Deer Resistant Grasses: How to Grow Them and Why Deer Stay Away
Deer resistant grasses
If you're looking for a way to keep deer away from your garden, consider planting some deer-resistant ornamental grasses. There are many different types of grasses that fall into this category, and each has its own unique set of characteristics. In this blog post, we will take a look at five different deer-resistant grasses and discuss why they are effective at deterring deer. We will also provide tips on how to grow these plants successfully in your garden!
The items listed are accompanied by affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if a purchase is made through my links. This has no impact on the cost to the consumer. I link to products this way whenever possible, and it has no bearing on the products I choose to review or recommend.
Deer Resistant Grasses
Ornamental grasses are a special type of plant that adds interest and texture to any garden. Unlike traditional grasses, which are usually used for lawns, ornamental grasses are prized for their showy flowers and interesting foliage. There are many different varieties of ornamental grasses, and each one has its own unique look.
When it comes to deer-resistant grasses, there are a few different types that you can choose from.
Fountain Grass
Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) or also referred to as swamp foxtail grass is a versatile and eye-catching ornamental grass that is suitable for a wide range of landscaping applications.
It grows in a clump and has long, slender leaves that are green in the summer and turn yellow in the fall. The flowers are borne on spikes that are 10 inches long and appear in early summer through fall. Fountain grass is a fast-growing grass that can reach a height of 3-4 feet in just one season.
It is also one of the few types of grass that are resistant to deer browsing. The reason for this is that fountain grass has sharp leaf edges and flower spikes.
Fountain grass grows best in full sun. It needs adequate moisture but once established it is drought tolerant. Cut back the leaves in early spring and remove dying flower spikes in the fall otherwise, they will self-seed.
With its attractive foliage and easy-care requirements, it's no wonder that fountain grass is such a popular choice for gardeners across the country.
Hakone Grass
Hakone grass ( Hakonechloa macra) is an ornamental grass that is native to Japan. It is a slow-growing grass that only reaches a height of 12 inches. The sharp leaf edges keep deer from nibbling. Hakone grass is a beautiful, sleek green that looks similar to bamboolike leaves. The flowers have spikes on them and they appear in late summer when it blooms beautifully! As the temperature changes, the foliage of Hakone grass turns a lovely bronze color.
Hakone grass grows best in partial shade to full shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions but will not tolerate drought or soggy conditions.
This versatile grass can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It is often used as an edging plant, groundcover, or mass planted as a border.
Japanese Sweet Flag
Japanese sweet flag (Acorus gramineus) is an ornamental grass that is native to Asia. It has long, slender leaves that are aromatic when crushed. The flowers are small and inconspicuous.
Japanese sweet flag is a deer-resistant plant because the leaves have a cinnamon fragrance. This aroma keeps deer from nibbling on it.
This grass grows best in moist, well-drained soil. Japanese sweet flag loves to grow in wet places including streams, lakes, ponds, and bogs. It grows in full sun to partial shade.
It is easy to propagate this plant by division. In the spring or summer when you notice that you have overcrowded clumps divide the rhizomes.
Japanese sweet flag is an ornamental grass that is perfect for adding interest to water gardens or other moist areas of the landscape.
RELATED: 15 Deer and Rabbit Resistant Perennials to Plant in Your Garden
Morrow's Sedge
Morrow's sedge (Carex morrowii) is an ornamental grass that is native to Japan. It's a beautiful, evergreen grass-like perennial that grows well in shaded gardens. The leaves of this plant are rigid and flattened in shape. They form dense clusters. The green and brown flower spikelets appear in spring. The male spikelets are located on the tips of the triangular flowering stems. The female spikelets emerge further down the stem.
The sharp saw-tooth edges keep deer from nibbling.
Morrow's sedge grows best in rich, moist soil and in shaded locations. It does not tolerate full sun. It is very low maintenance. Just cut back the old leaves in spring to allow new growth to emerge.
To propagate, divide the clumps in spring or summer.
Morrow's sedge is perfect for adding interest to shady gardens.
Switch Grass
Switch grass (Panicum virgatum) is an ornamental grass that is native to North America. It's a tall, clump-forming perennial that can reach a height of up to six feet! The leaves are blue-green in color and have a burgundy hue in the fall.
Switchgrass is a warm-season grass that grows slowly at the beginning of its season.Throughout the remainder of the year, it produces large flush growth as a result of soil and air temperatures rising. For optimum health and blooms to remain upright, it requires full sun.
The reason switch grass is deer resistant is because the leaves have sharp edges.
Switch grass grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. To propagate, divide the clumps in spring or summer.
Switch grass is a beautiful ornamental grass that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It makes a great specimen plant or can be planted in mass for a dramatic effect.
Deer Resistant Ornamental Grasses
As you can see, there are a variety of deer-resistant grasses that you can add to your landscape. Each one is beautiful in its own way and will deter deer from nibbling on your plants. Be sure to choose the right grass for your growing conditions and enjoy a deer-free landscape!
