Are Hydrangeas Deer-Resistant? 9 Ways to Keep Them Away From Your Flowers

Hydrangeas produce showy clusters of blooms and elegant foliage. From compact shrubs and climbing vines to small trees, these spring and summer bloomers are attractive landscape plants, but are they deer-resistant? Unfortunately, garden enthusiasts aren’t the only ones captivated by hydrangeas. Deer are also drawn to the beautiful perennials. Discover some ways to keep deer away from your flowers and protect the cherished blooms of your hydrangeas. 

Are Hydrangeas Deer-Resistant? 

Deer and hydrangeas have a complex relationship. Deer are opportunistic feeders who consume a wide range of plants, including hydrangeas, if they are hungry enough. Furthermore, some varieties are less appealing to deer due to taste, texture, or scent. For example, oakleaf hydrangeas, or Hydrangea quercifolia, and panicle hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata, are least likely to be browsed. 

9 Ways to Keep Deer Away From Your Hydrangeas

While hydrangeas are not deer-proof, there are effective strategies you can employ to help protect your flower from their browsing. 

1. Barriers

One of the best methods to shield your hydrangeas and other landscape plants from deer is the strategic use of fencing or other physical barriers. They offer a multifaceted approach to fortifying your outdoor space. Unfortunately, deer are excellent jumpers, so you will want to install fencing that is at least 6 to 8 feet tall. However, many homeowners opt for deer-specific barrier materials like metal or plastic netting placed over their landscape plants in place of traditional fencing. 

Furthermore, many homeowners opt to enclose their entire garden over individual plant protection. Wire cages and plastic netting secure single plants, while privacy fencing is ideal for enclosing larger spaces. It is much easier to meet your aesthetic and functional needs with decorative fencing that provides visual allure. 

2. Deer-Repelling Plants

Shielding your hydrangeas from persistent nibbling is easier said than done. Fortunately, many varieties repel deer for an eco-friendly approach. These plants add diversity and functionality to your garden and are available in many types, colors, and sizes. Additionally, many deer-repellent varieties emit scents or possess textures that discourage deer. 

Incorporate deer-repellent plants into your garden to harness nature’s own defenses to protect your hydrangeas. Similarly, strategically place the odorous species alongside vulnerable landscape plants. Furthermore, incorporate evergreen deer-repelling plants to maintain a year-round defense. Some popular deer-repelling varieties include: 

• Alliums (Alliums spp.)
• Boxwood (Buxus spp.) 
• Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
• Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Thyme (Thymus spp.)
• Yarrow (Achillea spp.) 

3. Deer Spray

Deer repellent sprays present a convenient option for safeguarding your hydrangeas. The specialized sprays use scents and flavors that deter deer. Moreover, commercial deer sprays use powerful scents, bitter flavors, or predator urine to create an unappealing environment. Find these sprays at most garden centers and home improvement stores. They are ready-to-use, effective, and non-lethal. 

While deer spray is an effective control method, it requires regular applications and a targeted approach. Rainfall dilutes sprays, and reapplication is necessary during wet seasons. Lastly, deer become accustomed to most scents, so consider rotating between different deer repellent sprays to alternate scents, lowering your chance of adaptation. 

4. Homemade Deer Repellent

Homemade deer repellent works like deer spray but with a sustainable and customizable approach. Equally important, the savvy DIY homeowner can use everyday ingredients to concoct sprays that emit scents or flavors that deter deer. Experiment with different recipes and ingredients to find the blend that works best for your garden’s unique needs. 

Popular homemade solutions include: 

Garlic and Hot Pepper Spray

The strong scents and flavors of garlic and hot peppers naturally deter deer without harming them.

Ingredients: Crushed garlic cloves, hot pepper flakes, water, and dish soap

Method: Combine a handful of crushed garlic cloves and a teaspoon of hot pepper flakes in a gallon of water. Let the mixture steep for 24 hours. Strain and add a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Finally, pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it directly to your plants.

Egg-Based Spray

Egg and water, two ingredients you probably have on hand, create an invisible barrier that protects your hydrangeas from nibbling deer. 

Ingredients: Raw eggs and water

Method: Blend three raw eggs with water to create an emulsion. Dilute the mixture with more water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray it onto your plants, creating a film that discourages deer from feeding.

Soap Spray

Liquid dish soap and water alter the taste and texture of your landscape plants to deter deer successfully. 

Ingredients: Mild liquid soap and water

Method: Mix a tablespoon of mild dish soap with a gallon of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and apply it to your plants.

Milk and Dish Soap Spray

Milk adds a layer of complexity to enhance the effectiveness of a simple soap spray. The proteins in milk make your hydrangea’s leaves less palatable. 

Ingredients: Milk, water, and dish soap

Method: Mix equal parts milk and water, and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and apply the solution to your plants. 

Vinegar Spray

Vinegar spray uses a strong odor to discourage browsing deer. 

Ingredients: White vinegar, water, and dish soap

Method: Combine equal parts white vinegar and water, and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle and apply the solution to your plants.

Cayenne Pepper Spray

Spicy tastes and scents, like cayenne pepper, create an uninviting environment for deer. 

Ingredients: Cayenne pepper, water, and dish soap

Method: Mix a tablespoon of cayenne pepper with a gallon of water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap. Allow the mixture to sit for a few hours before straining it and pouring it into a spray bottle.

Mint Spray

Planting mint near vulnerable landscape plants deters deer, and mint spray harnesses the aromatic power of the herb. 

Ingredients: Fresh mint leaves and water

Method: Boil a handful of fresh mint leaves in water to create a mint infusion. Let it cool, and strain the liquid into a spray bottle. Apply the minty solution to your plants.

Coffee Grounds

Repurposing used coffee grounds provides a dual-purpose solution for your garden. They create a barrier that deters deer while enhancing the health of your garden soil. 

Ingredients: Used coffee grounds 

Method: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of your plants.

5. Motion-Activated Devices

Technology like motion-activated devices presents modern and innovative solutions for deterring animals like deer. These devices startle deer and other animals with bursts of light, sound, or water. Furthermore, some motion-activated models combine both sound and light to create a comprehensive determinant. Most devices allow sensitivity adjustments to comply with HOA regulations. 

Consider opting for a solar-powered model to reduce your energy consumption and ensure consistent functionality. Motion-activated devices are a humane and effective method to deter deer while minimizing the impact on your garden’s ecosystems. 

6. Reflective Objects

Low-tech animal deterrent methods can be just as effective as high-tech devices like motion detectors. Shimmering and reflective surfaces create visual disturbances that unsettle deer. They mimic predators and deter the grazers from approaching your hydrangeas. Homeowners have many DIY options for reflective deer-deterring objects, including: 

• Reflective tape
• Aluminum foil
• Old CDs or DVDs
• Wind chimes
• Fabric flags
• Decoy animals

7. Strategic Planting

Strategic planting is a subtle but powerful approach to grazing animals. By carefully selecting and positioning your landscape plants, you can create a natural fortress that discourages deer exploration. 

Opt for plants that deer find unattractive, such as strongly scented, thorny, or prickly plants. Additionally, choose native plants that have evolved alongside the local deer. These species have adapted to the local environment and usually have natural defense mechanisms. 

Mix deer-deterrent plants with your hydrangea. Also, consider companion planting, surrounding your hydrangeas with deer-resistant species to create a buffer zone. Buffer zones diversify deer diets and lead them away from your vulnerable landscape plants.  

8. Routine Maintenance

One of the best deterrent strategies is routine landscape maintenance. Regular debris removal, including removing fallen leaves, fruits, and other organic material, eliminates easy food sources. Similarly, trimming low branches eliminates browsing foliage. 

9. Automatic Irrigation

Automatic irrigation is functional and practical for reasons outside of simply deterring deer. It is a vital tool for maintaining the optimal health and resilience of your landscape. The systems deliver water efficiently and consistently, ensuring your plants receive the moisture they need. 

Moist foliage attracts deer. Use automatic irrigation to change the watering patterns of your landscape. Adjust watering times to coincide with periods of deer inactivity. Furthermore, set off your automatic system if you notice grazers in your yard. 

Bringing It All Together 

There is a diverse range of deer-deterring strategies for hydrangeas and other landscape plants. From reflective objects and scent deterrents to fencing and other barriers, applying multiple techniques along with strategic planting can protect your hydrangeas and other vulnerable varieties.