Deer-Resistant Gardenias

The glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers make the gardenia (Gardenia augusta syn. Gardenia jasminoides) an attractive shrub in any garden. A plus for gardeners who live in rural or semi-rural areas is that gardenias are deer-resistant. While no plant is 100-percent deer-proof, gardenias are among the flowers that deer tend to avoid.

While there are a number of gardenia cultivars, some are more cold tolerant than others. A dwarf variety that grows up to 30 inches tall and 4 to 6 feet wide, 'Crown Jewel,' thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11. If you need a larger shrub for your garden, 'Shooting Star' grows 3 to 4 feet tall and equally wide, while 'Frostproof' grows 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide. These two cultivars are hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10 and 11, respectively.

Gardenias were originally subtropical and tropical shrubs. Among the gardenias that prefer warmer weather are 'Belmont,' 'Coconut Magic' and 'Variegata,' all hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10.

When deer are hungry, they'll eat anything, including plants that are normally last on a deer's preferred menu. To discourage deer from enjoying the evergreen foliage in winter and the fresh growth and developing blossoms in spring, use a variety of deer-repelling techniques.

Fences are helpful, especially solid wood fences or reed fencing attached to an existing wire fence. Blocking the view of the lush foliage helps keep deer out of the garden. Add a barking dog or motion-activated sprinklers to discourage marauding deer. Also apply predator urine weekly around the perimeter of the garden to frighten deer away.

Using several deer-repelling methods at once keeps timid deer out of the garden, even when your gourmet buffet of gardenias and more palatable plants are beckoning to the hungry four-legged pests.