How to Grow Deer Resistant Bushes - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Deer resistant bushes is a great plant for those who want to add some greenery to their home without having to worry about deer eating it. This bush is native to Japan and China and has been growing in popularity in the United States for its ability to repel deer.

How to Grow Deer Resistant Bushes - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Burnet
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Thyme
  • Oregano

Things to Know

  • Deer resistant bushes can be an important part of your landscaping plan if you live in an area with a high deer population.
  • There are a number of different species of deer resistant bushes, so you’ll need to do some research to find the best ones for your area.
  • Deer resistant bushes are typically more resistant to browsing than other types of plants, so they can help keep your landscape looking its best.
  • Deer resistant bushes can be used to create a barrier between your property and a nearby wooded area, which can help reduce the deer population on your property.
  • Deer resistant bushes can also be used to create a windbreak, which can help protect your home from strong winds.
  • Deer resistant bushes typically have a strong, unpleasant smell that deters deer from eating them.
  • Deer resistant bushes can be purchased from most garden centers or nurseries.
  • Deer resistant bushes need to be planted in an area that receives full sun for best results.
  • Deer resistant bushes should be watered regularly during the first growing season to help them establish a deep root system.
  • Deer resistant bushes can be an attractive addition to your landscape and can help you reduce the deer population on your property.

Related plant:
Deer Proof Shrubs

Growing Steps

  1. For deer resistant bushes, first step is to identify the area in your garden that you want to dedicate to these plants.
  2. Once you have selected the area, clear out the weeds and any other vegetation that is growing there.
  3. Next, prepare the soil by tilling or spading it to a depth of about 8 inches.
  4. Then, add some organic matter to the soil such as compost or manure.
  5. Once you have amended the soil, you are ready to plant your deer resistant bushes.
  6. When selecting plants, make sure to choose species that are known to be resistant to deer browse.
  7. Once you have your plants, dig holes that are twice the width of the pots they are currently in.
  8. Place the plants in the holes and backfill with soil.
  9. Water the plants thoroughly after planting.
  10. Finally, mulch around the plants to help protect them from deer damage.

Related plant:
Deer Resistant Evergreen Shrubs

The Soil

About soil condition, deer resistant bushes need well-drained soil. The soil can be sandy, loamy, or clay but it needs to be able to drain water well. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot. If the soil is too dry, the bushes will not be able to get the water they need.

About light

So, like the other plants, deer resistant bushes need a certain amount of sun to grow properly. The sun provides the energy that the plant needs to produce food for itself. Too much sun can damage the plant, and too little sun can prevent the plant from growing. The amount of sun that a deer resistant bush needs will depend on the specific plant species.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most conducive to the growth of deer resistant bushes is a temperate climate. Most deer resistant bushes are native to temperate regions of the world, and they thrive in moderate temperatures. They can tolerate colder temperatures than many other plants, but they may not flower or produce fruit in extremely cold weather.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70% This plant does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the humidity is too low, the leaves may start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves may start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, usually the plant that specifies deer-resistant also means they are low-maintenance in terms of fertilizer. This is because deer tend to avoid plants that are heavily fertilized. As for the roots, deer usually avoid plants with deep and extensive root systems because they are difficult to dig up.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of keeping your deer resistant bushes looking their best. Pruning not only helps to shape the plant, but can also help to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. If you are unsure of how to prune your deer resistant bushes, consult with a local nursery or landscape professional.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is typically done via rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. This is a fairly straightforward process that can be done at home with some basic equipment. First, choose a healthy stem to cut from and make sure it has several sets of leaves. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node. Strip all but the top leaves off of the stem. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. In 4-8 weeks, you should see new growth, at which point you can transplant the new plants into their own pots.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow. This is due to the fact that they produce a lot of toxins in order to deter deer from eating them. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Some deer resistant bushes, such as the American Holly, can grow quite quickly.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the deer may eat the leaves, bark, or twigs of the bush. The deer may also rub their antlers on the bush, which can damage the plant. If the deer population is high in an area, the deer may also damage the roots of the bush in their search for food.

Basics of Growing

  • Do not forget to water your plants regularly.
  • Deer love to eat tender new growth, so make sure to protect your plants with a fence or netting.
  • Keep an eye out for deer damage and take immediate action to deter them.
  • Choose deer resistant bushes that are native to your area.
  • Plant your deer resistant bushes in a group so they can provide each other with support and protection.
  • Mulch around your plants to help deter deer.
  • Use deer repellents sparingly and according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Be patient! It can take several years for deer resistant bushes to mature and reach their full potential.
  • Check with your local extension office or nursery for specific recommendations on deer resistant plants for your area.
  • Enjoy your deer resistant plants and the wildlife that they attract!

Related Plants

  • Penstemon
  • Verbascum
  • Lavandula
  • Antirrhinum
  • Ageratum
  • Arctostaphylos
  • Ceanothus
  • Chaenomeles
  • Coreopsis
  • Digitalis

Source:
Cornell Cooperative Extension | Deer Resistant Plants
Deer Resistant Plants for the Landscape –Annuals & Perennials
Deer Resistant Plants - University of Connecticut

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