Like many garden visitors, deer are opportunistic. They have preferences regarding the types of flowers and foliage they’ll sample from your beds and gardens, but they’ll also consume their less favored specimens if necessary. Generally, deer adore hydrangeas, especially the flowers. However, you might notice that some hydrangeas in your yard grow undisturbed without stripped leaves or broken twigs. Others might be chewed down to the roots one season and left alone the next. So, how can you determine which of your beautiful blooms will fall victim to these backyard diners?
The answer begins with the variety of hydrangea, but other factors, such as its location and the availability of alternative food sources, also play a significant role. Experts suggest there are types of hydrangeas deer don’t favor and ways to ensure the plants you have are less appetizing and harder for these hungry animals to reach. In general, deer prefer munching on a plant’s soft petals and fragrant flowers rather than the leaves and stems that are tougher to chew. That said, when in bloom, there’s also a higher presence of pests that can destroy your hydrangeas. If you have a hydrangea bush that produces beautiful blooms all season without a nibbled leaf, chances are you either have a variety that deer don’t like or your plant is being protected by other factors.
Deer love delicate buds but dislike rough foliage
There are at least three stunning types of hydrangeas that deer won’t be tempted to eat. Certain hydrangea varieties have rougher foliage than others, which deer tend to avoid. Expert gardeners mostly cite anecdotal experience when identifying the types of plants deer steer clear of, including bracketed hydrangeas (Hydrangea involucrata), bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), and mountain hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata).
Bracketed hydrangeas have velvety petals, a texture that deer dislike, while the bigleaf and mountain varieties have much thicker, almost leather-like leaves that also seem to be off-putting. Additionally, while many hydrangea varieties grow into round shrubs that are low to the ground, climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala) and false hydrangea vines (Schizophragma hydrangeoides) grow upwards with blooms too high for deer to reach, making them deer-proof by default.
There are two more common hydrangea varieties that are as popular with deer as they are with beginner gardeners. While they might be hardy, beautiful, and easy to grow, the deer also prefer to feast on them. They are the smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). If you find that your hydrangea struggles to grow (let alone bloom) without being eaten, you might be dealing with one of these more delectable varieties.
The sprays, barriers, and deer-resistant plants protecting your hydrangeas
Say you have a smooth hydrangea, which many gardeners claim is one of deers’ favorites, but it’s thriving. Chances are there are other factors at play preventing deer from eating that particular plant in your yard. Some of these factors are out of your control, while others you can influence, such as using natural ingredients to repel deer from your yard and garden.
Hydrangeas typically bloom from late spring to fall, and deer have the hardest time finding food during winter and into early spring. If your hydrangea is blooming during a time when dozens of other plants and flowers are in full bloom, it could be protected by the abundance of available food. Conversely, if it’s been a challenging growing season in your area, you might find that deer are eating the hydrangeas they otherwise left alone.
For as brave and hungry as deer might be, there are plants they won’t dare approach. If your hydrangea is close to your home, deer could be reluctant to come near, knowing humans are nearby. If you have a fenced yard, it could be that your hydrangea is in an area that deer simply have to work harder to reach. Couple that with a dog that occasionally roams, and you could have a deer-proof yard.
Finally, deer have a keen sense of smell, meaning they’re easily deterred by aromatic plants they dislike and sprays or repellents designed to keep them at bay. If your hydrangea is surrounded by oregano, marigolds, dahlias, or mint, deer could be avoiding it. Similarly, if you use deer repellant nearby or have a neighbor who likes to spray it or scatter granules, you could be experiencing the sort of protection these methods offer.
