Regional Picks: Deer-Resistant Plants – Southeast

While most horticulture pests and problems vary greatly depending on area , there is one dilemma that just about all of us have to compete with — cervid . There are population of deer in all 50 states , and all are munching on the many dissimilar plants we ’re growing across the country . Some methods for deterring deer from feastingwork betterthanothers , but there is also the option of simply produce plants they do n’t typically enjoy . Do n’t rent your hard work become a buffet for the next passing ruck . Here are four cervid - resistant plants for the Southeast .

1. Christmas Fern

Name:Polystichum acrostichoides

USDA hardiness zones:3 to 8

Size:1 to 2 feet magniloquent and all-encompassing

condition : Partial to full tone ; moist to dry well - drain soil

Once established , Christmas fern is quite perchance the toughest flora in the world . This evergreen plant serves as a reliable filler in the shade garden and a class - round staple in cut - bloom arrangement . In spring , silvery fiddleheads unfurl into hardy upright fronds that relax toward the ground as they mature . emergence radiates from a key rhizome , forming a 2 - understructure mound over time . Christmas fern tolerates miserable , dry , and rough soil , but will not survive in a spot that is too boggy or alkaline .

2. Fothergilla

Name:Fothergilla major

Zones:4 to 8

Size:6 to 8 feet tall ; 5 to 9 feet wide

Conditions : Full sunshine to fond tone ; moist , well - drain stain

Fothergilla is a headliner in my garden from early spring until the last foliage drops in November . Fragrant white bottlebrush flowers seem in April and May , unspoiled leaf color persist all summertime , and then a antic explosion of color is the drop finale . This is a very downcast - care bush , requiring only the removal of sucker as they appear . If you have a spot where a rhododendron would work , try out step in a fothergilla , and you will not be disappointed .

3. ‘Wild Thing’ Autumn Sage

Name:Salvia greggii ‘Wild Thing’

Zones:6 to 9

Size:2 to 3 feet tall and broad

Conditions : Full sun ; well - drain soil

This works truly is a workhorse , especially in those difficult field that are live and do not retain a circle of wet . ‘ Wild affair ’ will begin flowering by the terminal of June and preserve designate off until mid - November . It is unflagging through summer estrus . With large numbers of vivid hot pinkish flowers , this is belike the most noticed and remark - on plant in my garden . Butterflies and hummingbird visit throughout the efflorescence season .

4. Anise Shrub

Name:Illicium parviflorum

Zones:7 to 10

Size:10 to 15 feet improbable ; 6 to 10 foundation wide

shape : fond refinement ; can allow more sun if the grime is moist

Anise shrub is another workhorse for me . Although officially listed as stalwart to Zone 7 , it has sailed through two back - to - back winters with – 12 ° F temperatures in my garden with no damage at all . It is n’t a showy “ look at me ” flora , but serves as a proficient projection screen or makeweight . Its foliation gives a wonderful lush comprehensiveness to the summertime garden and a much - want green comportment in winter . The fragrance of a humbled or bruised leafage is very refreshing , and the seed pods are fun . Anise shrub takes well to pruning , should you require to keep it smaller and more full - bodied .

Jeff Calton is the proprietor of Good Earth Landscapes in Kingsport , Tennessee .

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Regional Picks: Deer-Resistant Plants – Southern Plains

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Fothergilla

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