| These last three years have been a learning experience for me. I purchased my home in 2007 ignorant of the fact it was located in the center of a popular deer crossing. (The deer crossing traffic signs went up the year after I moved in.) Here is what I have learned based on my particular experience:
1.) When purchasing new plants be sure to check how palatable the plant will be to deer. Yes, I know people will say that deer will eat everything but there are definite preferences. (Obviously, these may not apply if the deer are starving to death and will attempt to eat anything.)
Deer Resistant Plants (again based on personal experience & in no particular order)
Holly (Ilex)
Boxwood (Buxus)
Ferns (species doesn't seem to matter)
Bamboo (neither spreaders nor clumping species)
Peony
Iris
Marigolds
Palms (again species does not seem to matter)
Banana trees (used as summer bedding plants--maybe related Cannas may also be safe.)
Metasequoia (dawn redwood)
Taxodium (bald cypress)
Cephalotaxus (Japanese Plum Yew--NOT the common Yew which they do eat!)
Podocarpus
Gingko biloba
Magnolias (neither northern deciduous nor southern evergreen have been eaten, but their smooth bark is vulnerable during the autumn rut so they must be protected.)
Ficus carica (common fig)
Forsythia
Bleeding Heart
Honeysuckle
Trumpet vine
Wisteria
Kiwi
yucca
Dusty Miller
ornamental grasses
Opuntia cactus (the cold hardy species has attractive yellow flowers but also is thorny so handle with gloves.)
Coral Bells
Day lily
Japanese Andromeda (Pieris)
many herbs (rosemary, lavender, etc.)
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Chili peppers
Plants that Deer Seem to Love:
Acuba japonica
Euonymous japonica
Fatsia japonica
Azaleas
Roses
HOSTA
Hydrangeas
Camellias
Yews
Photinia "Red Tip"
tomato plants
2. If you choose to grow a plant that are preferred by deer pay particular attention to location. Given a choice, deer will avoid heavy traffic and people. Plant any deer favorites in locations that deer will tend to avoid. I now have my azaleas and roses in front of the house (along a busy main street). --They were eaten in the back yard.
Other Observations:
a.) I find that they tend to avoid a hedge of Rhododendrons "Roseum elegans" in the noisy lawn front, and I understand that deer generally eat them.
b.) There's a large Japanese "bloodgood" maple in the front that also is not bothered. I suspect this is due to its height perhaps and also being in the front lawn area.
All in all, I think it is possible to have a lush garden in a deer zone by selecting the correct plants and locations. (PS., I don't use any deer repellents save for mulching egg shells that they are not supposed to be fond of.) Happy gardening & Happy Independence Day!!
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