Do Deer Eat Azalea Bushes?

Azaleas are very popular flowering shrubs for tempting vibrant flowers and large foliage among gardeners. But they are always at risk of getting eaten by plant-eating animals. Besides, deer eating plants from the garden is a common issue around the world. Here, the question comes: “Do deer eat Azalea bushes?”

To understand this problem properly, we have to look at the behaviors and diet patterns. So, get ready to explore!

Do Deer Love Azaleas?

Azalea is poisonous to humans but deer love azaleas! Azaleas are like happy treats for deer around you. Especially during their growth season in the spring and summer, deer just can’t resist those beautiful shrubs. They munch on the tender leaves and succulent flower buds of Azaleas. 

If you don’t take proper action in time, deer browsing can destroy your Azaleas to the ground. But be careful not to harm the poor creatures; they just love to eat some tasty treats!

Understanding The Deer Diet Habits

Deer are herbivores, and they normally feed on various plants. Their food habit includes Woody browsing, herbaceous vegetation, and agricultural crops. They change their foods depending on the season, growth time, and availability of food. Between spring and summer, deer look for food that is nourishing plants, including Azaleas. In winter, they mainly feed on woody browsing and barks. Thus, winter care of Azaleas doesn’t include deer protection.

It is important to understand that deer are creatures of habit, so they return to places with abundant food sources. That means if they find out about your Azaleas, they will come back to feed on them again. So, you better be careful about your plants and protect them properly.

How to Protect Your Azaleas From Deer?

Well, fencing can be a good idea for starters. It can keep the deer at bay but is not a suitable solution for all types of gardens or landscapes. You have to find a way to keep your Azaleas safe without harming the deer. So, what can we do?

Fortunately, some methods can work in any scenario and keep both the plants and deer safe. It won’t even affect the beauty of your garden. Let’s have a look at these.

Repellent Spray

Deer Solution’s property repellent service uses an organic, eco-friendly formula that keeps deer away. It utilizes deer’s scent and taste aversion. Using it regularly will make an invisible wall between your garden and deer that they can not pass through!

Companion Planting

It includes planting Azaleas according to a plan near deer-resistant plants. You can plant Azalea near lavender, marigolds, or any other herb with a strong scent. Deer also hates Hydrangea and stay away from it till they run out of food in the Winter. It will mask the appealing aroma of the Azaleas, and the deer will not be able to find your precious plants.

Landscape Design 

You can design a planting plan for your garden that will keep the deer away. Plant the Azaleas near places with more human activity. Deer will be scared to come near those spots. If you already have Azalea in risky positions, you can transplant them properly.

You can also plant it in places near motion-activated deterrents that will scare deer away even if they come close.

Will Azalea Come Back If Deer Eat Them?

Azalea are capable of handling the damage of deer browsing. You have to remove the damaged and eaten branches by pruning them. You have to make sure the soil is rich in nutrients your Azalea needs. If needed, fertilize the soil using a 6-10-4 slow release fertilizer specially made for flowering shrubs. Also, strongly maintain weed control. The weeds will use all the nutrients that your azalea needs to recover from deer damage. With proper care, your azaleas will come back to their old state pretty soon.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, deer love your Azalea like you love chocolates. So, keep your plants hidden from their sight! However, never hurt those animals. Among all the options mentioned above, you can use all of those methods to save your beautiful Azaleas. 

Also, don’t be relaxed because the deer are gone. They will be back next season. So, keep that in mind and take long-lasting measures.

FAQs

Is Deer Solution’s Proprietary Repellent Poisonous?

No. It is purely organic and environment-friendly. It doesn’t hurt deer, pets, or humans. So, you can use it without worrying about nature or people.

Why Do Deer Love Azaleas?

Although Azaleas are toxic for humans, for some animals, they are irresistible, delicious and nourishing treats. The tender leaves and the sweet scent of this flower attracts deer, butterflies, and many other animals.

Which Plant Will Keep Deer Away From My Garden?

Deers are very cautious about the smell, and some of it can keep them away from your garden. You can plant mint, garlic, and lavender, which deer hate most. Blood Meal, hot paper, and eucalyptus are also very useful in preventing deer browsing in your garden.

What is the Best Home Made and Natural Repellent for Deer?

You can use vinegar and essential oils to make effective deer-repellent for homeless offensive.

What is the Best Way to Prevent Deer Browsing Without Repellent?

It’s all about strategy! Strategic planting, proper placement, and using deer-repellent plants in the garden are highly effective. You can also fence the garden, but it is not the best way in some landscapes.