Sunshine Ligustrum (Ligustrum sinense ‘Sunshine’) is a popular evergreen shrub celebrated for its vibrant, golden-yellow foliage that provides year-round visual interest in landscapes. This non-invasive cultivar is a favorite for creating hedges, borders, or as an accent plant due to its compact and upright growth habit, typically reaching 3 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. Its bright coloration intensifies with more sunlight, making it a striking addition to many garden designs.
Deer Resistance of Sunshine Ligustrum
Sunshine Ligustrum is widely recognized as a deer-resistant plant. While no plant can be considered entirely “deer-proof,” this shrub is generally categorized as one that deer rarely browse. Its low appeal to deer is likely attributed to characteristics such as its taste, texture, or scent, which are often unpalatable to them. This inherent resistance helps protect it in areas where deer are common, making it a suitable choice for homeowners looking to add year-round color without constantly worrying about browsing. Despite its general resistance, deer behavior can be unpredictable, and various factors can influence what they choose to eat.
Factors Influencing Deer Browsing
Even deer-resistant plants like Sunshine Ligustrum can occasionally experience browsing, particularly under certain environmental conditions. Extreme hunger, often during harsh winters or droughts when preferred food sources are scarce, can lead deer to consume plants they would normally avoid. High local deer populations also increase the likelihood of browsing on a wider range of plants, as competition for food intensifies. Additionally, young, less experienced deer, known as fawns, may sample plants that adult deer typically pass over. Deer preferences can also vary by region and individual animal.
Protecting Sunshine Ligustrum from Deer
For gardeners experiencing deer browsing on their Sunshine Ligustrum, several strategies can help protect the plants. Physical barriers, such as fencing, are highly effective, with an 8-foot tall fence often recommended to deter white-tailed deer. Netting or wire cages shield individual plants, especially new or vulnerable ones.
Deer repellents offer another layer of protection, working through taste or smell to make plants unappealing. These include commercial products or homemade solutions using ingredients like rotten eggs, garlic, hot pepper, or strong-scented soaps. Repellents require regular reapplication, especially after rain, to maintain their effectiveness. Additionally, companion planting with strongly scented herbs like lavender, mint, or rosemary around Sunshine Ligustrum helps mask its scent and deter deer.