The Bobo Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘ILVOBO’) is a popular choice among gardeners, known for its compact size (2.5-3 feet tall, 3-4 feet wide) and abundant white, cone-shaped flowers. These blooms cover the plant from summer into fall, often blushing pink as the season progresses. Gardeners often consider its interaction with local wildlife, particularly deer.
Is Bobo Hydrangea Deer Resistant?
Bobo Hydrangea is generally deer resistant, often noted as “rarely damaged” by these animals. Its resistance comes from characteristics that make it less appealing than other garden varieties. The leaves have a tougher, leathery texture and a slightly hairy surface, which can be unpalatable to deer. The dense clusters of small flowers may also make it difficult for deer to browse effectively, unlike varieties with larger, isolated blooms.
The taste profile of Bobo Hydrangea is also less attractive to deer. While some hydrangeas have succulent foliage and sweeter flowers that deer readily consume, panicle hydrangeas like ‘Bobo’ are less preferred. This combination of texture and taste deters deer from making it a primary food source. However, “deer resistant” does not equate to “deer-proof,” and hungry deer may still browse any plant under certain circumstances.
Factors Influencing Deer Browsing
Several environmental and situational factors can influence deer browsing on Bobo Hydrangea. Deer are opportunistic feeders, and their dietary choices shift based on food availability and population density. In areas with high deer populations or limited alternative food sources, deer may eat plants they typically avoid. This is particularly true during drought or severe winter conditions when preferred forage is scarce.
Young or newly planted Bobo Hydrangeas are more vulnerable to browsing. Their tender new growth may be more appealing than mature foliage, as it is softer and easier to digest. Deer may also sample plants out of curiosity or when hungry. Local deer populations can develop learned behaviors, with some individuals acquiring a taste for plants typically considered resistant. Thus, even resistant plants like Bobo Hydrangea can experience browsing pressure under specific conditions or learned behaviors within the deer population.
Protecting Your Bobo Hydrangea
To protect Bobo Hydrangeas from deer browsing, gardeners can implement various strategies. Physical barriers offer a reliable defense, particularly for young or newly planted shrubs. Temporary fencing, such as garden netting, can be draped over plants to prevent deer access. For more persistent problems, a taller, robust fence (7-8 feet high) can effectively exclude deer from the garden area.
Deer repellents provide another layer of protection, working through scent or taste to deter browsing. Products containing putrescent egg solids or other foul-smelling ingredients can be sprayed directly onto the foliage, making the plant unappealing. These repellents require reapplication, especially after rain or as new growth emerges, to maintain effectiveness. Companion planting with other deer-resistant plants, such as those with strong aromas like lavender, mint, or sage, can also create a natural deterrent barrier around Bobo Hydrangeas.
Bobo Hydrangea Care Tips
Beyond deer management, proper care ensures the health and vigorous blooming of Bobo Hydrangea. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, ideally receiving four to six hours of sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. In hotter climates, providing some afternoon shade can help prevent scorching of the foliage.
Bobo Hydrangea prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Consistent moisture is important, especially during dry spells and establishment, requiring about one inch of water per week. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Pruning should occur in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, as Bobo Hydrangea blooms on new wood. This allows for shaping and encourages robust flowering without sacrificing the season’s blooms.