The Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a popular deciduous shrub valued for its late-season blooms that provide color when many other plants have finished flowering. This shrub grows vigorously and tolerates a variety of tough growing conditions, including heat and poor soil. For property owners living in regions with high deer activity, selecting plants that can withstand browsing pressure is often a major concern. The necessity of choosing deer-resistant landscaping options places the Rose of Sharon under scrutiny regarding its survival in the face of hungry wildlife.
The Direct Answer: Deer Resistance Rating
The Rose of Sharon is widely categorized by horticultural experts and university extension services as deer resistant, meaning it is seldom severely damaged by browsing. This classification places it high on the list of viable ornamental shrubs for areas with established deer populations. Deer generally avoid the plant because its foliage is not a preferred food source, often due to a slightly coarse texture or unappealing taste. Its woody stems and thick leaves contribute to this natural defense, making the plant less palatable than softer vegetation. While the plant is not entirely immune to being sampled, significant damage is uncommon. This natural biological deterrent offers assurance that the shrub will flourish without constant intervention.
Factors Influencing Deer Behavior
While the Rose of Sharon is resistant, no plant is entirely “deer proof,” and browsing can occur under specific environmental pressures. The primary reason resistance fails is often a lack of alternative food sources, forcing deer to consume plants they would usually pass over. This commonly arises during severe drought or deep snow cover when preferred forage plants become unavailable or inaccessible.
Plant maturity also plays a role in vulnerability. Young, newly established Rose of Sharon shrubs with tender growth are more likely to be browsed than older, fully established plants with tough, woody bark. Additionally, the sheer density of the local deer herd can overwhelm a plant’s natural resistance. High deer populations result in increased competition for food and higher browsing pressure on all available vegetation.
Protecting Vulnerable Plants
When environmental factors or high population density threaten a resistant shrub, gardeners can employ strategies to minimize damage. The most reliable method involves physical barriers that prevent access to the plant entirely. Temporary caging is an effective solution for protecting young or newly transplanted Rose of Sharon, using wire mesh or hardware cloth to encircle the plant until its stems become woody.
For severe, persistent browsing across the landscape, permanent fencing is the most comprehensive solution. Fencing must be at least eight feet tall to reliably exclude deer, which are capable jumpers. In addition to barriers, taste- and scent-based deterrents can be applied directly to the foliage to make the shrub unappealing. Commercial repellents often use ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin to create an odor or taste that deer dislike. These sprays require reapplication after heavy rain or new growth emerges to maintain their effectiveness.