How can I save a hydrangea that was eaten by a deer?
by
Kathy
+1
My white hydrangea got eaten by deer. All branches are eaten uneven. How can I baby the hydrangea back to blooming?
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Depending on if the hydrangea blooms on new or old wood, you may be able to have blooms this year, but it may be iffy. I would even it off and hope for the best, even if you have to wait for next year for blooms. As long as the deer didn't kill it, it should come back, I have found they are pretty hardy bushes.
Your hydrangea will repeatedly be eaten by deer until it's beyond hope, unless you cover it with netting attached securely to stakes, or else heavily spray all leaf and stem surfaces with "Liquud Fence" concentrate mixed with water. It must be shaken well both before and after mixing. Use on a windless evening when no rain is expected. Wear gloves and long sleeves, long slacks. It will stink of garlic and putrescent eggs for several hours, so keep windows closed. Deer should then avoid the plant. It is vital to respray as per bottle directions. You can purchase an excellent spray bottle at ACE hardware stores, which will spray from all directions, covering quite a distance and spread.
Try also spraying the perimeter ground with chili pepper or cayenne pepper, at least for the first 2 weeks.
Olivia, I read hydrangeas are poisonous. So far they're looking peppy but no buds. I sprayed liquid fence and put some bars of Irish Spring out and I'm watering them daily. Wish us luck!
Thanks for your help! This is a wonderful service!