{"id":339,"date":"2021-04-16T15:32:00","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T19:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jmf.webdemos.cloud\/?p=339"},"modified":"2023-09-17T13:31:34","modified_gmt":"2023-09-17T17:31:34","slug":"deer-resistant-shrubs-northeast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmflandscaping.com\/deer-resistant-shrubs-northeast\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Most Deer Resistant Shrubs: Lasting Privacy and Shade for the Northeast"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How to Choose Deer Resistant Shrubs For Your Front and Backyard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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When we think of garden pests, we often think of insects who often aren\u2019t seen but certainly leave their mark on some of our favorite flowers, vegetables, plants, and shrubs. What certainly doesn\u2019t go unseen, however, are the deer that have become worrisome for many people living in the Northeast, including in South Shore Massachusetts<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s high time we talk about deer damage, as well as what deer resistant shrubs in the Northeast can be planted to not only look great, but also keep deer at bay. While deer resistant shrubs are becoming a backyard landscaping trend<\/a>, it\u2019s important to remember that deer-resistant is not<\/em> the same as deer-proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While we can\u2019t guarantee<\/em> that these shrubs will never become a meal for a hungry deer, they stand the best chance at remaining unscathed when other food options are scarce. Our landscaping teams<\/a> have installed many plants that Deer are known to avoid \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tallest Deer Resistant Shrubs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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1. Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Showy flowers make pieris a popular garden choice. The dark green leaves are contrasted with stunning white flower clusters that have a drooping shape and are extremely pollinator-friendly. Pieris does better in part shade\u2014and can even tolerate deep shade. While you may have to deal with pesky lacebugs<\/a>, you\u2019ll likely never see this shrub bothered by deer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese pieris can reach average heights of 9-12 feet tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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When it comes to native evergreen shrubs, this is one of the best choices for a shrub <\/a>that will be ignored by deer. Plus, in late spring, you\u2019ll be blessed with stunning pale pink flower clusters that are big\u2014up to six-inches in diameter big! The shrub itself can also be large, up to 15 feet tall and wide, however they do grow relatively slowly. Mountain laurel is great for soils that are slightly acidic, and does best in part shade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you like the appearance of arborvitae and want a shrub that deer won’t eat, your best bet is Eastern red cedar (although they may still nibble on the lower foliage). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What you will provide a meal for, however, is a variety of songbirds, who enjoy the gray-blue and berry-like cones. As an extremely drought-tolerant species, Eastern red cedar <\/a>will do well with dry soil and full sun, however it shouldn\u2019t be planted near crabapple or apple trees as it may host cedar apple rust. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking for the tallest deer resistant shrubs, the Eastern red cedar might take the cake as it can reach up to 50 feet tall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


4. Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Like Eastern red cedar, this is another juniper that could host cedar apple rust, so keep it away from apples. It too is highly deer-tolerant, and grows well in dry soil (and even in drought conditions). Some varieties grow into large trees (up to 20 feet), but smaller shrubby varieties are also available. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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This dense-branching deciduous shrub is native to North America, and commonly found along our eastern coast. They grayish-green leaves are beautiful, but the shrub is more commonly known for its fruits\u2014which also happen to be coated in a waxy substance that is aromatic, used to make soap, attractive to birds, and generally repellent to deer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bayberry can reach a height and width of 5-10 feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deer Resistant Shrubs: 5 Smallest Ones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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6. Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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As a common choice for hedges<\/a>, this shrub also happens to be one of the most deer-tolerant plants around (note: it can also be toxic to pets). It\u2019s easy to maintain, can be pruned and sheared, and while it doesn\u2019t have showy flowers, its lush, green foliage makes up for it (and can serve as a good screen). Keep in mind that while full sun can be tolerated, winter winds might lead to yellowing, so try to plant in a protected area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both tall and short cultivars are available<\/a>, all contain alkaloids that won\u2019t taste good to deer [7]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Inkberry (Ilex glabra<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Here\u2019s a native evergreen species that won\u2019t attract deer (but will be enjoyed by songbirds). The holly species has dark green and glossy leaves, and produces a small black fruit. It does best in full sun, along with acidic soil that remains moist. As several varieties are available, you can choose those that grow taller to suit your landscaping needs, although most varieties are relatively compact,<\/a> growing just 3-4 feet tall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Growing just 2-3 feet high, this compact, deciduous shrub is known by\u2014as its name suggests\u2014deep blue flowers that appear in late summer\/early fall. The drought-tolerant shrub does attract butterflies, but it is seldom damaged by deer. It does best in well-drained and loose soil, but is very easy to maintain, and is resistant to many other pests and diseases<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Spireas (Spirea species<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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While larger varieties are available (up to 8 feet tall), there are several compact and dwarf spireas that make for perfect small deer-resistant shrubs (as small as 1\u00bd feet tall). Many species have attractive flowers, grow quickly, don\u2019t require a lot by way of maintenance<\/a>, and make for perfect accent border plants. While they typically won\u2019t attract deer, do expect to see a lot of butterflies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Barberry (Dwarf Berberis<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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This spiny shrub is one typically avoided by deer. While large varieties are certainly available, smaller accent shrubs will still provide the thorny, wiry branches that keep deer away. Choose between a variety of different colors\u2014dark orange, bright red, deep wine-red, dark purple, deep green, metallic pink, warm yellow, and more! In addition to keeping deer away, these low-lying shrubs are great for shrub beds or hedging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deer Resistant Shrubs: Prettiest Flowering Shrubs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Many of the shrubs mentioned above (Bluebeard, namely) are both pretty flowering<\/a> shrubs and<\/em> deer resistant shrubs, but here are a few more options: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii<\/em>):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Considered an invasive plant in some regions, it might be one that you hope invades your landscape. If you are worried about their spread, look for seedless varieties. The striking blue-purple blooms will welcome many pollinators, but keep deer away.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

12.  Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia<\/em>):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Technically a subshrub (and ironically not a true sage), this lavender-lookalike behaves like a shrub and can thrive in poor, dry soils.<\/a> It\u2019s hardy, welcomes a range of pollinators, and isn\u2019t a preferred food for deer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Swamp rose (Rosa palustris<\/em>):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Swamp rose can reach heights of up to 7 feet, and while you may be attracted to it\u2019s light pink flowers, deer won\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Deer Resistant Shrubs for Privacy <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Nearly all of the tallest deer resistant shrubs mentioned above are also great screening shrubs. In addition to tall varieties of the common boxwood, Japanese pieris, mountain laurel, Eastern red cedar, and Chinese juniper, here are a few others you could try<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Heavenly bamboo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Bamboo is an evergreen deer resistant (or semi-evergreen) shrub provides beauty throughout the entire year. Between dark green foliage and stunning red berries, you\u2019ll <\/em>love surrounding your patio or deck with this shrub, but deer won\u2019t be as impressed. It\u2019s also important to know that while the leaves and stems will keep deer away, they\u2019re also poisonous to pets. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

15.  Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis<\/em>) that deer won’t eat:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Arborvitaes are popular with gardeners\u2014and in many cases they\u2019re extremely popular with deer, too. For those of us who want an easy to maintain arborvitae that grows well in any soil, our best bet is the Thuja<\/em> variety. Also known as \u201cGreen Giant,\u201d this fast-growing species is one of the quickest privacy screens available, and grows up to 3-4 feet every year! It\u2019s also much less likely than its relatives to be destroyed by deer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Moonglow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A succulent that is dense and protective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deer Resistant Juniper Shrubs <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Again, many of the taller shrubs are also excellent for providing shade. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Junipers are some of the most common deer resistant shrubs that also happen to be great at providing shade<\/a>. Some can grow up to 100 feet tall! For some taller varieties to form into a shade providing hedgerow\/privacy screen, consider the following (all of which have dense foliage and upright pyramidal forms):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. Wichita Blue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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A type of Juniper, these trees can reach heights upwards of 50 feet, resistant to deer, and would be great for blocking the sun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Blue Haven<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Beautiful and hardy, medium height and stout, can provide privacy as well as shade, while being low maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Skyrocket<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Another Juniper, the Skyrocket is bush that Deer won’t feast upon that is thick and protects your yard from prying eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Blue Point<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tall and evergreen Juniper that brings class and panache to a yard. Very dense foliage and forms a bit of a pyramid when mature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. Hetz Columnar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Beautiful, upward, conical shape supported by bright green leaves on tightly packed branches. Fitting accent for a well groomed yard that is  low maintenance relative to other plants in the genus. This is one plant Deer are sure to pass up!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. Mountbatten<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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If you\u2019re looking for a multi-functional shrub to add to your landscape, let us help! We have recommendations about flowering, shading, privacy, and more\u2014and can recommend shrubs that will also be deer resistant. Contact us<\/a> today for help! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What shrubs are deer resistant?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>25. Evergreen azalea (Rhododendron sp.<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Despite being toxic when consumed in large amounts, deer love every part of these shrubs (even their flowers), and white-tailed deer particularly enjoy them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

26. Yew shrubs (Taxus sp.<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Aside from plum yews (Cephalotaxus<\/em>), these are a well-known favorite for deer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

27. Wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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According to Rutgers University, most Euonymus<\/em> varieties are damaged by deer, but wintercreeper experiences the worst and is frequently severely damaged by Bambi.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since we just discussed most of the plants that deer don’t like to eat in the Northeast, deflection is another effective strategy to offer plants that Deer really do enjoy. let\u2019s flip this question around to discuss which shrubs are not <\/em>deer resistant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do deer like to eat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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In some cases, landowners will want to support the biodiversity and ecological systems<\/a> that surround them, and one of the best things to do in this case is provide rabid grazers with some tasty shrubs. Here are a few favorite<\/em> foods for deer to take their attention off your favorite plants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n