Shrubs make for great accents to a landscape. Some shrubs, however, are a favorite of deer and they can ruin your decorative flair. According to University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, these examples are some of the shrubs that deer will rarely browse. The deer aren’t as drawn to them as they are other shrubs. This means they will stay unharmed longer in areas with a high deer population.
Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa)
A drought tolerant shrub that is easy to grow, the Japanese quince grows five to 10 feet high and five to 10 feet wide. It has simple deciduous leaves in an alternate pattern. There are red-hued flowers but some cultivars have white with pink or pink white flower flowers. It has tangled branches. Japanese quince has a preference for bright sun or partial shade. It can be propagated by seed, grafting, layering, or cuttings. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 4 through 9.
Lily of the Valley Bush (Pieris japonica)
Also known as Japanese andromeda or Japanese pieris, this evergreen fragrant shrub is round and compact. It has white or pink flowers in a cluster, blooming in late winter to early spring. They are bell-like in appearance. There are fruits that look like a string of beads. The plant gets eight to 12 feet high and six to 10 feet wide. Leaves begin copper-red but age to gloss-green. Leaves have toothed margins. Lily of the Valley Bush prefers partial shade with a well-drained soil. It should be propagated by greenwood tip cuttings or by semi-hardwood cuttings. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 4 through 8.
Firethorn (Pyracantha coccinea)
Also known as the scarlet firethorn, this fast growing evergreen shrub is a member of the rose family. It attracts songbirds and is easy to grow. Firethorn grows 10 feet high and 12 feet wide. Leaves are dark green and glossy and may hide the sharp thorns on the stems. Flowers are in clusters, small, and white. They bloom in the spring. Berries will turn a variety of shades during growth, starting green and going through red, orange, and yellow. Leaves and berries are darker in the shade. Firethorn prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. It needs well-drained soil, but can by dry or moist. Propagate by hardwood cuttings. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 5 through 9.
Sources:
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Floridata: Japanese Quince
Floridata: Lily of the Valley Bush
Floridata: Firethorn