One of the most common challenges of gardening in the Rogue Valley is the plentiful deer population. Selecting deer resistant plants is often hit-and-miss and, to compound the problem, not all deer have the same tastes. What is deer resistant in Jacksonville may not be deer resistant in Eagle Point or Ashland. Shooting Star has gained expertise working with customers throughout the region as well as designing landscapes that incorporate deer resistant plants.

First of all, remember that deer resistant does not mean deer proof! Deer may develop a taste for any new plant depending on the season, when it was planted, how much water it gets, and a host of other factors. In addition, young deer will basically eat anything they encounter as they learn about what is edible and what isn’t. You can also expect increased deer pressure during drought years or after a wildfire, when deer are desperate for something to eat.

Shooting Star Nursery also recommends putting a wire cage around all new trees. Whether your trees are deer resistant or not, deer may nibble on the new or lower growth, or scrape their antlers on the trunk causing damage that can be irreversible. It’s especially important to cage your trees in late summer to prevent this type of damage.

If you do find deer nibbling the tender growth of your newly planted flowers or shrubs, be patient and observe their behavior. They may simply try it and then leave it alone. Alternatively, be prepared to protect all new plantings in heavy deer country, even if you are using very deer-resistant plants. You can also spray all new plantings – or more sensitive plants – with deer repellant spray, and alternate between several different spray types.

Our deer resistant list continues to be a work in progress, so let us know what has and hasn’t worked for you and we will incorporate into our list!