Shrubs are the backbone of many landscapes, so you don’t want deer damaging what is often a focal point. Unfortunately, some of the more popular choices such as arborvitae, rhododendrons, and yews are also deer favorites. People who live in the grazing zone should look for other deer resistant shrubs.

Deer Resistant Shrubs

There are some incredibly beautiful shrubs that are eye-catching, as well as deer resistant (as in, not very palatable). One of my favorites is a dwarf Norway spruce called ‘Pusch’. I wanted one as soon as I saw it. It only grows to 3 feet tall, which is perfect for many areas where a larger shrub will soon overwhelm the space, and the neat thing is the tiny pink cones in the spring. I loved the contrast of the cones and the deep green needles.

Another smaller option is the ‘Pimoko’ Serbian spruce. It’s another really hardy (zone 2) shrub that provides winter interest without taking over an area because it only grows a couple of feet tall. It literally shimmers with a silvery background and blue-green needles. ‘Pimoko’ is one of those interesting little conifers that thankfully isn’t a favorite of deer.

Flowering Shrubs

For taller deer resistant shrubs, particularly in a larger landscape situation, remember that deer traditionally don’t eat lilacs. This is a very good thing since they are so hardy and so beautiful. Hawthorns are another beautiful spring flowering shrub or tree, and while it gives the birds something to eat in the fall, the deer typically leave it alone because of its substantial thorns.

Of course, forsythia are another spring bloomer that is deer resistant. And many of the junipers will be immune from deer. Although, you’ll want to check with your local nursery to see if that holds true in your area. On a landscape project I did years ago, I picked the ‘Rocky Mountain’ juniper that deer weren’t supposed to eat. Well, no one gave the mule deer that memo. From what I saw in neighboring landscapes, the mature shrubs were left alone, but they sure liked the new ones I planted.

Protect Shrubs from Deer with Spray

That’s something you need to keep in mind when planting even deer resistant shrubs. When a plant is young, it tastes a whole lot better. And when you put something new in the landscape, deer are bound to sample it, if only to see if it’s something they can eat. It’s a wise idea to protect them with at least a spray such as Plant Skydd or Liquid Fence in order to ward off unwanted nibbling that can do a lot of damage, particularly to the dwarf varieties that don’t grow as vigorously.

Don’t Plant These Shrubs

There are a few species of shrubs that are deer resistant, but are probably best left unplanted. As I stated in an earlier article concerning ticks, barberry is one of them. Yes, they have winter interest and neat foliage and stem colorations. But when they reseed in the native landscape they create a top-notch nursery for ticks.

Another species that’s more of an issue for Montana and other Western states is the Russian olive. While it’s an extremely hardy shrub or tree (and one that I love because it smells heavenly in the spring and provides cover and food for grouse), when it’s planted in riparian areas it can take over the area crowding out native species.

Even though deer have a voracious appetite, it’s good to know we have some options when it comes to planting shrubs that won’t be pruned unless we do it.