Do Deer Eat Hydrangeas? How to Protect Them

Do Deer Eat Hydrangeas?

Yes. Deer readily eat hydrangeas, especially bigleaf (mophead and lacecap) varieties. They browse tender spring shoots, leaves and the flower buds that would have become summer blooms.

Why Deer Target Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas put out soft, leafy growth at exactly the height deer feed. Bigleaf types bloom on old wood, so deer that browse stems in late winter and spring can remove the season's flowers before they form.

When Damage Happens

Damage peaks in spring as new growth emerges and again in midsummer when buds swell. Bigleaf varieties are also vulnerable in late winter when deer browse dormant stems.

Signs Deer Are Eating Your Hydrangeas

• Torn leaves and stems with ragged edges
• Missing flower heads or buds
• Stems eaten down to a few inches
• Hoof prints in the bed

How to Protect Hydrangeas From Deer

• Start repellent before leaves open in early spring
• Keep applications on schedule through bloom, since each new leaf is unprotected until sprayed
• Protect bigleaf varieties through winter so next year's buds survive
• Plant panicle or smooth hydrangeas in high-pressure spots; they rebloom on new wood if browsed

What Does Not Work Well

Soap bars, human hair, wind chimes and motion lights may work for a few days. Deer get used to them quickly, especially when food is scarce. Store-bought sprays help, but most need reapplying after rain and every new flush of growth is unprotected until the next spray.

Get Professional Protection

Deer Guys® sprays your entire landscaped property every 3 to 4 weeks with a natural, odorless, weather-resistant repellent. Every customer starts with a free trial. Find your town on our New Jersey, New York or Long Island pages, or start your free trial.