Wildlife

Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Zone 7

Introduction

If you live in zone 7 and want to keep deer away from your plants, choosing deer-resistant shrubs is essential. Deer are attracted to tender new growth and sweet-smelling flowers, but they tend to avoid thorny plants and plants with strong, unpleasant odors.

What Are Deer-Resistant Shrubs?

Deer-resistant shrubs are plants that deer are less likely to eat. No plant is 100% deer-proof, but some are more resistant than others.

Factors that Affect Deer Resistance

Several factors can affect a plant’s deer resistance, including:

• Tenderness of new growth: Deer prefer soft, new growth.
• Sweetness of flowers: Deer are attracted to sweet-smelling flowers.
• Presence of thorns or spines: Deer avoid plants with sharp thorns or spines.
• Strong odors: Deer dislike plants with strong, unpleasant odors.

List of Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Zone 7

Here is a list of deer-resistant shrubs that are well-suited for zone 7:

• Abelia: Abelias are evergreen shrubs with glossy leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers.
• Banana Shrub: Banana shrubs are deciduous shrubs with large, banana-shaped leaves.
• Barberry: Barberries are deciduous shrubs with spiny stems and clusters of red or purple berries.
• Beautyberry: Beautyberries are deciduous shrubs with arching stems and clusters of purple berries.
• Boxwood: Boxwoods are evergreen shrubs with small, glossy leaves.
• Bottlebrush: Bottlebrush shrubs are evergreen shrubs with cylindrical flower spikes that resemble bottle brushes.
• Butterfly Bush: Butterfly bushes are deciduous shrubs with long, arching stems and clusters of purple or pink flowers.
• Caryopteris: Caryopteris is a deciduous shrub with aromatic leaves and clusters of blue flowers.
• Cotoneaster: Cotoneasters are evergreen or deciduous shrubs with small leaves and clusters of red or black berries.
• Daphne: Daphnes are evergreen shrubs with fragrant flowers and glossy leaves.
• Deutzia: Deutzias are deciduous shrubs with arching stems and clusters of white or pink flowers.
• Drooping Fetterbush: Drooping fetterbush is a deciduous shrub with drooping branches and clusters of white flowers.
• Forsythia: Forsythias are deciduous shrubs with bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Fothergilla: Fothergillas are deciduous shrubs with fragrant flowers and showy fall foliage.
• Holly: Hollies are evergreen shrubs with glossy leaves and red berries.
• Japanese Andromeda: Japanese andromeda is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves and clusters of white flowers.
• Japanese Privet: Japanese privet is an evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves.
• Juniper: Junipers are evergreen shrubs with needle-like leaves and blue or green berries.
• Kerria: Kerrias are deciduous shrubs with bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring.
• Lilac: Lilacs are deciduous shrubs with fragrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves.
• Mahonia: Mahonias are evergreen shrubs with holly-like leaves and clusters of yellow flowers.
• Mugo Pine: Mugo pines are evergreen shrubs with short, dense branches and dark green needles.
• Pepperbush Clethra: Pepperbush clethra is a deciduous shrub with fragrant flowers and showy fall foliage.
• Pomegranate: Pomegranates are deciduous shrubs with glossy leaves and red, edible fruits.
• Pyracantha Firethorn: Pyracantha firethorns are evergreen shrubs with thorny branches and clusters of red or orange berries.
• Quince: Quinces are deciduous shrubs with large, showy flowers and edible fruits.
• Staghorn Sumac: Staghorn sumacs are deciduous shrubs with large, fern-like leaves and clusters of red berries.
• Tea Olive: Tea olives are evergreen shrubs with fragrant flowers and glossy leaves.
• Viburnum: Viburnums are deciduous or evergreen shrubs with clusters of white or pink flowers and berries.
• Wax Myrtle: Wax myrtles are evergreen shrubs with aromatic leaves and blue or black berries.
• Weigela: Weigelas are deciduous shrubs with showy flowers and variegated leaves.
• Winter Jasmine: Winter jasmines are deciduous shrubs with fragrant yellow flowers that bloom in winter.
• Witch Hazel: Witch hazels are deciduous shrubs with fragrant flowers and showy fall foliage.
• Yew: Yews are evergreen shrubs with needle-like leaves and red berries.
• Yucca: Yuccas are evergreen shrubs with sword-shaped leaves and clusters of white or yellow flowers.

Additional Tips for Deer-Proofing Your Yard

In addition to planting deer-resistant shrubs, there are other things you can do to keep deer away from your yard, such as:

• Use deer repellent sprays: Deer repellent sprays can help deter deer from eating your plants.
• Plant sacrificial plants: Planting sacrificial plants, such as hostas or daylilies, can help keep deer away from your more valuable plants.
• Install fencing: Fencing is a physical barrier that can help keep deer out of your yard.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and deer-resistant landscape.