Evergreen hedge that will not be deer buffet

10 years ago

Hello,

I'm searching for a plant appropriate for a long evergreen hedge in western PA, zone 6, with the ability to maintain at about 5 ft tall. Deer are a huge problem! Our landscape architect suggested Ilex crenata, but that was shot down by neighbors because of the deer. I've heard mixed results with deer and Ilex opaca. Then Mahonia aquifolium or Mahonia japonica was suggested, but I don't have any experience with this plant.

A low boxwood hedge frames some shade gardens in the front of the house, but we need something bigger for this hedge. I don't particularly care about flowers/fruit, just evergreen and solid. Bonus points if it can be trimmed to a fairly formal shape. I do not want to put in a 30ft deer buffet!

The hedge is meant to conceal a basic wire deer fence. (and yes, I know they will walk right over 5 ft....it's complicated but that's what we are doing)

Any advice/ideas much appreciated!! Thank you

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

10 years ago

Here is a very comprehensive list of deer resistant plants. However, keep in mind that deer do not browse online or read plant books/tags so resistance may vary according to location and what other items on the preferred menu are available :-)) Resistance does not equate with immunity.

It is my experience that deer will at least sample items new to the landscape to test for appeal and that young animals (fawns and teenagers) will do the same with just about any plant, listed as resistant or not. Once they have determined the new plants are not particularly tasty or the youngsters have decided what's good and what isn't, they will avoid these plants.

But ANY plant can be browsed, resistant or not, so be prepared for at least some damage to new plants unless you fence off completely or apply repellents.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Abby F
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you gardengal. Yes, unfortunately deer will certainly browse the new plants. I'm prepared for that. I just don't want to put in anything that they will eat to the ground, or that I have to net all the time. Or, heaven forbid, attract them to the yard with something too tasty!

I've seen similar lists, but as a new gardener I find them overwhelming. Since I am not familiar with many plants I end up having to google each and every one. I'm hoping that someone on GardenWeb might help me narrow down some choices, or share their personal experiences with particular plants.
Related Professionals
Gary Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lewiston Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Kalamazoo Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lincoln Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Chico Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Manhattan Landscape Contractors · Vineland Landscape Contractors · Coldwater Landscape Contractors · Florence Home Builders · Ottumwa Home Builders · Gloucester Home Builders · Sierra Vista Home Builders · Napa Home Builders · Coos Bay Home Builders · Sarnia Home Builders
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
10 years ago
From that list, I would go with the hollies (your neighbor's experience aside) or the myrica. Both are decent hedging plants.

In my area, I would add several broadleaf evergreens to the list - ceanothus, cistus, choisya, abelia, escallonia, rhododendrons and nandina. And mahonia is quite deer resistant but an unusual plant for hedging.

Again, deer tend to be somewhat regional in their diets and what they will actually consume is highly dependent on what other food sources are available. Your local extension office should have publications that list the most appropriate deer resistant plants for your area - check them out.
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
10 years ago
You will need to really check the hardiness of those mentioned. Most are not reliably hardy in zone 6. Myrica cerifera is not reliably hardy. Some of the Blue hollies might be OK, along with Ilex crenata.
mad_gallica (z5 Eastern NY)
10 years ago
Deer go after holly here also. Rhododendrons seem to quite high on their list, only a bit behind yews. Since the spot gets sun, junipers are a possibility.
Abby F
Original Author
10 years ago
Myrica pensylvanica seems like it might fit the bill. I see it listed hardy to Zones 3-7 and it appears to be native to the area. Any thoughts on this plant?
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
10 years ago
Myrica pensylvanica isn't fully evergreen in 5b (NH seacoast) so I would check in your area if it is. Is there a botanical garden in your area where you could see plants?
Abby F
Original Author
10 years ago
Unfortunately, our local botanical garden is just getting off the ground, so they have limited plantings at this stage. We are one of the few major metropolitan areas without a botanic garden.
Good to know about not being fully evergreen in some locations. I will check whether it fully drops leaves in this area.
Thank you for all of the suggestions- I'm open to more! Getting leads and then doing further research is such a nice way to increase my knowledge of plants and gardening.
laceyvail 6A, WV
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
One of my boxwoods is Jim's True Spreader. It has reached 5 plus feet and a very good width in not too many years. It's been perfectly hardy to 16 below and deer have absolutely no interest in box.