfortunately, there is no such thing as deer proof plants. Hungry deer will eat nearly anything. Deer resistant plants, sprays, fences -- all of these things can reduce the amount of damage to your garden. For many of us, deer foraging has ruined a plant or two (or three). Just when you think you can sit back and ponder the beauty of your landscape, you see that something has neatly nipped the buds off of all your roses. The best way to avoid deer problems is to plant what deer don't like. Also, when your landscape is first planted, keep an eye out. Everything is more tasty when it's small and fresh. If deer get into the habit of stopping at your lawn for lunch, they will be even harder to get rid of. I've lived in the country for a number of years. I will tell you right now that I haven't always stuck to the 'deer proof plants'. For one, I've got a prized rose bush that I refuse to get rid of. Secondly, I really like Yews for their soft, deep green needles. So, I'll let you know that I have figured my deer out. For the most part, my deer eat elsewhere -- partly because a lot of my plants just aren't so tasty. In the spring, they have a window of a few weeks where the snow is mostly or completely gone and there are nice green shoots everywhere -- this is my deer window. If I don’t want things to get munched, I get out my deer spray and shoot everything that's vulnerable for at least a month or two. You may find that you don't have to stick to the deer proof list, either. Focus on mainly deer proof plants and decide which ones you love enough to experiment with. You may have to put up with some deer foraging, but if you're like me, it's worth it. There are no deer proof plants, really, because deer will eat anything depending upon how hungry they are. That said, there are plants that deer don't like. This is a valuable knowledge for those of us living it up in the Midwest where deer are plentiful. So, I've compiled a list that may help you if you're on the way to the nursery.
I've found that in some areas, the deer are so persistent that certain plants just do not survive at all. TIPTalk to your neighbors. What works in one area may not work on the other side of town.Purpleleaf sand cherry -- a lovely plant. One of my clients couldn't get this little shrub to last. The deer ate it to the ground. In other areas this shrub does just fine. It's possible that the deer loved the tender branches of a new shrub. An older plant they may have left alone. Generally speaking, deer avoid plants with fuzzy leaves or a strong odor (like Russian Sage). They like plants with a sweet taste like apple trees. They can and may jump an eight foot fence -- although I've heard people say that a tall fence does reduce the number of deer that they deal with. With a little planning, you can avoid a lot of deer problems. Don't forget to keep an extra close eye when things are first planted and during that 'deer window' in the spring. Best of luck!
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