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8 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Zone 7
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Shrubs are the backbone of any landscape design, providing structure, privacy, and year-round interest. But if you live in USDA Zone 7 and have a high deer population, investing in shrubs can feel like setting up an expensive buffet. Here are 8 reliable, deer-resistant shrubs that will actually survive in your Zone 7 landscape.
1. Boxwood (Buxus)
Boxwoods are the classic choice for formal hedges and foundation plantings. Their strong scent makes them highly unappetizing to deer. They are evergreen, providing structure to your Zone 7 garden all winter long.
2. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
If you want fast growth and massive summer blooms, the Butterfly Bush is a top contender. Deer avoid its silvery-green foliage, but pollinators flock to its cone-shaped flower clusters. *Note: In some regions, Butterfly Bush can be invasive; look for sterile cultivars.*
3. Forsythia
Forsythia is the harbinger of spring, erupting into bright yellow blooms before it even pushes out leaves. It grows quickly, makes an excellent informal hedge, and is rarely bothered by deer.
4. Spirea
Spirea is an incredibly tough, low-maintenance deciduous shrub. Varieties like 'Goldmound' or 'Magic Carpet' offer bright chartreuse foliage and pink summer flowers. Deer generally bypass it.
5. Viburnum
There are many types of Viburnum, and most are highly deer-resistant. They offer multi-season interest: spring flowers, summer berries (which birds love), and excellent fall color.
6. Caryopteris (Bluebeard)
Caryopteris is a smaller shrub that produces clouds of blue flowers in late summer when many other plants have stopped blooming. Its highly aromatic foliage keeps deer far away.
7. Juniper
If you need an evergreen for privacy screening, Junipers are a much safer bet than Arborvitae. They come in many forms, from low-growing groundcovers to tall, upright trees, and their prickly, scented foliage deters browsing.
8. Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
Barberry is incredibly tough and highly deer-resistant, largely due to its sharp thorns. It comes in varieties with deep burgundy or bright yellow foliage. *Note: Some Barberry varieties can be invasive; check local guidelines before planting.*
How to Protect Young Shrubs
Even highly deer-resistant shrubs are vulnerable when they are young and freshly planted. The new growth is tender, and the plants have been heavily fertilized, making them unusually tasty.
Pro Tip: For the first year after planting, spray your new shrubs with a deer repellent or protect them with temporary wire caging during the winter months.
Looking for more deer-resistant options? Use our Plant Finder to discover plants perfectly matched to your yard's conditions.