A member of the Euphorbiaceae family, which has members in a variety of startling sizes and shapes, Euphorbia is a very vast genus with around 2,000 species. They could be shrubs, trees, annuals, perennials, evergreens, or deciduous. The majority, which are native to temperate regions around the world, including the Mediterranean climate in Sonoma County, originated in Africa, Madagascar, and the Americas.
Poinsettia, a popular Christmas plant, is an example of Euphorbia pulcherrima. It stands out from the majority of its related species—often referred to as spurges—by having striking, vivid crimson bracts. Nearly all are perennials that require just moderate maintenance and are either evergreen or die back to the ground in the winter before regrowing in the spring. Their leafy stems have a variety of colors, sizes, and textures of leaves. The genus comprises a wide variety of forms, including, among others, mounds, upright stem sets, and low ground crawlers. Early spring through early summer is when euphorbias typically flower, and they then continue to produce lovely foliage all through the growing season or even all year long. Many are resistant to deer and gophers as well as drought.
The blooms on euphorbia are one of its most peculiar features. What is commonly referred to as a flower is actually a cyathium, which is made up of fused bracts that enclose a tiny true flower in a cup. On the ends of the leafy stems, groups of bracts that resemble leaves sprout. These bracts are typically vividly colored, with many species having chartreuse bracts that reflect light and create an amazing display. The elegant leafy stems come in a variety of colors, including blue, blue-green, reddish-green, reddish-orange, and green with purple undertones.
Depending on the species, euphorbias have different planting needs. Many plants need direct sunlight, but others may survive in partial shade, and a few even thrive in complete shadow. The majority of species that grow well in Sonoma County enjoy heat and can withstand some frost. They can tolerate drought, but some require regular water, and almost all don’t like having wet feet.
Euphorbias have some shortcomings despite its numerous positive traits. Each plant has a milky white sap in its stem that stings when touched, can be poisonous if consumed, and is extremely painful if it gets in the eyes. It’s crucial to clip them carefully and clean them right after after pruning. Long sleeves and gloves both protect the hands and arms. The good news is that the gophers and deer stay away because of the unpleasant sap. Self-sowing and underground stem spread can both be a pain, but for the most part, undesirable plants are simple to remove.
robbiae euporbia amygdaloides This species, sometimes known as Mrs. Robb’s bonnet, can endure more shade than most euphorbias and is quite short (up to 1 foot tall). It can be a helpful variety where there is no supplementary summer irrigation, but only if it is carefully contained on all sides; otherwise, it can become an unwelcome and invasive pest. Individual stems grow quickly via rhizomes.
Characia euphorbia This plant grows to a height of about 4 feet in a dome-shaped canopy, with erect, evergreen stems densely covered in narrow, blue-green leaves. It produces magnificent, spherical clusters of vibrant chartreuse/lime green flower heads that endure for several weeks and bloom in late winter to early spring. To stop unwanted self-seeding and make space for newly sprouting shoots, stems should be pruned down to the base as seeds form. The variety of this plant that is most frequently grown is E. c. wulfenii. It enjoys direct sunlight and uses little water.
griffithii Euphorbia In comparison to the other species listed, this Himalayan native has a highly distinctive appearance. It spreads slowly by creeping roots and matures as an upright stem up to 3 feet tall. Early summer brings forth the fiery orange-red bracts of “Fireglow,” which produce a sea of color and interest in areas with sun or filtered light and moderate moisture. To stop the spread and maintain control, cut it down to the ground in the winter and divide it every three to four years, if not more frequently. Some gardeners favor the related cultivar “Fern Cottage,” which is reputed to be less invasive.
Martini’s euphorbia This perennial, which is a cross between E. characias and E. amygdaloides, grows to a height of 2-3 feet and has dark green leaves with a hint of purple. In late winter to early spring, dense clusters of green blooms with dark centers appear at the tips of the branches. It does not reseed as frequently as other species, prefers full sun to part shade, and can withstand drought.
Myrsinites of Euphorbia This lovely evergreen plant, also known as myrtle spurge and donkey-tail spurge, has stems that extend outward from the crown and trail on the ground like an octopus. Early in the spring, the short, hefty blue-green leaves that cover the stems and end in clusters of chartreuse bracts lend a striking attraction to the environment. Cut entire stems back to the base as opposed to deadheading individual flowers, being careful not to remove slowly forming new stems. All year long, there will be new growth.
What plant has the most deer resistance?
French marigolds are a staple of gardeners everywhere and come in a wide range of vibrant hues over a lengthy season. They have numerous colors in a single flower head, are compact and bushy with little flowers, and have a tidy appearance overall. Marigolds are typically avoided by deer due to their strong scent, so planting them alongside other shrubs and ornamentals may assist to safeguard them.
Do deer consume hybrid euphorbias?
With its variegated foliage and vibrant flowers, this heat- and drought-tolerant perennial will give color to sunny gardens and patio pots. Late April sees the blooming of its clusters of green, lime, and cream variegated blooms. Its multicolored foliage is equally stunning. Its gray-green leaves have a golden edge, and in the fall, they change to colors of red, pink, and orange. This plant is a vibrant patio plant and provides months of flare to the garden. One of the final perennials to enter dormancy in the fall is this one. Deer and rabbit tend to stay away from it. grows most well in full sun to some shade.
What healthy plants won’t deer eat?
- White-tailed deer damage to nurseries has been researched by researchers from the University of Rhode Island. They found that deer had a fondness for hostas, daylilies, and English ivy in particular.
A few study participants made the interesting observation that deer appear to choose fertilized plants over those that haven’t.
Which Plants Deer Don’t Want to Eat
It should come as no surprise that deer tend to avoid harmful plants. Deer steer clear of common flowers with toxicity like daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies.
- Deer also have a propensity to avoid plants with powerful odors. Flowers like peonies and bearded irises, as well as herbs like sages, decorative salvias, and lavender, are simply “stinky to deer.
- Would you like to consume anything sharp? Deer don’t either (unless they’re in a pinch). They avoid eating plants like lamb’s ear on their favored menu.
Deer-Resistant Plants for Shade
- Bleeding hearts are one of our favorite perennials that can withstand deer (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, aka Dicentra spectabilis).
- Astilbe are plants that thrive in shade and are resistant to deer. Bridal Veil, Visions, and Fanal asters combine well.
Deer-Resistant Plants for Sun
- The Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’ variety has a long blooming season from May through September and attracts butterflies but not deer.
- The perennial Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ or Blazing Star is another sun-loving plant that isn’t a favorite among the deer.
- One of our favorite native plants, Echinacea purpurea, attracts pollinators.
- Salvia x sylvestris, sometimes known as wood sage, is another sun-lover.
- Last but not least, a popular type of Shasta Daisy that deer do not prefer is Leucanthemum x superbum “Becky.”
List of Top Deer-Resistant Plants, Flowers, and Shrubs
Deer-resistant plants have been identified through research as those that are less likely to be consumed by deer. The list is below. Here is a list of common plants that deer rarely or never seriously harm. Remember that there are no plants that are entirely resistant to deer; this is the first rule of deer proofing.
What kinds of vines do deer avoid eating?
Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), crossvine (Bignonia capreolata), coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens), swamp leatherflower (Clematis crispa), and celastrus scandens (American bittersweet).
Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica)
Pieris is a well-liked garden plant due to its showy blossoms. The gorgeous white flower clusters, which have a drooping shape and are very pollinator-friendly, contrast with the dark green leaves. Pieris thrives in a little shade and can even handle severe shade. Even though you might have to deal with bothersome lacebugs, it’s unlikely that deer will ever touch this shrub.
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
This is one of the greatest options for a shrub that deer won’t eat among natural evergreen plants. Additionally, you’ll be gifted with gorgeous pale pink flower clusters that are up to six inches in diameter big in the late spring! The shrub itself can grow to be rather enormous, up to 15 feet tall and wide, however they develop at a moderate rate. Mountain laurel thrives in partial shade and is excellent for slightly acidic soils.
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Eastern red cedar is your best option if you enjoy how arborvitae looks and want a shrub that deer won’t eat (although they may still nibble on the lower foliage).
However, a variety of songbirds will benefit from your dinner as they love the berry-like, gray-blue cones. As a species that can withstand extreme drought, Eastern red cedar thrives in dry soil and direct sunlight, but it shouldn’t be planted close to crabapple or apple trees since it might spread cedar apple rust.
The Eastern red cedar might win the prize for being the tallest deer-resistant shrub, as it can grow to a height of up to 50 feet.
Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
Keep this juniper away from apples because, like Eastern red cedar, it may harbor cedar apple rust. It is also quite resistant to deer and thrives in dry soil (and even in drought conditions). Smaller shrubby forms are also available, however some cultivars develop to be tall trees (up to 20 feet).
Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)
Native to North America, this densely branched deciduous shrub is frequently seen along our eastern coast. Although the shrub’s grayish-green leaves are stunning, it is more well-known for its fruits, which are also covered with a waxy material that is scented, used to manufacture soap, attractive to birds, and generally deer-repellent.
Do coffee grounds deter opossums?
It’s upsetting to discover when you get up in the morning that all the time and effort you put into your garden has suddenly turned into a mess, with deer to blame.
Deer have keen senses of smell that they employ to locate readily available food sources. The bitter scent of used coffee grounds may warn deer that people are close and keep them away from your property even if there is no scientific proof that they will scare off deer.
Deer, despite their harmless appearance, frequently enter your property at night to either consume your plants or damage them by rubbing their antlers on your trees. In essence, can deer really be stopped in their tracks by coffee grounds?