PROTECTING HYDRANGEAS FROM DEER AND RABBITS IN WINTER

Deer Nibbling In Winter

Some of my hydrangeas are planted where deer and rabbits like to browse. The new wood bloomers are fair game which I let the wildlife "prune" for me. The big leaf hydrangeas are rebloomers which I no longer protect against the weather. I take a chance and depend on that second later-season bloom cycle. BUT, I do take pains to protect them from wildlife and prefer to work with bare stems for that job. So far, the leaves are hanging on, likely because of the prodigious rain we have had this fall.







Do You Still Have Leaves on Your Bigleaf Hydrangeas?

I have been waiting somewhat impatiently for my bigleaf hydrangeas (macrophyllas) to drop their leaves so I can complete their final preparations for winter. I use this time to make sure there is enough mulch at their base to keep their roots nice and warm. Shredded leaves are good for that as is compost and any other organic mulch you have. Make sure to keep that mulch a good few inches away from base of the main stems of the plants. If it's too close it will soften and and weaken them. The mulch also works to keep the plants from drying out during the winter.

Get Ready For A Bare-Stemmed Bigleaf Hydrangea

If your plant still has foliage, and you won't be insulating it with leaves and such, get things lined up for when those leaves drop. You'll have to act fast 'cause the deer and rabbits will surely be roaming in search of their winter food supply. You need to convince them early in their eating pattern that your plants are not part of their buffet. Depending on the size of your plants, you can do one of several things. One is the EXCLUSION approach. Erect a temporary fence with commercially available deer fence kits available at box stores and on line. Or use galvanized livestock panels from stores like Tractor Supply and other agricultural supply stores. They can be bent over your plants to protect them.

Cattle Panel from Tractor Supply

Or you can cover your plants with a nursery pot or burlap.

Nursery Pot Over Small Hydrangea

 

Burlapping Hydrangea (Courtesy Monrovia)

A lot will depend on how much you need to protect, the size of your plant, where your plant is and your tolerance for ugliness in the landscape. So gather your materials, place your orders, etc. Time will be short to tackle this job usually during unpleasant outdoor conditions.   

The Repellent Approach 

I prefer to use the repellent approach via either a spray or granules. There are many very effective and harmless products on the market that get sprayed directly on your plants that are extremely unpalatable to wildlife. I am a big fan of Deer Defeat.

Deer Defeat Deer and Rabbit Repellant

It's my preferred repellent. I have found it lasts longer than any other spray and it smells the worst to the deer and rabbits which is a good thing. Trust me: I have trialed many of them side-by-side and this one works! Not only that, but it comes from a small woman-owned company that I am especially interested to support. Of course, you need a day above freezing to apply it. The first season I used it was the first spring I saw my tulips! The website has information on availability including ordering it directly from the manufacturer. Make sure you are upwind when you spray and be ready to hold your nose if the wind changes direction on you. Your clothes will need to immediately go into the washing machine.  

During periods of below freezing temps, I resort to Milorganite, a granular organic fertilizer which deer do not like.

Milorganite Fertilizer

It gets sprinkled at the base of the plants I want to protect until things warm up and I can use my spray. If you already have frozen ground and snow, don't let that stop you. That is exactly when Milorganite is best for deer repellent purposes. It will do the job. Although it does have a distinct smell, I wouldn't call it offensive. Again, the website is your best source of info re availability. 

In my neck of the woods, our plants are slowly hardening off even as the rain continues. Another inch or two is expected this week and possibly some light snow toward the end of the week. My bare stems might be a few weeks away, but I'm getting my arsenal ready. You should too.

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If you're not the type who buys books, how about asking your local library to order it? It's a great reference book.  
My best wishes to you for a joyous and grateful Thanksgiving!