How to Grow Deer Resistant Shrubs Northeast - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Deer resistant shrubs northeast is a type of plant that is resistant to deer. There are many benefits to having this type of plant in your garden, including the fact that it will not be eaten by deer.

How to Grow Deer Resistant Shrubs Northeast - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Arrowwood viburnum
  • European cranberrybush
  • wolfberry
  • American cranberrybush
  • American ginseng

Things to Know

  • Deer resistant shrubs are those that are less likely to be browsed by deer.
  • Some deer resistant shrubs include: American holly, Andromeda, Bayberry, Beautyberry, Bee balm, Boxwood, Butterfly bush, Cranberry bush, Fothergilla, and Inkberry.
  • Many of these shrubs are evergreen, meaning they will keep their leaves year-round.
  • Some deer resistant shrubs have thorns or other deterrents that make them less appetizing to deer.
  • Deer resistant shrubs are often used in landscapes as a way to deter deer from damaging other plants.
  • Deer resistant shrubs can be planted in a variety of ways, including as hedges, foundation plantings, or even in pots or containers.
  • When choosing deer resistant shrubs, it is important to consider the mature size of the plant and its growth habit.
  • Deer resistant shrubs should be chosen based on the specific needs of the landscape and the deer population in the area.
  • Planting deer resistant shrubs is just one part of deterring deer from damaging landscapes; other strategies, such as fencing, may also be necessary.
  • Deer resistant shrubs are not deer proof and may still be browsed if deer are desperate or there is a lack of other food sources.

Related plant:
Deer Proof Shrubs

Planting Process

  1. For deer resistant shrubs northeast, first step is to test the soil. Soil test will help you determine whether your soil is suitable for growing plants.
  2. Next, you need to choose the right location. The location must have good drainage and full sun.
  3. Then, you need to prepare the soil. The soil must be loose and well-drained.
  4. After that, you can plant the deer resistant shrubs northeast.
  5. Next, you need to water the plants regularly.
  6. Then, you need to fertilize the plants.
  7. Next, you need to prune the plants.
  8. Then, you need to mulch the plants.
  9. Next, you need to monitor the plants for pests and diseases.
  10. Finally, you need to harvest the plants when they are ready.

Related plant:
Rhododendron Deer Resistant

Soil Condition

About soil condition, deer resistant shrubs for the northeast United States must be able to tolerate a range of soil conditions from light sandy soils to heavy clay soils. They should also be able to tolerate both dry and wet conditions, as well as periods of drought.

Light requirement

Like the other plants, deer resistant shrubs have different sun light requirements. Some of these shrubs can tolerate full sun, while others prefer partial sun or shade. When choosing a deer resistant shrub for your garden, take into consideration the amount of sun or shade the area receives. This will help you select a shrub that is more likely to thrive in your particular space.

Good Temperature

The temperature conditions in the northeast are such that deer resistant shrubs are a must. Many of the most popular shrubs are not deer resistant and can be quickly decimated by a herd of deer. Some of the best deer resistant shrubs for the northeast include: American holly, boxwood, wintergreen, and yew. All of these shrubs are evergreen and will provide year-round interest and protection for your garden.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60%-80%. The plant does not like to sit in water, so make sure the pot has good drainage. If the leaves start to turn yellow, the plant is either getting too much water or not enough sunlight.

Fertilizer Requirement

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant is relatively easygoing. A good Deer Resistant Shrubs Northeast all-purpose fertilizer will suffice, and you can even get away with using a little less than the package recommends. This is especially true if you amend the soil with organic matter before planting. In general, feed in early spring and again in mid-summer.

Light requirement

Pruning is a crucial step in keeping your deer resistant shrubs healthy and looking their best. In the northeast, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. By pruning at this time, you'll remove any damaged or diseased areas, as well as any unwanted growth. This will encourage your shrubs to produce new, healthy growth in the spring.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is generally done by rooting softwood cuttings taken from the shrub in late spring or early summer. The cutting should be taken from new growth that is still soft and flexible. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node and remove the bottom leaves. Stick the cutting in a moistened soil mix and keep it out of direct sunlight until new growth appears. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a pot or into the ground.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate well in full sun or partial shade and average to moist, well-drained soil. They are generally low maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Many of these shrubs are also tolerant of salt and drought.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the deer may eat the leaves or twigs of the plant. In some cases, the deer will also strip the bark off the shrub. These problems can be prevented by using a deer repellent or by fencing the area around the shrub.

Basics of Growing

  • Make sure to choose deer resistant shrubs for the northeast.
  • Consider the amount of sun and shade the plant will receive.
  • Pick a location that has well-drained soil.
  • Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
  • Space the plants properly to allow for adequate air circulation.
  • Prune the shrubs regularly to promote new growth.
  • Apply a deer repellent to the plants to deter browsing.
  • Protect the plants from deer damage with fencing or netting.
  • Choose plants that are native to the northeast region.
  • Research the specific needs of the plant before purchasing.

Substitution

  • Name: American Cranberry bush (Viburnum trilobum)
  • Name: American Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana)
  • Name: Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum)
  • Name: Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum)
  • Name: Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)
  • Name: Common Witchhazel (H. vulgaris)
  • Name: Dwarf Fothergilla (Fothergilla gardenii)
  • Name: Eastern Witchhazel (H. virginiana)
  • Name: Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica)
  • Name: Sweet Fothergilla (Fothergilla major)

Source:
Deer Resistant Trees, Shrubs, & Vines - University of Connecticut
Deer Resistant Plants | Arkansas deer resistant plants
Deer-Tolerant Ornamental Plants | UGA Cooperative Extension

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category