Abelia is a flowering shrub that attracts a wide diversity of pollinators, especially honeybees. Abelias do not typically attract pests such as deer. Abelia is a deer resistant plant throughout all of its growing stages making it a sure winner for your garden.
According to Rutgers University this plant is Seldom Severely Damaged on their rating scale from Rarely Damages Frequently Severely Damaged.
| Rarely Damaged |
| Seldom Severely Damaged |
| Occasionally Severely Damaged |
| Frequently Severely Damaged |
Keeping Deer Away From Abelia
In most circumstances, deer will not choose to eat Abelia. Curious young deer may experiment with eating Abelia, especially when the plant is producing young buds. Deer may also turn to Abelia when other food sources are scarce, such as during the winter. If any deer damage is observed, spray plants with deer repellent about once a week and after rainfall. The repellant will teach the deer to stay away from the shrub, but the spray should continue to be used intermittently to teach subsequent generations.
Will Abelia Come Back After Deer Eat Them?
Deer will not typically eat or target your Abelia plant. If they happen to do some damage, the plant should recover and push out new growth on any areas that have been deer pruned. If deer have damaged your Abelia over the winter, remove the damaged branches while the plant is still dormant. Fertilize your plant moderately in spring as the plant is breaking dormancy and the pruned areas should push out new growth.
Sources: Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ‘Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance’ 2018
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Author Katie Endicott - Published 1-15-2022 |