Yes, deer do eat hydrangeas, which can be frustrating for gardeners who value these popular shrubs. While hydrangeas are not a deer’s absolute favorite food, they are considered a mid-preference plant that is frequently browsed when other food sources are scarce or during specific times of the year. The damage typically involves the loss of new growth and flower buds, which can completely eliminate the plant’s seasonal display. Protecting these plants requires a combination of strategies, focusing on physical exclusion and taste or scent deterrence.
The Appeal of Hydrangeas to Deer
Deer are attracted to the tender, high-moisture content of hydrangea tissue, making the plants a palatable snack. They particularly target the soft new shoots and developing flower buds, especially when fresh growth emerges in spring and early summer. This selective browsing often destroys the upcoming bloom.
Seasonal hunger increases browsing pressure in late winter and early spring when the deer’s diet lacks variety. Young, newly planted hydrangeas are especially vulnerable because their stems and leaves are easier to digest.
Population density is another major factor; deer will eat almost any available plant when competition for food is high. Feeding habits are typically nocturnal or occur at dawn and dusk, making intervention difficult.
Non-Lethal Methods for Protecting Plants
A layered approach using both physical barriers and chemical repellents offers the most effective defense against browsing deer. Physical exclusion is the most reliable method, completely preventing access to the vulnerable parts of the plant. Temporary fencing or wire cages can be placed around individual shrubs, especially young ones, until they become established.
For smaller plants, draped deer netting can cover the entire shrub and should be secured to the ground. When considering permanent barriers, a fence should be at least 8 feet tall, as deer can jump lower obstructions. Lower, double-layered fences spaced a few feet apart also confuse the deer’s jumping depth perception and can be successful.
Chemical repellents work by using unpleasant tastes or strong odors, such as putrefied egg solids, garlic, or predator urine, to deter feeding. These sprays must be applied consistently, especially as new growth emerges and after rainfall, which washes the active ingredients away. To prevent deer from becoming habituated, it is recommended to rotate between two or three different types of repellents throughout the season. Motion-activated devices, such as sprinklers or lights, can also be strategically placed to startle approaching animals.
Choosing Less Attractive Hydrangea Species
While no hydrangea is completely deer-proof, some species are less appealing to foraging animals. The primary difference lies in when they bloom. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are particularly susceptible because they form flower buds on old wood, and browsing can eliminate the entire season’s bloom.
Other species offer better resistance:
- Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) bloom on new wood, allowing them to produce flowers even if tips are browsed early in the season.
- Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) has rougher mature foliage, making it less palatable, though young plants are often browsed.
- Bracted hydrangea (Hydrangea involucrata) and mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) are highly deer-resistant due to their fuzzy or rougher leaf texture.
In areas with high deer populations and limited food, however, even these varieties may be sampled.