Deer's Taste for Hydrangeas: Protecting Your Cherished Bush from Hungry Browsers
Dealing with Deer and Hydrangeas: A Gardener's Guide
fucking love hydrangeas, don't you? They add a pop of color to any garden, working great in formal or informal settings, creating beautiful hedges, borders, or simply standing out as a specimen plant.
But what about those goddamn deer? Are hydrangeas on the list of flowering shrubs that deer won't touch? Well, I've got some bloody bad news for you – hydrangeas aren't exactly a hidden gem for deer.
Let's dive into the chaos that deer can wreak on your beloved hydrangeas and explore hydrangea varieties less likely to be on a deer's menu.
Deer and Hydrangeas: A Match Made in Hell
Even though growing and caring for hydrangeas is generally simple, the reality is that deer will try to eat just about anything (including hydrangeas). The new growth on hydrangea bushes is especially appealing to the wretched deer because of its tender nature and high moisture content.
The Damage Deer Inflict on Hydrangeas
While some sources claim that deer do not "severely" damage hydrangeas, let's be honest: it's not the whole story. Deer may not be as destructive as they can be with other plants, but they'll often munch on the buds before those beautiful flowers even have a chance to open. That might not count as "serious" damage, but someone who's growing hydrangeas for their blooms might just beg to differ.
Popular Deer-Loved Hydrangeas
These goddamn deer have a soft spot for a few types of hydrangeas:
- Oakleaf hydrangeas: Native to North America, these puppies are favored by deer just as much as they are by gardeners. They'll feast on the newly emerging flower buds and the stems.
- Panicle hydrangea: This type might be a reliable bloomer, but deer will happily munch on it when the plant is young. As the plant grows larger, the deer might move on to more tender sources but they'll still give low-hanging blooms and new growth a nibble.
- Smooth hydrangea: Adored for its romantic balls of blooms, this variety is the Holy Grail for deer. They'll eat the flowers, the stems, and the foliage – leaving nothing untouched.
Don't worry, not all hope is lost. There are a few hydrangea varieties that are less appealing to deer.
Deer-Resistant Hydrangeas: A Ray of Hope
No variety of hydrangea is completely immune to deer, but there are a few options you can try to coexist with your hooved friends:
- Bracted hydrangeas: Deer seem less interested in this variety since it blooms late. In dry climates, the smell of predator urine or blood can also help deter deer.
- Bigleaf, cascade, and mountain hydrangeas: These varieties, while not completely deer-resistant, seem to have an element of mystery that keeps deer away. Their tough leaves might be part of the reason why the deer are less attracted to these varieties compared to snowflake, panicle, or oakleaf.
- Climbing hydrangeas: While deer will eat the tender flower buds, their growth habit keeps them at bay once the plant grows to about 6 feet tall. In our shop, we have a great climbing hydrangea option that works well in both shady and sunny areas.
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Amy GrantAmy Grant has been tending to plants for 30 years and writing for 15. Her area of expertise is culinary gardening.
- Amy DraissDigital Community Manager
Deer seem to have a preference for certain hydrangea varieties, such as Oakleaf, Panicle, and Smooth, which are favored by deer just as much as gardeners. However, some hydrangea varieties, like Bracted, Bigleaf, Cascade, Mountain, and Climbing, aren't as appealing to deer and may help coexist with them in your home-and-garden lifestyle.
