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.
DON'T FORGET - FREE SHIPPING ON
If you haven't heard or read about it, Amazon has announced they will suspend shipping charges this holiday season. That means if you want to order an unsigned copy of my 5-star rated Success WithHydrangeas, A Gardener's Guide from Amazon, you can save those shipping charges and still get your book in time for Christmas.
Of course, you can get a
signed copy when you order your book directly from me via my website at https://www.lorraineballato.com/success-with-hydrangeas.
If you want a special note, you can request that by using the "Contact me" form on the site.
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!
My best wishes to you for a joyous and grateful Thanksgiving!
