Posts Tagged ‘Deer Proof Plants’

Easy Care Blue Combo of Stokesia & Caryopteris

There is nothing like the fresh summer blooms of Stokesia.  Stokes Aster is a easy care perennial. Chris & I are particularly fond of the variety Peachie’s Pick because of their large almost daisy-like blooms which flower well in heat & humidity.  Stokiesia Peachie’s Pick is easily grown in full sun

Blue Mist Shrub - Caryopteris makes a long lasting cut flower

Stokes Aster is paired here with drought proof  & long blooming  Caryopteris Grand Bleu.

Both are EASY CARE garden plants that thrive with good drainage and make a terrific cut flower.  They both add a punch of color often needed in the mid-late sun perennial garden.

Here’s a fun container garden idea I shot while visiting a garden in Portland, Oregon.

Ring of Fire Patio Container

This colorful combination combines sun-tolerant Heuchera Peach Flambe with the drought-proof & sun-loving Sedum Mr. Goodbud.

A dynamic duo that is both low-maintenance and colorful – what more can you ask for?

I would simply water about once per week and if you’re in a good mood you could throw in a tablespoon of Miracle-Grow plant food in a gallon of water to really get the show going! But, if you just have to take that 2-week summer vacation, this pair of plants are especially forgiving and should be fine during your trip.

Some of my favorite perennials for creating colorful mixed containers include drought-proof Sedums, brilliant Heucheras, & architectural Ornamental Grasses.

Hellebores are regarded as one of the best deer-proof shade plants. A harbinger of spring with an array of colorful blooms in either single or double forms.   Watch this video for helpful tips on achieving long lasting Lenten Rose blooms in your shade garden. Click Here for more helpful information on growing Hellebores and see why this is one of our shade garden favorites!

When I first started to garden I was drawn to the drama of fall & winter gardening with ornamental grasses. I began to notice what amazing (and needed) architectural structure that grasses provide while creating mood, providing motion, all the while transitioning in its own way to the next season. This video highlights both practical & fun ways to use ornamental grasses.

Reason #1 – They are 99.9% deer proof!

Helleborus Brushstrokes

This group of plants quickly became my favorite flowering shade plant about 15 years ago. During my 10 years of living in heavily deer-infested South Carolina, I learned that deer will not touch Hellebores. I had over 2,000 mature Hellebore plants in my garden and you could SEE the deer hoof-prints where they walked right past them without a single munch! Of course, the Hydrangeas & Hostas next to the Hellebores were not so lucky. But, I can’t say they’re 100% deer proof because I’m sure there is some mutated deer somewhere in the country that will take a taste test.

Reason #2 – Hellebores are highly drought proof

Hellebores are the perfect shade plant for under mature oak trees. They can tolerate long periods of drought with little to no water. The heavy roots of the oak trees don’t seem to dissuade the Hellebores or hurt their growth in any way.

Helleborus London Fog

Reason #3 – They bloom in winter when little else is in bloom

Most Hellebores begin blooming in February or March across the country. Their beautiful pink, yellow, black, green, and spotted flowers make wonderful combinations with bright yellow-flowered Daffodils and white Snowdrops.

Reason #4 – Flowers can be used as cut flowers for 10 days

Helleborus as Cut Flowers

Few people realize that Hellebore flowers can be cut and floated in a shallow dish of water where they will last up to 10 days. I’ve visited friends’ homes where they used a stunning array of Hellebore flowers floating in shallow crystal dishes for table centerpieces. Perfect conversation starter at dinner!