Deer Resistant Plants for Zone 6 Landscapes
Deer are as common in New Jersey as kangaroos are in Australia. While outsiders think of these antlered animals as harmless, local clam-diggers have a different opinion….especially when they choose your lawn for dinner. Deer are a gardener’s nightmare: they come at night, silent, and hungry. You awake to find your landscaping devoured, chewed, and scavenged. That is, unless you plant the right kind of plants.
The following are plants you can trust to thrive in Zone 6 climates, like Hillsborough, NJ and be resistant to deer and other snacking critters.
English Boxwood
Have a minimalist landscape with boxwood? No? Then perhaps it’s time to make a switch to this curb appeal landscaping style. Since boxwood isn’t on deer’s menu, your landscape will look impressive, well kept and munch-free all year round.
Juniper
Like boxwood, juniper is a common shrub in landscaping. Many professionals love it for its Christmas-tree appeal, adding charm and verticality to landscape design. Homeowners love it because the deer leave it be.
Butterfly Bush
Make no mistake, this bush attracts wildlife, but it’s the kind you want: pollinators. This shrub has beautiful purple flowers that grow in a long cone shape, bringing whimsical color to your landscape design. It’s a win for anyone who wants to bring colorful fun, watch some butterflies and never wake up to find it’s leaves chewed away by Bambi.
Lavender
Lavender is an iconic flower. Its scent lines the cosmetic aisle of every NJ drug store and the plant itself is used in many holistic practices. While humans love it for their homes, deer aren’t a fan of the flower in the garden. Go ahead and plant this lovely scented, beautiful bloom without worry.
Lambs Ear
Super soft, lambs ear is a plant with adorable leaves—they’re soft and fuzzy, just like its name suggests. You’ll enjoy stepping outside and feeling the velvety leaves, knowing that won’t be lunch for local woodland neighbors.
Rosemary and Basil
New Jersey has a large Italian community. As any Italian grandmother knows, if you want to keep an herb garden, rosemary and basil are a must. When these plants mature, you’ll have fresh ingredients for your roast chicken, pesto, and other classic dishes.
Looking to step up your gardening game or want to spice up your landscaping design? Choose Hillsborough Irrigation as your local expert for the job! We understand everything about NJ’s climate, soil, local pests and trends. If you want the best lawn on the block, look no further!