This is a favorite mountain laurel called ‘Nipmuck.’
Even though it’s technically poisonous to the
deer, the pests nibbled on the buds.
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digiplexis that needs full sun and will bloom from first frost
to last. It’s a relatively new introduction. It’s been in nurseries
for only a few years. It’s a cross between foxglove (digitalis)
and a tropical relative called isoplexis. I saw it planted in an
unprotected bed at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, where the
deer pressure is intense.
Deer will sometimes munch on the flowers of heuchera,
tiarella and heucherella, but the foliage is astringent and
usually unmolested. These perennials are long-lived when
planted right. Never sink them lower in the soil, as they are
prone to crown rot. Leave the center of the plant up high,
growing in good compost.
There are endless varieties of heuchera and heucherella.
The plant likes shade but can take some sun, especially in the
morning and early-afternoon hours.
Ornamental grasses can be annual or perennial. They grow
anywhere from a foot tall to more than 20 feet tall depending
on the variety. They add texture and, in some cases, a vertical
element in the garden.
Every few years, perennials need split. When the centers die
out, dig out the clumps and divide them in half or quarters.
They can be replanted, and extras can be planted elsewhere or
given to friends.
Ligularia is a shade-loving perennial that the deer have
never looked at twice in my garden. There are lots of different
shapes and sizes of the plant. I grow “Britt Marie Crawford”
and “Rocket.” Once established, they will grow for decades
and don’t need to be babied by the gardener.
Salvias can be perennials or annuals. Since they are from
the sage family, the deer aren’t interested in them. I talk a lot
about perennial salvia “May Night.” It’s beautiful, tough and
long-blooming.
I tested a new annual variety last season from Proven
Winners called “Playin’ The Blues” that I loved. It bloomed
like crazy all year and didn’t ask for much from me.
“Patio Deep Blue” is part of the Summer Flower Show at
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the color
makes me swoon. I hope I can find some locally.
Peonies are one of the queens of the late-spring, early-summer
garden and are almost deer-proof. The sky’s the limit
on different colored blooms, and, even though they aren’t
around long, the foliage will persist until a hard freeze. Many
have intense fragrance, too.
There are many more plants that can be grown out in the
garden that deer will turn their noses up at. Check with your
local nursery to see what else works in the landscape.
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