If you are a gardening enthusiast, you probably already know that Hydrangeas are a type of genus or blanket name for more than 70 species of blooms.
Widely found in some parts of Asia and America, these plants typically grow as moderately large shrubs, tall trees, or, sometimes, lianas. They primarily grow during the spring and autumn and are adored for their ornamental appeal, thanks to their bright and beautiful blooms during the summer.
With that said, you could be wondering — how exactly is the relationship between hydrangea and deer? Do these pesky animals like the blooms, or would they consider giving it a pass?
Unfortunately for hydrangea growers, deer indeed munch on the plant. As such, if you have them in your home, watch for deer, as they can easily turn the plant into a treat!
Luckily, you can always follow some simple guidelines to ward off the herbivore from your prized flowers. This article provides all the information you need about Hydrangeas and how you can effectively keep them safe from their serial devourer, so read on!
Do Deer Eat Hydrangeas?
Depending on the variant, there’s a high possibility of deer feasting on your hydrangeas. In fact, almost all common hydrangea bushes have been preyed on by deer, mostly out of preference.
Therefore, it is crucial to protect your flowers by implementing the right deer-removal strategies. That way, you can have these flowers — and other plants eatable by deer — thriving perfectly well within your space.
Do Deer Like Hydrangeas?
Yes, deer love hydrangeas. It is the beautiful foliage of these plants that attracts them the most. So, if you live in an area often frequented by deer, your flowers might be at risk of getting damaged by the animal.
Often, deer will come hunting for food in your garden before spotting the beautiful leaves of your plant. Once they set their eyes on the plants, the desire to feast on them becomes almost irresistible.
So, if you have a bunch of new hydrangeas at home, it’s high time you consider protecting them from deer. One way to do that is to fence your home and install deer-resistant wires if you’re yet, but more of that will be coming later in the article.
Will Hydrangeas Grow Back if Eaten by Deer?
Yes, hydrangeas are known to be resilient, and they will therefore bloom right back even if deer munches on them. This is also because most deer only eat the upper parts of your beloved blooms. Here, the rule of thumb would be to check the condition of the flower buds right after the deer damage.
If you didn’t know, the hydrangea buds often act as a major backup when the deer feasts on its foliage. If you find the buds intact or less damaged after the deer attack, you can expect the shrubs to flower again.
But then, one thing you have to keep in mind is that deer damage on new hydrangeas is significantly higher than the older ones. So, find a way to address this issue by protecting your new hydrangeas using the right equipment.
And as stated above, one such piece of equipment would be a sturdy fence that would serve as the primary and biggest deterrent for deer.
How to Keep Deer From Eating Hydrangeas?
If you want to keep deer from eating your beloved bunch of hydrangeas, follow the next few guidelines for the best results.
1. Homemade Mixes
The first deterrent is one of the cheapest and simplest to make! In fact, it’s a homemade deterrent, so you don’t have to worry about walking from store to store looking for it.
Right from the comfort of your kitchen, you can make this non-toxic solution for a humane yet long-lasting solution to deer invasions. And being entirely chemical-free, it also means that it won’t hurt your other plants either.
Enough of clues — So, what is this magical weapon?
Well, it’s simple! You only need a concoction of egg yolk, baking powder/soda, and water to keep off the pesky invader from devouring your adorable Hydrangeas.
Procedure:
- Fill a container with 750ml of water
- Add egg yolk to the water
- Add a tablespoon of baking powder/soda
- Stir the concoction until perfectly mixed
- Transfer the solution to a spray bottle.
Ensure to spray the solution on your target plants every one or two weeks. You should especially follow this ritual after rainy days to ensure that the impact of the mix remains unaffected.
The method works reasonably well in hot and humid areas. As humans, you won’t get the ghastly smell of the egg yolk, but the deer definitely will and stay away from your plants.
2. Use Soap
The next remedy on the list entails using soap, a common household product. Get a scented one if you want the best outcome. Unlike a good number of us that love scented soaps, deer hate fragrances, making strong-smelling soaps among the most effective deterrents.
So, how do you go about preparing this remedy?
Well, it’s simple.
Just get a couple of soaps, cut them into small cubes, and place them near your favorite hydrangea bushes. The trick will work like a charm in keeping deer off your property!
3. Plant Deer Repellant Plants
If you have a garden full of lilies, tulips, hostas, and hydrangeas, you’re probably hanging up a welcome board for a parcel of deer. Deer so much love these plants!
Having that said, should you stop planting these beautiful flowers?
Of course not!
All you need to do is plant them with a few deer-repellant plants. Most deer repellants come with a heavy scent, which, similar to scented soaps, sends a clear message to your potential invaders that they aren’t welcome in your garden.
Some good options would be:
- Boxwoods
- Lavenders
- Foxgloves
- Ferns
- Poppies
4. Invest in an Electric Fence
If you have several hydrangea bushes, getting electric fences would be an excellent idea. Just wrap the fence near the bushes and enjoy your beautiful flowers without having to lose your mind thinking about deer.
But remember, the goal is to keep the potential invader away without causing any serious harm to them. As such, adopt the ideal setting for just that. And as usual, only work with a licensed technician, as any slight error in the setup poses a grave danger.
5. Use Nets
This idea is just as old as time, but it never fails. In fact, several gardening enthusiasts have been successful after using these nets. And almost all varieties of these nets are widely available in physical and online stores.
The nets happen to be extremely lightweight and are next to invisible. You just need to drape it on your bushes and get it anchored to the ground with solid wooden posts.
The only downside to this method is that when the plant grows, it will end up transcending the net, requiring you to be extra careful when removing leaves and flowers. However, that is nothing compared to your peace of mind knowing that your hydrangeas are safe and unharmed.
6. Get Your Radios Out
This might seem weird, but it is a tried-and-tested way to keep deer off your garden. Just get any radio (preferably solar-powered variants) and keep them in the middle of your garden. You may or may not change the station from time to time.
The sound emitted from the radio startles the deer, prompting them to swiftly exit your property. However, it’s not the most foolproof technique available.
Over time, deer may grow accustomed to the sound, losing their association of it with danger. While it’s a viable option, there are more dependable methods to consider as well.
Do Deer Eat Hydrangea Bushes?
Yes, deer may bend their heads at Hydrangeas. However, it’s crucial to understand that classifying any plant as entirely deer-resistant is challenging, as deer have been known to consume nearly any vegetation when their hunger becomes severe.
That said, it’s worth noting that certain plants hold a slightly higher preference for deer, and hydrangeas fall into that category.
Many gardening enthusiasts report that deer can fully or partially consume hydrangeas. Thus, if you have hydrangea bushes, it’s prudent to contemplate safeguarding them from the inquisitive appetites of deer.
Do Deer Eat Oakleaf Hydrangea?
No, deer will usually not prey on Oakleaf hydrangeas, thanks to the plants’ impressive height that keeps them out of reach. Additionally, these hydrangeas don’t tend to attract the attention of deer, making them a safer option for your garden.
Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom with stunning white or pinkish flowers, and deer do not prey on them despite the lack of any distinctive smell.
However, if you are planning to get this variant at home, consider using dwarf variants in the beginning. Once you are comfortable enough, you can then switch to full-grown variants.
Do Deer Eat Limelight Hydrangeas?
Unfortunately, there is no clear consensus as to whether Limelight hydrangeas, which bloom in lovely yellowish clusters and are known for their low-maintenance and high tolerance, are favored by deer.
While some homeowners assert they’ve never encountered deer attacks on limelight hydrangeas, others have faced less fortunate situations where the blooms were nearly entirely consumed.
To be on the safer side, use a deer repellant even when you are planting the limelight hydrangeas. This will keep the plant safe, and you will have peace of mind knowing that your plant is well-equipped to handle attacks (if any).
Deer’s voracious appetite leads them to consume nearly anything when hunger strikes. In such scenarios, the likelihood of them sparing your hydrangeas becomes slim. This emphasizes the importance of researching and investing in effective deer-repellent equipment for your property.
As a precautionary method, you can consider potting a bunch of deer-proof shrubs around your plants. You can also try the other methods discussed in this article. If all fails, go for an electric fence as the final resort.