Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Wednesday - September 30, 2009
From: Pflugerville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Overwintering possumhaw seedlings indoors in Pflugerville, TX.
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
Can possumhaw (Ilex decidua) seedlings be kept indoors over the winter? The goal is to protect them from deer and there is no other good option (i.e., no protected outdoor porch, etc.), unless you can suggest one.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants will refrain from extolling the virtues of venison...
Trying to overwinter possumhaws indoors is probably not the best way to protect your seedlings. Your local deer will be just as likely to browse your little trees in the spring as they are this winter. Moreover, the atmosphere and temperatures inside a house are not optimal for North American trees in the winter. They really need that winter cold and dormancy to develop well.
Many gardeners favor wire cages to keep deer from nibbling their garden trees and shrubs during the critical early years. The wire should be sturdy enough and have mesh small enough to exclude them.
More Deer Resistant Questions
Deer resistant low-lying plants for Michigan
May 13, 2009 - I want to create a bed of low lying plants (under 4 ft.)in the front of my cottage. The soil is completely sandy and gets eastern sun in the AM. There are many deer in the area.
view the full question and answer
Does deer repellant really work from Hope NJ
November 10, 2009 - Does Deer Stopper by Messina Wildlife really work as an organic pest repellent?
view the full question and answer
Deer eating creosote bushes (Larrea tridentata)
November 04, 2008 - We have Creosote Bushes (Larrea tridentata) that grow wild on out 10 acres. The deer eat those plants all year 'round. Probably more in the dry times of the year. Just wanted to let you know that t...
view the full question and answer
An evergreen, deer-resistant shrub for Memphis
July 24, 2013 - I need an evergreen, deep to partial shade, deer resistant shrub or tree. Does such a plant exist?
view the full question and answer
Shade Tolerant, Deer Resistant, Evergreen Hedge Suggestions for CT
April 30, 2013 - I think I am asking for a lot, but here we go… Is there a deer tolerant evergreen that can grow in the shade and create a hedge of 5 feet tall here in CT? I am not opposed to ivy covering a fence if t...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |