Evergreen hedge that will not be deer buffet

10 years ago

Hello,

I'm searching for a suitable plant for an evergreen hedge, than can be trimmed to aprox 5 feet high. We have a formal boxwood hedge around the house, but need something bigger (and maybe a bit more interesting) for two other long sections in the yard. Deer are a huge issue, our landscape architect recommended Ilex crenata, but neighbors say this will be like inviting them to one long buffet.

Anyone had luck with a different Ilex and deer? Someone else mentioned Mahonia aquifolium, anyone have any experience with this?

Evergreen and the ability to clip into a relatively controlled and solid hedge are the only requirements. I don't really care about flowers/fruit in this location.

Any suggestions most appreciated! Also, if there is a better forum for this question please advise, I'm new to the Gardening section of gardenwebs. Thank you!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mblan13
10 years ago
Holly
User
10 years ago
Ilex (Holly) is really not on deer menus as preferred foods. I have seen them munch on Japanese Holly (I. crenata in deep snow), but the one I have is large and the impact from the deer has been a non-issue (I have to prune it back more on a monthly basis.) I also have Blue Prince and Princess and they are also relatively safe bets. There is also False Holly (Osmanthus heterophyllus 'goshiki') that is highly deer resistant. Rhododendrons (in my neck of the woods), do not get touched. I also use English/Cherry Laurel (Schips) which due to its toxicity is deer proof. Clumping (non-running) bamboos are also an option depending on your zone. I have a dense hedge of Fargesia bamboo which is completely safe from deer. Japanese Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus), not really a Yew, (which deer do love), is also not deer food. Good luck!
Related Professionals
Jacksonville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Toledo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Riverside Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Selma Landscape Contractors · Kankakee Landscape Contractors · Greenfield Landscape Contractors · Jamestown Landscape Contractors · Tacoma Landscape Contractors · Fort Smith Carpenters · Brunswick Carpenters · Atlantic City Carpenters · Danbury Carpenters · Ottumwa Carpenters · Westerly Carpenters · Toronto Carpenters
JRDPA
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
We've never had them munch on the yews in our front yard.
User
10 years ago
I have not seen deer resistant to the true Yew (Taxus) at all, here! In fact, when I moved in, the Yews got removed by me due to tall he deer eating. But difficult to give advice because your posting gives no idea of the climate.
JRDPA
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Well, as my name says, Pgh, PA (Pittsburgh, PA postal abbreviation) zone 6. We've been in this house for 10 years now with no deer issues.