Hydrangeas are beloved for their lush blooms and vibrant colors, but if you live in an area with deer, you might have noticed these graceful animals love to snack on your hydrangeas just as much as you love growing them. So, how do you keep deer from eating hydrangeas? While hydrangeas are not deer-resistant, there are several practical and friendly ways to protect your plants and keep your garden looking beautiful all season long.
Why Do Deer Eat Hydrangeas?
Deer are opportunistic feeders and will browse on a wide variety of plants, including hydrangeas, especially when natural food sources are scarce or during harsh winters. They are attracted to the tender leaves, shoots, flower buds, and blossoms of hydrangeas, which can lead to significant damage. Once deer discover a tasty plant, they tend to return regularly, so prevention is key.
How to Keep Deer from Eating Hydrangeas
1. Create Physical Barriers
One of the most reliable ways to protect your hydrangeas is by using physical barriers:
– Fencing: A fence at least 6 to 8 feet tall is recommended because deer can jump quite high. For smaller gardens, shorter fences with tightly spaced wires or mesh can work if designed cleverly to confuse deer’s depth perception.
– Netting and Cages: Covering your hydrangeas with deer netting or placing wire cages around individual plants can prevent deer from reaching the leaves and flowers. Burlap wraps are also effective, especially for dormant plants during winter.
– Fishing Line Barriers: Some gardeners use high-test fishing line strung around plants at different heights to create a nearly invisible barrier that deer avoid.
2. Use Deer Repellents
Deer repellents are sprays or granules that emit odors or tastes deer dislike:
– Apply repellents before deer start browsing to condition them to avoid your plants.
– Choose rain- and snow-resistant products to reduce the frequency of application.
– Organic options like Plantskydd are popular because they last longer and are safer for the environment.
– Follow label instructions carefully for the best results.
3. Plant Deer-Resistant Companions
Incorporate plants that deer tend to avoid around your hydrangeas to create a natural deterrent:
– Popular deer-repellent plants include lavender, rosemary, boxwood, catmint, and alliums.
– These plants often have strong scents or tough textures that deer find unappealing.
– Strategically placing these around your hydrangeas can discourage deer from venturing close.
4. Position Hydrangeas Strategically
Deer prefer to feed in areas with limited human activity:
– Plant hydrangeas close to your home or in busy garden areas where people frequently walk.
– Surround hydrangeas with less palatable plants to create a protective buffer.
– Taller varieties like climbing hydrangeas or oakleaf hydrangeas are less accessible or less attractive to deer.
5. Use Motion-Activated Deterrents
Startle deer and keep them away with devices that activate when movement is detected:
– Motion-activated sprinklers spray water to scare deer off.
– Motion-sensitive lights or noise makers can also be effective.
– Change the location or type of deterrent periodically to prevent deer from getting used to them.
6. Employ Scare Tactics and Garden Hacks
Some gardeners have found creative ways to deter deer:
– Hanging colorful, rattling wine bottles on stakes to create noise and visual distraction.
– Using reflective tape or pinwheels that move in the wind.
– Regularly walking through your garden to disturb deer and keep them wary.
7. Get a Dog
If you have a dog, letting it roam the garden can mark the territory and naturally keep deer away. Dogs’ presence and scent are often enough to discourage deer from entering your yard.
Tips for Early Protection
Deer often target young hydrangeas soon after planting when the leaves are tender and easy to eat. Protect new plants with netting or repellents right away to help them establish without damage.
Summary
Deer love hydrangeas, but with a combination of physical barriers, repellents, strategic planting, and deterrents, you can keep these beautiful shrubs safe from hungry visitors. Start early, be consistent, and mix methods for the best protection.
Protect your hydrangeas and enjoy their stunning blooms all season long!
Protecting hydrangeas from deer requires persistence and a mix of strategies, but with the right approach, your garden can thrive without becoming a deer buffet.