Do Deer Eat Roses? How to Protect Your Rose Bushes

Do Deer Eat Roses?

Yes. Thorns do not stop deer. They eat rose buds, open blooms, tender new shoots and leaves.

Why Deer Target Roses

Rose buds and new canes are soft and high in moisture, and rose beds are often in open sunny spots deer can reach easily.

When Damage Happens

Spring growth and early summer bloom are peak times, with repeat browsing on reblooming varieties through the summer.

Signs Deer Are Eating Your Roses

• Buds or blooms missing overnight
• Torn shoot tips rather than clean cuts
• Leaves stripped from the top of the plant
• Hoof prints in the bed

How to Protect Roses From Deer

• Start repellent as new shoots break in spring
• Keep a tight schedule through bloom, since new buds keep forming
• Cover climbing and shrub roses at full deer height
• Protect reblooming varieties into late summer

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.