There’s nothing more inviting for a deer than a well-fertilized and irrigated lawn. They’ll heartily munch on your tender new shoots, and if you’re not careful, they can strip an entire garden in a night.
One way to keep these pesky critters away is to plant deer-resistant varieties of plants. Strategically placing these around your garden will create a barrier that deer are less likely to cross. This protects all the plants inside the deer-resistant barrier.
There are several different plants that deer tend to avoid, and one of these is the snowball bush. Snowball bushes (Viburnum opulus) are a type of shrub that can grow up to 15 feet tall. They have large, round flowers that bloom in shades of white, pink, or red.
Snowball bushes are native to Europe and Asia, but they can now be found in North America as well. They’re a popular choice for landscaping because they’re low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Are Snowball Bushes Deer-Resistant?
If there’s one thing that gardeners can agree on, it’s that deer are pesky creatures. These four-legged browsers will eat just about anything, which can wreak havoc on a carefully cultivated garden.
This has been a common problem for gardeners for years, but there is hope. Deer-resistant plants are those that deer are less likely to eat. These plants usually have certain characteristics that make them unappealing to deer.
Strong Scent
According to the University of Georgia, one reason that deer avoid deer-resistant plants, including snowball bushes, is because of their strong scent. The flowers of the snowball bush release a fragrance that many people find pleasant.
However, deer have a much keener sense of smell than humans do. This means that what smells subtle to us can be overwhelming for them. The strong scent of the snowball bush is off-putting for deer, and they’ll usually steer clear of it.
Tough Texture
With their fluffy white flowers and plump, round berries, snowball bushes look like they would be soft and tender. However, the leaves of the snowball bush are actually quite tough. They’re thick and leathery, making them difficult for deer to chew.
In addition, the berries of the snowball bush are also quite tough. They have a hard outer shell that’s difficult for deer to penetrate. Even if they could get through the tough exterior, the berries are full of seeds that would be hard on their digestive system.
Bitter Taste
Tannins are a type of bitter compound that’s found in many plants. They serve as a natural defense against herbivores, and they can make plants taste unpleasant.
Final Thoughts: Are Snowball Bushes 100% Deer-Proof?
Unfortunately, no plant is 100% deer resistant. As a part of the Viburnum genus, this may not be the most deer-resistant plant, but it’s still a good choice if you’re looking for something that deer are less likely to eat.
While there’s still a slight chance that a deer may munch your on snowball bush, it’s relatively resistant to deer damage. A mature bush can often withstand light browsing from pests, deers included.
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