9/12/2019 Is Cardinal Flower Deer Resistant
Deer love to graze on many types of groundcovers, especially when new, tender growth emerges in the spring. The ornamental plants and shrubs in your garden should be a feast for the eyes, not a banquet for the local deer population. Although it’s impossible to make a backyard completely deer-proof.
Deer are selective feeders, so often plants that would normally become fodder can be used in your garden if there is a more tempting morsel nearby. An alternate food source can be planted away from your garden if necessary. This, however is no guarantee. Just a thought of how you might be able to help the critters at the same time as protecting your shrubs.There are dozens of different type repellants that are sometimes successful as well, which can be used in defined areas. They include some that are tacky, distasteful and sometimes downright rude. I'm sure many of these items are readily available at your local nursery, but as to the others.Any repellant can become ineffective in a short time when the deer realize that they have nothing to fear, so these may become more trouble than they are worth.While there are no plants that are deer proof, there are many that are far less prone to attract deer. They tend to dislike plants which are thorny, poisonous, sticky, or with cottony leaves, or plants that just taste badDroughts and other extreme weather conditions can create a serious food shortage for deer, and consequently cause them to lose their inhibitions and eat plants which they would otherwise ignore.Deer repellants.
Nylon stocking with human hair inside. Hanging mirrors/ tinfoil strips. Human urine, predator urine or droppings. Deodorant soap. Dried blood bloodmeal in a cloth bag.
Milorganite. Commercial products. Common NameBotanical NameHeightPlant Characteristics and NotesUSDAZonesGrowing RequirementsBenefitsAquilegia flabellata6-12'Violet with white flowers are borne on stiff stalks above the lacy bluish green foliage of the durable, self seeding Alpine Columbine3-9Dianthus alpinus4-8'This true alpine species of Pinks forms cushions of neat, dark green foliage. In mid-summer they produce dozens of extra large but otherwise typical looking, sweet smelling Dianthus flowers.
Deer resistant4-9Veronica allionii8'x18',This evergreen Veronica forms a tight mat of soft green foliage. An abundance of small spikes of light blue flowers arise in early summer.
Mow or shear flower spikes down after bloom to keep neat.4-9Veronica alpina8'x18',Easy to grow creeping evergreen with 1'-2', glossy green or fuzzy gray foliage. Blooms mainly in spring, flowering on and off until fall, producing airy spikes of white, rose, pink, pale or deep blue flowers.3-8Aster novae-angliae12-24'Asters grow into a dense mound of light green foliage. In May and through June, the plant will become covered with soft, 1 1/2' white, purple, pink or red flowers4-9Geum chiloense16-18'Geums form 16'-18' tall, spreading mounds of evergreen, coarsly textured, dark green leaves. From May until July they produce leafy, 24' branching stems that hold intensely colored, solitary, 1'-1¾' flowers or small clusters of smaller, brightly colored flowers.5-9Rhododendron1-8 ft.Azaleas must be grown in an. The buds for next years blooms will be formed this year, so it important that the faded blooms are removed6-8Iris germanica6-48'Bearded Iris are a rhizomous type of Iris should be planted fertile, well drained soil where they will receive 5-8 hours of sun each day. They are available in almost every color imaginable.HardyAcanthus species3-4 ft.Bear's Breeches are huge, mound forming perennials with dramatic, deeply cut, bright green leaves that can reach one foot wide and two feet long.
From late spring until mid summer, they produce impressive, 2-3 foot tall spikes of hooded, white or light pink flowers.5-10Monarda didyma2-4 ft.Like other members of the Mint Family, Bee Balm can become invasive. The plant should be divided every 3 years to keep it tidy. Stimulate a second flowering in the same year by cutting the bright crimson flowers right after they bloom4-8Rudbeckia hirta24-36The Black Eyed Susan is most commonly an annual wildflower, but some varieties are perennial or biennial.
These native prairie flowers can be found growing wild in almost every state. These bright, daisy like flowers are excellent to use in cut flower arrangements. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the blooming period considerably.3-8Ophiopogon planiscapus6-12'Black Mondo Grass grows as neat, slowly spreading, 4' tufts of ¼' wide, sweetly fragrant, straplike leaves. New foliage emerges dark green in spring then changes to dark purplish-black by summer.Loose spikes of small, light pink or white, bell shaped flowers appear in mid summer.5-9Caryopteris clandonensis2-3 ft.Bluebeard plants are low growing shrubs that are covered with fragrant, blue flowers in late summer and early fall. The silvery green, 1'-2' leaves have a light aroma of Eucalyptus when rubbed.
Bluebeard flowers are a favorite and bees.5-9Ajuga genevensis4-6'Typical Ajuga with 8' blue flowers in the Spring. Deer Resistant ground cover3-9Salvia superba12-15'Narrow erect plant with irregular leaves, spikes of intensely bluish purple flowers all Summer if spent flowers are removed. Drought tolerant, Prefers slightly alkaline soil4-8Ajuga reptens4-6'Ajuga grows well in full shade to full sun and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions as long as soil is well drained.3-9Buddleia davidii6-15 ft.The Butterfly Bush is a fast growing, profuse blooming, deciduous shrub that will grow in almost any type of soil.
Prune hard in early spring and remove spent flowers promptly.5-10Gaura lindheimeri2-4 ft.Butterfly Gaura are shrubby, perennial that are closely related to the. From late spring until first frost, they produce 8'-24' spikes of 1' flowers that are white when they open at dawn and fade to rose-pink as the sun sets.5-10Zantedeschia aethiopica1-4 ftCallas are rhizomous, clump forming plants known for their large, lush green foliage and beautiful, stately white, pink, yellow or red flowers. These Arums are worth growing for their long lasting cut flowers alone.8-11Gelsemium sempervirensSemi-evergreen, yellow trumpet blooms in spring, quickly climbs to great heights where it forms masses of foliage and bloom7-9Pericallis cruenta12-24'Cineraria plants form 12'-24' tall, mounded clumps of large, lush, bright green leaves which create a nice accent for the vividly colored, 3'-5' flowers that stand above it in the spring and summer.9-11Aquilegia12-18'The Columbine is an easy plant to grow because it adapts itself to a wide variety of conditions. They are a favorite flower for hummingbirds, and are excellent additions to rock gardens or in a native woodland planting3-9Potentilla fruticosa2-3 ft.Potentillas prefer well-drained, reasonably rich soil, but will tolerate clay, rocky, or even as well.
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Loads of pink or yellow 'buttercup' flowers in June.2-7Campanula glomerata12-24'Clustered Bellflowers are upright growing perennials with light green, fuzzy lance shaped foliage. They produce a cluster of one inch, vase shaped flowers atop 2 ft. Stems all summer if the spent blossoms are removed promptly3-8Heuchera sanguinea12-18'Coral Bells are compact growing, 18' mounding, evergreen plants that offer a growing variety of outstanding foliage colors in shades of purple, rose, lime green, gold as well as many striking variegations.6-9Cosmos bipinnatus3-5 ft.Cosmos are extremely heat and drought tolerant. They prefer full sun and do well in poor, infertile soil. Cosmos plants come in a rainbow of summer blooming flower colorsCotoneaster3'-15 ft.Cotoneaster is an extremely diverse genus of plants which includes ground covers, dwarf sized bushes and large sprawling shrubs. The flowers are generally small and appear from spring to early summer followed by bright red or orange berries for the birds to eat in winter.varyCreeping MazusMazus reptans1-3'These Cup Flowers are fast spreading ground cover plants that quickly form a dense mass of jagged light green foliage. Covers itself with pretty, orchid-like flowers in the late spring.
Good for planting between pavers or as a carpet-like border planting5-9Veronica prostrata6'x24', Borders,Woody, mat forming plant with coarsely serrated edges. Produces loose spikes of small blue, star shaped flowers in early summer. Deadhead spent flowers for a rebloom in early fall. Once established.5-9Veronica repens1'x18',Forms a fast growing, spreading evergreen mat of small, glossy green leaves. Produces small, pale blue or white flowersall spring.
Ideal for growing between flagstones.5-9Fritillaria imperialis3-4 ft.Crown Imperials are impressive, spring flowering bulbs that have been cultivated since the 16th century. Once the stalk begins to emerge in mid-spring, it grows very quickly to a height of 3-4 feet and adorns itself with a crown of nodding, bell shaped flowers topped with a tuft of bright, glossy green leaves.5-9Cypress VineIpomoea quamoclitCypress vine is a fast growing member of the Morning Glory family with attractive, feather-like foliage and pretty, 1½ star shaped tube flowers in late summer. Can be easily. Dahlia1-6 ft.With a blast of different colors, shapes and sizes, Dahlias bring life and beauty back to your landscape in late summer and into the fall months. The flowers can be as small as 2 inches or up to a foot in diameter.7-11Blechnum spicant18-24'Deer Ferns resemble miniature Sword ferns but smaller with rounded fronds. They are drought tolerate but do best if kept damp5-8Dutch IrisIris reticulata6-10'Dutch Iris should be grown in rich, well draining soil with 5-8 hours of sun each day. At any time of the year with no chilling, should be fed every 2 weeks3-10Achillea kellereri8'Dwarf Yarrow is a vigorous growing perennial with silvery strap-like leaves that add interest when the plant is out of bloom.
It produces a profusion of large white or yellow flower clusters that continue throughout the summer.5-10Lavandula12-24English Lavender is an evergreen, upright clumping perennial with bluish green, grass-like foliage. The small, fragrant flowers are held in long spikes at the top of the stems. For dried flowers, cut when the spikes first show color but the flowers are not fully open and hang inverted, in a cool dry place6-9Evening Primrose (hardy)Oenothera speciosa6-18'The hardy Evening Primrose is a compact, low growing, mound forming wildflower that is native to most parts of the United States. It produces an abundance of 1-2' pink or white cup flowers all through the summer5-8Rhododendron4-12 ft.Deciduous Exbury Azaleas bloom in late spring or early summer, producing clusters of 7-18 large, 2'-3', often very fragrant, often bi-colored flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, red and white.5-9Schefflera elegantissima4-6 ft.False Aralias are small, tropical evergreen trees that are native to the islands of the South Pacific. In their native environment, Schefflera elegantissima can grow up to 26 feet tall, but when grown in pots or planters they seldom reach more than 4-6 feet tall.10-12Feather Reed GrassCalamagrostis acutiflora5-7 ft.Feather Reed Grass is fairly drought resistant and tolerates a wide range of garden soils.
It is deer resistant plant4-9Dianthus caryophyllus6-12'Florist's Carnations are actually tender perennials that are best as an annual and then disposed of. They and dislike heat. They produce richly fragrant flowers in the summerAgeratum6-24'Ageratum is known for its furry mounds of long lasting floss-like blue flowers, occasionally you can find them in white and pink. Deadhead regularly for continued bloomChaenomeles speciosa3-10 ft.Flowering Quince is a twiggy, rounded upright deciduous shrub. The 1' foliage opens to a beautiful reddish bronze color before turning dark green by mid summer.
Showy cup shaped flowers cover each stem in the spring before turning to an edible fruit by summers end4-8Tiarella cordifolia6-10'Foamflowers are easy to grow, perennial wildflowers that form 6'-10' tall clumps of heart shaped leaves. They quickly spread to form nice two foot patches of this. Tiarella produce whispy plumes of creamy white or pale pink, ¼' star shaped flowers.3-8Forget-me-notMyosotis palustris3-8'Dense mat of small green leaves covered with tiny blue flowers.3-9Digitalis purpurea3-6 ft.Foxglove is a biennial flower which is native to Europe but now grows wild in most temperate climates of the world. Foxgloves prefer moist, well draining, fertile soil but can survive drought and almost any growing conditions.Dianthus6-12'Most Garden Pinks are tender perennial or biennial clump forming plants that and dislike heat. They produce richly fragrant flowers in the spring or summer, sometimes extending right up until the first frost.Pelargonium hortorum8-12'Geraniums are among the most popular flowering plants.
They belong to a large family of sun loving annuals and tender perennials so should be planted outdoors where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily, but only after all danger of frost is past and the soil has warmed.9-11Laburnum watereri12-15 ft.Golden Chain Trees are fairly ordinary looking plants when they are not in bloom. When the 12'-24' pendulous clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers open, the Golden Chain Tree transforms into a real traffic stopper.5-7Lysimachia punctata3-4 ft.Golden Loosestrife is an excellent plant for bog gardens or next to ponds and streams. This 3-4 foot tall perennial has light green, 3' leaves with serrated edges. In the summer, they produce abundant spikes of star shaped, golden yellow flowers, tinged in red at the base.5-10Achillea filipendulina4 ft.Gold Plate Yarrow is a long blooming perennial with fern like greyish green foliage and 4-6' bright yellow flower clusters3-10Dianthus caryophyllus6-12'Hardy Carnations are low maintenance, long blooming perennials.
(Unfortunately they are ) They and dislike heat. They produce their sweetly fragrant flowers all spring8-10Bergenia cordifolia10-15'Bergenia's clusters of purple-pink flowers are produced atop twelve inch burgundy stems in the early spring. Glossy 8 inch heart shaped leaves3-9Veronica austriaca12'x18', Borders,Mound forming evergreen with 1'-2', oval, deep green leaves. Six inch spikes of intensely colored, deep blue flowers appear in summer and last for 3-4 weeks.5-9Begonia masoniana8-15'Iron Cross Begonias have some of the most unique foliage in the plant world. Each heavily textured, bristly, light green leaf bears a reddish-brown marking resembling the Iron Cross used on shields and flags during the Crusades of medieval times.10-11Heliotropium arborescens1-6 ft.Heliotropes are also known by the old-fashioned name of Cherry Pie. They are frost tender, evergreen shrubs that are most often grown as annual. Their main attraction is the aroma from their clusters of tiny flowers with the sweet fragrance of vanilla or cherry pie.10-11Ilex aquifolium50 ft.Holly trees require well-drained, slightly acidic, fertile soil.
They can tolerate either sun and shade. The male and female flowers of the holly tree are produced on separate plants. Therefore to ensure berry production, both male and female plants need to be planted.6-8ImpatiensImpatiens12'Impatiens are colorful, easy to grow annuals that are especially great for adding bright color spots in the shady areas of your garden. Can be Can be easilyIvy GeraniumPelargonium peltatumThe Ivy Leaved Geranium is a frost tender, climbing and trailing, semi succulent perennial that produces clusters of orchid-like flowers at the vine tips all summer. Good in hanging baskets. They can be or9-11Japanese IrisIris japonica12-24'The foliage of the Japanese Iris resembles that of a Daylily more than of other Iris but the flowers are unmistakably Iris. Japanese Iris produces masses of blooms in late springHardyPachysandra terminalis6-10'Pachysandra is a very easy to care for, durable, low growing, mat forming, slow spreading ground cover plant that grow on thick, unbranched stems to about 6' tall in partial shade and 10' in deep shade.5-9Persicaria bistorta2-3 ft.Knotweed or Bistort plants are low maintenance, quick growing, semi-evergreen perennials with bright green, lance shaped leaves.
Knotweed plants produce -bottlebrush-like spikes of tiny, pink, bell-shaped flowers on leafless stems that rise above the foliage from late spring into early fall.4-9Lady's MantleAlchemilla mollis12-18'Lady's mantle is a clump forming perennial with light green foliage that resembles that of the Geranium except that Lady's Mantle has crinkled edges. Tiny, star-shaped flowers appear in loose clusters in late spring to early summer4-8Lantana camaraLantana montevidensis1-4 ft.Lantanas are fast growing, shrubby, spreading or trailing evergreen plants that grow from one to four feet tall. Lantana plants produce flat-topped 2' clusters of bright, multi-colored tubular flowers in the summer and fall.7-11Ligularia2-3 ft.Ligularias are unusual, old world perennials with big leaves with long leaf stalks and unique daisy-like flowers. They are excellent specimen plants for, boggy areas or along the banks of stream or pond.
The ideal location for growing most Ligularias is in a bog garden with fertile, in partial shade.4-9Syringa vulgaris5-8 ft.Lilacs require full sun for maximum bloom. They prefer a.
Most Lilacs require a pronounced winter chilling period or they may fail to bloom the following year3-7Lily of the ValleyConvallaria majalis5-6'Lily of the Valley bulbs will bloom in just 3-4 weeks if potted up at 65°. In the garden, Lily of the Valley's sweetly scented flowers bloom in early spring. They like partial to full shade and are perfect for your shade garden.HardyLime-green SedgeCarex comans 'Frosted Curls'1 ft.Frosted Curls produces compact clumps of fine silvery green foliage with curly ends. It is deer resistant plant and will tolerate wet conditions7-9Lithodora prostrata4-6'A fuzzy foliaged, creeping form of Lithodora.
It is useful as a ground cover and for border plantings. It produces masses of deep blue (sometimes bi-color), star shaped flowers in early Spring6-8Lithodora diffusa6-12'Lithodora is a fuzzy foliaged, evergreen mini-shrub that is useful as a ground cover and for border plantings. It produces masses of deep blue (sometimes bi-color), funnel shaped flowers in early Spring6-10Tagetes8-36'Marigolds are one of the easiest of all plants to grow and care for, making them a perfect plant for. These spunky little plants are only so they are normally grown as annual bedding plants.9-11Thalictrum aquilegifolium2-3 ft.Meadow Rue plants are mound forming perennials that will grow to about three feet tall and spread to about 18'. They are known for their lacy, bluish green foliage that closely resembles that of the.A great addition to any5-8Meadow SageSalvia nemorosa3 ft.Narrow erect plant with irregular leaves, spikes of small purple to white blooms in the Summer. Prefers slightly alkaline soil5-10Mexican Feather GrassStipa tenuissima1-2 ft.Mexican Feather Grass forms compact clumps of fine, thread-like foliage.
Produces a a profusion of feather-like, yellowish green flower panicles all summer. Deer resistant7-10MintMentha6-24'Mint plants are fragrant, easy to grow, sometimes invasive, drought tolerant perennials that range from low growing ground covers to two foot uprights. Flowers should be snipped away to strengthen the stems.Attracts Butterflies: Swallowtails, Cabbage White, Gray Hairstreak, Painted Ladies, Red Admiral, Monarch, Large Wood Nymph3-10Monkey FlowerMimulus hybridus1 ft.The Monkey Flower is a colorful, easy to grow addition to the shaded areas of your garden.
This plant grows well in containers and can be grown as a house plantIpomoea species10-20 ft.Morning Glories are very fast growing vines that are capable of growing 10 feet or more within the first two months. They readily reseed themselves for the next year.Morning Glory vines may become invasive9-12Mountain GarlandClarkia elegans18-24'The Mountain Garland is a fast growing, easy care annual plant that produces an abundance of bright, double flowers on tall whispy stems. Excellent for cut flowers.
Can be easilyVeronica montana3'x12', Borders,Spreading, mound forming groundcover with small, variegated, cream and green leaves with scalloped edges. Produces small clusters and tiny lilac flowers in late spring into early summer.3-9Orange New Zealand SedgeCarex testacea1-2 ft.The fine orangeish-brown foliage of the Orange New Zealand Sedge is unpopular with some gardeners who think it makes the plant look dead. Deer resistant7-9Mahonia aquifolium3-6 ft.Oregon Grape is a, low maintenance, durable, evergreen shrub with glossy green, holly like foliage. It produces spikey clusters of, bright yellow flowers in the spring, followed by bluish-black berries to feed the.5-9Papaver orientale18-36'Poppy plants form 18'-36' tall clumps of deeply divided green leaves that are covered with fine bristles. These undemanding perennials slowly spread by rhizomes to form nice two to three foot colonies. Their flowers have the texture of silky crepe paper.3-7Palm SedgeCarex muskingumensis2-3 ft.Palm Sedge has an interesting whorling habit to its growth.
The tips of the light green foliage branch to resemble tiny Palm trees. Deer resistant4-9Cortaderia selloana8-10 ft.Pampas Grass is an impressive, fast growing plant due to its size and durability as well as its large plumes of showy white to pink flowers (Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea'). Once it becomes well established, it is very and nearly indestructible plant.7-10Vinca6'Periwinkles are fast growing, evergreen with opposing pairs of glossy dark green or variegated, oblong to lance shaped, 1½'-3' leaves. They produce an abundance of single, 1'-2' funnel shaped flowers with five flared and flattened petals.4-97-10Alstroemeria2-3 ft.Peruvian Lily plants are easy to care for, tuberous rooted perennials with bright green, lance shaped foliage that grow 2-3 feet tall. They produce loose clusters of speckled, 1½'-2' on long, leafy stems in late spring into mid summer.7-10Scabiosa columnaria1-2 ft.The Pincushion Flower is a long blooming, clump forming perennial.
From early summer until the first frost of fall, Pincushion Flowers produce an abundance of rounded, 1½' flowerheads on top of wirey, 12'-24' stems.4-8Euphorbia pulcherrima1-8 ft.Poinsettias are perennials, so it's possible to keep them growing from year to year.
Named for the vivid red color of a Roman Catholic cardinal’s robe, the cardinal flower ( Lobelia cardinalis) produces intense red blossoms at a time when many other perennials are declining in the summer heat. This plant is an excellent choice for naturalizing and wildflower meadows, but you’ll also enjoy growing cardinal flowers in perennial borders. So exactly what is a cardinal flower and how do you grow cardinal flowers in the garden? Keep reading to learn more about the cardinal wildflower plant.
What is a Cardinal Flower?The cardinal wildflower plant is an American wildflower native to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin. These flowers are tall perennials that thrive in 1 through 10. Tall spikes of brilliant red, trumpet-shaped flowers rise above the dark green foliage. Growing cardinal flowers bloom during summer and sometimes into fall.Most insects struggle to navigate the long necks of the trumpet-shaped flowers, so cardinal flowers depend on hummingbirds for. The bright red color of the flowers and the sweet nectar attract many species of hummingbirds and growing cardinal flowers are ideal for use in.The finely ground roots of this Native American wildflower were once traditionally used as aphrodisiacs and love potions, but the plant is toxic if eaten in large quantities.
Therefore, it is better to stick only to growing and caring for cardinal flowers as opposed to using them medicinally. How Do You Grow Cardinal Flowers?Cardinal flowers grow best in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade, except in cool areas where they need full sun.They need a moist, fertile soil and perform best if you work plenty of into the soil before planting. Set out new plants in spring, spacing them about a foot apart. Keep the soil very moist as the seedlings become established. A layer of around the plants will help prevent water evaporation.
Caring for Cardinal FlowersWater your growing cardinal flowers deeply in the absence of rain.Fertilize the plants in fall with a shovelful of compost for each plant or a general purpose fertilizer. In USDA zones colder than zone 6, cover the plants in fall with a thick layer of pine mulch unless you expect heavy snow cover.Cardinal flowers begin blooming in early summer and peak in mid- to late summer. Clip out the flower stems when they are done blooming, or leave them in place if you want the plants to self-sow. You’ll have to pull back the mulch so the seeds can fall directly onto the soil if you want seedlings. If you cut the spent flower spikes just above the leafy part of the stem, new spikes may arise to take their place, but they will be somewhat shorter than the first spike.
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