Hydrangeas are not truly deer-resistant, but they are also not a preferred food source, leading to a nuanced answer for gardeners. The genus Hydrangea is generally considered a mid-preference plant, meaning deer will browse it when more desirable options are scarce. Rutgers University, a common reference for plant palatability, often classifies hydrangeas as “occasionally severely damaged,” suggesting protection is advised. This level of vulnerability means that whether your hydrangeas are eaten depends heavily on local conditions and the specific species you have planted.
Understanding Deer Palatability
Deer are opportunistic feeders primarily attracted to the tender texture and high moisture content of hydrangea foliage and buds. The plant’s young, succulent growth provides easily digestible nutrients. Damage is most severe during late winter and early spring when other natural food sources are limited due to snow cover.
The primary factor determining if deer will eat hydrangeas is “deer pressure” in your specific area. A large local deer population with limited alternative forage increases the likelihood of browsing. Deer also become habituated to residential areas, making them bolder about grazing in gardens close to homes. They typically target the flower buds first, which strips the plant of its blooms before they open.
Species Variation in Deer Preference
The susceptibility of hydrangeas to deer damage varies across species, ranging from highly favored to generally avoided. Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf, Mophead, or Lacecap Hydrangea) is particularly vulnerable due to its soft foliage and flower buds forming on old wood. Browsing these buds in winter results in the loss of the entire season’s bloom potential. Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea), such as ‘Annabelle’, is also frequently targeted for its tender stems and foliage.
Some species exhibit physical characteristics that make them less palatable. Hydrangea quercifolia, the Oakleaf Hydrangea, is often considered more resistant because its mature leaves have a fuzzy or coarse texture that deer find unappealing. However, newly planted or young Oakleaf Hydrangeas can still be susceptible to damage before their stems become woody.
The most reliable options for gardeners in deer-heavy areas are Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea) and Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea). Panicle Hydrangeas are browsed less because they bloom later in the season when abundant food sources are available elsewhere. Mountain Hydrangeas and the closely related H. involucrata (Bracted Hydrangea) possess rough or fuzzy foliage that acts as a natural deterrent.
Effective Strategies for Protecting Hydrangeas
Protecting hydrangeas requires a multi-faceted approach, combining physical exclusion with sensory deterrents. Physical barriers offer the most reliable protection by preventing access. For large areas, an eight-foot-tall fence is recommended, as deer can jump lower structures when motivated.
For individual plants, temporary wire cages or plastic deer netting can be effective, especially for young specimens. The netting should be draped over the shrub and secured to the ground, creating a barrier. In winter, using burlap to wrap the hydrangeas protects dormant flower buds from late-season browsing.
Deterrents work by making the plant taste or smell offensive to deer, requiring consistent application. Scent-based commercial sprays often contain ingredients like putrefied eggs, dried blood, or garlic oil, which create an unpleasant odor. These products require reapplication every few weeks, and immediately after rainfall or when new growth emerges, to maintain protection.
It is helpful to rotate different types of deterrents to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single smell or taste. Motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic devices can be incorporated as a scare tactic, surprising the deer as they approach. Placing hydrangeas close to a home or in high-traffic areas reduces the likelihood of browsing, as deer prefer to feed in quieter locations.