Deer Resistant Evergreen Shrubs

What does deer resistant mean?

I gave up on trying to grow spring bulbs, like tulips.  I might enjoy 1 day of the blooms before they became a delicious buffet for deer. Daffoldils, on the other hand, are toxic to deer.  Supposedly some other fragrant plants, like sage & peonies will deter deer.

The reality is if deer are hungry enough, they will eat many things not on their normal menu. Deer have a very sensitive sense of smell, so shrubs like Junipers or Pieris (when in bloom) will usually keep deer away. When you buy any shrub for your landscape that claims it is deer resistant just know that probably doesn't mean deer proof.  There are some, however, that are more resistant. 

Most Popular Deer Resistant Evergreen Shrubs

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Deer resistant evergreen shrubs
Deer eating leaves off an evergreen shrub in back yard.

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Deer Resistant Evergreen Shrubs Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is there such a thing as a deer proof shrub?

No. There are many trees & shrubs that deer tend to stay away from. If hungry enough, however, deer will munch on almost any foliage.

Are there any flowering shrubs that are deer resistant?

Yes! Forsythia, Hydrangea, Pieris and Mahonia are just 4 examples or flowering shrubs that deer steer clear of.

What shrubs to deer avoid the most?

The 2 most popular evergreen landscape shrubs deer hate are boxwoods & holly shrubs.

Holly Shrubs for Sale Online

Just about all holly (ilex) varieties are deer resistant. Just make sure you get at least 1 male for every 2 to 4 females to ensure sure you get the classic red berries.
Name Grow Zones Height / Width
American 6 to 9 H: 15-20'  W: 10-12'
Apollo Winterberry 5 to 9 H: 12'  W: 12'
Brass Buckle 6 to 9 H: 1-2'  W: 1-2'
Christmas Jewel 6 to 9 H: 10-12' W: 6-8'
Compact Japanese 5 to 9 H: 2-3'  W: 2-3'
Dragon Lady 6 to 9 H: 15-20'  W: 10-12'
Drops of Gold 5 to 9 H: 3-4'  W: 4-5'
Foster 6 to 9 H: 20-25' W: 10-15'
Jim Dandy 3 to 8 H: 6-8'  W: 6-8'
Nellie Stevens 6 to 9 H: 15-20'  W: 10-12'
Oakland 6 to 9 H: 15-20' W: 10-15'
Robin Red 6 to 9 H: 10-12' W: 6-8'
Sky Pencil 5 to 9 H: 6-8'  W: 2-3'
Southern Gentleman 3 to 8 H: 6-8'  W: 6-8'
Sparkleberry 3 to 8 H: 6-8'  W: 6-8'
Steeds 5 to 8 H: 8-10'  W: 4'

Boxwood Shrubs for Sale Online

Boxwood shrubs (buxus) actually contain  alkaloids that make them taste terrible to deer.

Name Grow Zones Height / Width
Baby Gem 5 to 9 H: 3'  W: 3'
Dwarf English 5 to 9 H: 1-2'  W: 1-2'
Emerald Jewel 5 to 10 H: 2-3'  W: 2-3'
English 5 to 8 H: 2-4'  W: 2-4'
Green Mountain 5 to 9 H: 3'  W: 3'
Green Velvet 5 to 8 H: 4-6'  W: 3-5'
Korean 5 to 9 H: 2-3'  W: 4-6'
Sprinter 5 to 9 H: 2-4'  W: 2-4'
Winter Gem 5 to 9 H: 2-5'  W: 2-4'
Wintergreen 4 to 9 H: 4-5'  W: 4-5'

 

Mahonia shrubs for sale online

Bright, fragrant yellow flowers & blue berries.  Unique upright form. Also called Oregon Grape Holly.

Name Grow Zones Height / Width
Winter Sun 7 to 9 H: 2-3'  W: 2-3'
Soft caress 7 to 9 H: 2-3'  W: 2-3'
Aquifolium 5 to 9 H: 4-6'  W: 2-3'

Juniper shrubs for sale online

Some Junipers have small, sharp needles or scale-like leaves. Some varieties can have both. Juniper shrubs includes some that can be used for ground covers or soil erosion on slopes.

Name Grow Zones Height / Width
All Gold Shore 6 to 8 H: 1'  W: 4-5'
Andorra 3 to 8 H: 1-2'  W: 4-5'
Blue Chip 3 to 9 H: 12" W: 4-5'
Bar Harbpr 3 to 9 H: 1-2'  W: 4-8'
Blue Pacific 5 to 9 H: 12" W: 4-5'
Blue Rug 3 to 9 H: 8"  W: 6-8'
Blue Star 4 to 8 H: 2-3'  W: 2-3'
Blueberry Delight 3 to 8 H: 8" W: 4-5'
Buffalo 3 to 7 H: 12"  W: 3-5'
Dwarf Japanese 3 to 8 H: 12" W: 4-5'
Gold Lace 5 to 9 H: 3-4'  W: 5-6'
Grey Owl 3 to 9 H: 3-4'  W: 4-5'
Hughes 3 to 8 H: 18"  W: 5-8'
Kallays Compact 4 to 8 H: 2-3'  W: 4-6'
Mini Arcade 3 to 8 H: 12"  W: 3-4'
Mother Lode Creeping 3 to 8 H: 12" W: 3-4'
Old Gold 4 to 9 H: 2-4'  W: 2-4'
Parson's 4 to 9 H: 2-3'  W: 5-6'
Sea Green 4 to 9 H: 4-6'  W: 6-8'
Wisconsin 3 to 8 H: 6"  W: 4-6'

Camellia Shrubs For Sale Online

According to the North Carolina State Cooperative Extension, Camellia are 'occasionally damaged' by deer. In other words, they are not the most preferred plant for deer to munch on but they could get on their menu if nothing else is available.

 

Sweet Box shrubs for sale online

Fragrant white flowers in spring with reddish berries in fall. Can also handle shady areas.

Name Grow Zones Height / Width
Fragrant Sweet 7 to 9 H: 4-5'  W: 1-4'
Fragrant Valley 6 to 8 H: 2-3'  W: 3-4'
Fragrant Mountain 6 to 9 H: 2-3'  W: 1-4'

 

Pieris shrubs for sale online

There is a debate on-going whether they are truly deer resistant.  Also known as andromedas. Winter interest. Unique, weeping lily-of-the-nile-like early spring flowers..

Name Grow Zones Height / Width
Mountain Snow 4 to 8 H: 4-5' W: 4-5'
Cavatine  5 to 8 H: 1-2'  W: 1-2'
Valley Valentine 5 to 8 H: 5-8'  W: 5-8'
Mountain Fire 6 to 9 H: 4-5'  W: 4-5'
Katsura 5 to 8 H: 5-6' W: 3-4'
Valley Rose 5 to 8 H: 3-5' W:3-5'
Flaming Silver 5 to 8 H: 4'  W: 4'

 

Barberry evergreen shrubs for sale online

Traditionally known for purple foliage and thorns, newer varieties offer more color choices. Many varieties of Barberry are deciduous.  A few are also considered invasive.

Name Grow Zones Height / Width
Darwin Barberry (Berberis Darwinii) 7 to 9 H: 5-8'  W: 4-6'
Japanese (Berberis thunbergii)  aka Red Barberry H: 3-4' W: 7-9'
Orange King (Berberis Trigona 'Orange King') 6 to 8 H: 4-5'  W: 4-5'
Rosemary (Barberry Berberis x stenophylla) 6 to 9 H: 1-2'  W: 1-2'
William Penn (Berberis X Gladwynensis 'William Penn') 6 to 9 H: 4'  W: 4'
Wintergreen  (Berberis julianae) 6 to 9 H: 6-8' W: 6-8'

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