How to Make a Hydrangea Macrophylla Deer Resistant

Deer often enjoy feasting on hydrangeas.

Hydrangea plants attract humans and deer alike. Deer often eat these large plants, destroying them in the process. Several plants repel deer, including daffodils, forsythia, juniper and foxglove. If you still wish to plant hydrangeas despite the deer-attracting tendencies, you can make them less tempting for deer to eat.

Things You'll Need

• Deer fence
• Deer-resistant vegetation
• Deer repellent

Instructions

1. Place a deer fence around the hydrangeas. Deer fences are designed to keep deer away from areas and objects. A deer fence is the most effective way to make the hydrangeas deer-resistant; however, it is also the most expensive. Purchase and install the deer fence yourself or hire professionals to do the task.

2. Plant deer-resistant vegetation around your hydrangeas. Surrounding your hydrangeas with these types of plants will not only make for a beautiful landscape, but will likely keep the deer away as well.

3. Spray deer repellent on or around the hydrangeas. Repellents typically contain odors or tastes that most deer find repulsive. Check the product label to ensure that it won't harm the plant if it is sprayed on it and that it isn't toxic to humans or animals. You can also bury deer-resistant tablets near the hydrangea roots. The tablet absorbs into the plant's root system and makes the leaves taste unappetizing.

Tips & Warnings

• Deer repellents are available at garden centers or home-improvement stores.

References

• Auburn University: Hydrangea
• Learn 2 Grow: Following the Path of Deer Resistance