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

Thursday - January 28, 2010
From: bardstown, KY
Region: Select Region
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Deer resistant vines for Kentucky
Answered by: Janice Kvale
QUESTION:
Is there a vine I can grow on my garden fence to deter deer?ANSWER:
Generally, deer will avoid plants that have aromatic foliage or have other characteristics deer find unpleasant such as milky sap, hairy or prickly foliage and leaves that are tough. Nevertheless, there is nothing that will deter very hungry deer. That said, when the food supply is plentiful deer are not going to want the following vines that are native in Kentucky.
Wisteria frutescens (American wisteria) is highly deer resistant, maybe because its lovely blossoms smell really nice.
Cocculus carolinus (Carolina coralbead) is moderately deer resistant but quite aggressive. Once established, it is difficult to eradicate. The blossoms may not be impressive but the berries are attractive.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper) also is moderately deer resistant and has unimpressive blossoms but pretty berries. This deciduous vine has the added advantage of not damaging the structure of buildings or fences as it climbs.
Passiflora incarnata (purple passionflower) is moderately deer resistant and boasts lovely purple blossoms from April until September.
Campsis radicans (trumpet creeper) is moderately deer resistant and produces gorgeous orange blossoms from June until September. This deciduous vine is quite aggressive and may volunteer where you don't expect or want it.
Be sure you review the light, moisture, and soil preferences of your choice of vine before planting. You can do so by clicking the above names which are hot links to the Lady Bird Johnson Wild Flower Center site. You may also want to review our entire list of deer resistant plants.
Suppliers for your choice may be located at the Kentucky Native Plant Society, and Plant Native.
More Deer Resistant Questions
Non-native Indian Hawthorn and Abelia resistance to deer from Ackerman MS
January 16, 2010 - I recently landscaped my yard. I have a large variety of bushes and trees. They have been planted for about a month. Yesterday, while out in the yard, I noticed that about half of my Indian hawthorn...
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant shade shrubs for Lago Vista, TX.
June 24, 2010 - I purchased a home in Lago Vista, Tx. It has a very shady front yard. I want to plant some blooming shrubs that THE DEER WON'T EAT! I would prefer native plants for the area. What should I look f...
view the full question and answer
Is India Hawthorne a deer-resistant plant?
July 03, 2011 - Is India Hawthorne a deer resistant plant in Beaufort County South Carolina?
view the full question and answer
Information about Maui Red Starflower
April 29, 2008 - I can't find any information on MAUI RED STARFLOWER. I found some in Houston Texas & the card says sun, blooms spring to frost, showy bloom, good in clusters.
MY QUESTION was to find out if it is a...
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
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |