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Selective
Plants for the By
David
L. Hill II
Deer feed selectively and usually “browse” to find preferred species of plants that fit their nutritional needs. As a gardener, preventative steps can be taken to deter the animals from browsing for food sources in the landscape by using garlic-based sprays and repellents to turn the deer away. However, this process is not the most cost effective and requires maintenance (re-application after rainy periods or as new growth appears) and precious gardening time. Using a smart landscape plan can be the first step in naturally eliminating some deer feeding problems that arise throughout the entire year. Plant selection is one of the most important factors to consider for deer-prone areas. There are a number of shrubs, trees and perennials available that are naturally deer resistant. By placing these in the landscape, the gardener is freed from the labor and smells associated with the sprays. However, it should be stated for the record that there is no plant that can be labeled as “deer-proof” because a hungry deer will eat virtually any species of plant when in desperation for a food source.
I want to share with you my top five deer resistant plants that will work in our deer-inhabited environment. Whether planted as a protective border for the deer-preferred species of plants or clumped in a mass for a spectacular visual display, used as a hedge or a nice groundcover, these plants will be essentially an excellent means to deter the destruction of the landscape. The Red Osier Dogwood shrub (Cornus sericea) will add a spectacular visual presence in any garden. This simple-leaved, deciduous shrub reaches a height of 6’ to 10’ with equal spread and works well in full sun to part shade. In fall, the leaves turn a rich purple-red and are complemented by the spectacular white to pale blue clusters of berries. Although the dainty flowers in late May to early June are a lackluster, dulled white, they enable the shrub in the production of the wonderful berries. One of the most useful benefits this shrub offers is the brilliant and bold red twigs that liven up the landscape throughout the winter months.
Bearberry (Arctostaphylos una-ursa) is the perfect evergreen groundcover for any sunny spot in the garden. The leathery, dark green leaves have a glossy sheen that really stands out and the underbelly is lined with silvery hairs that are soft to the touch. In April to June the plant produces a series of bell-shaped blooms that are a uniquely colored rosy-white. Because this plant reaches a mere 8” in height it will never become overbearing in the landscape and the clusters of red berries produced in the fall will make any garden come alive with color.
The Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is widely know and used in the gardening community. However, it is one of the most highly deer-resistant plants available. Because these shrubs maintain rich glossy-green foliage throughout the year and their ability to adapt to most light conditions (full sun to shade), they could be labeled as the one of the truest utility plants. In late April to early May a yellow-white bloom appears that is better known for fragrance than a showy display. Another proven quality of these shrubs is the ability to be sheered to shape with little to no problems and the high tolerance they possess for drought-like conditions. These shrubs make a spectacular hedge or border and will add year-round beauty to any landscape.
Rainbow Leucothoe (L. axillaris ‘Rainbow’) is truly one of the most unique evergreen shrubs on the market. The leaves are a beautiful swirl of variegated lime greens and yellows. Another distinct characteristic attributed to this dwarf shrub (grows 3’ to 5’) is the showy light pink color of the new growth that mixes well with the foliage. The spring blooms are a series of drooping panicles of bell-shaped, pinkish-white flowers that add even more beauty to this shrub. The Rainbow works best in part shade but can handle full sun and in fall it will leave the gardener in awe of its beautiful bronze purple foliage.
Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Longwood Blue’) is a small, deciduous shrub that will grace the landscape in late summer with its magnificent sky blue, unusually-shaped blooms. It reaches a mature height of 2’ to 3’ making it easily placed in an existing garden or a tight area in the landscape. Bluebeard is excellent for adding summer color when mass planted in full sun and can be just as effective standing on its own. This shrub virtually cares for itself, making it a must have for the low maintenance gardener. Deer damage in landscapes throughout our region can cost the average gardener time and money each year. If a plan of action, the natural way, is implemented, the number of deer-damaged gardens can decrease in numbers as the deer population rises. By introducing these five plants into the landscape, the deer-plagued gardener can have an ease of mind knowing that they can put the smelly sprays away for good and throw out the notion of placing a 10’ perimeter fence around the entire yard!
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Over
the last two decades, the population of white-tail deer has risen
at an alarming rate in West Virginia and all surrounding states.
As a result of having no natural predators other than humans, the
development of new shopping facilities, rural and suburban homeowner
development and landowner decision to prevent hunting, the population
will likely increase in the coming years. With this in mind, the
unlucky gardener who is frequently visited by these magnificent
creatures seems to always be battling uphill to prevent their gardens
from becoming a 24-hour diner for deer.
