Author Teresa Odle Updated 1-25-2022
Butterfly bush is a popular shrub to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and is easy to care for, since it resists many diseases and pests. That includes deer, who do not munch on the pretty leaves or flowers of butterfly bush.
According to Rutgers University butterfly bush is listed as Rarely Damaged on their rating scale that runs from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged.
Keeping Deer Away From Butterfly Bushes
There is no need to repel deer from butterfly bush. This shrub makes a nice and colorful choice of perennial in areas that deer regularly browse. If the deer are very hungry in your area, you may want to apply some deer repellent spray to help keep the deer away from your butterfly bushes or other plants. Here are a few we recommend using:
Will Butterfly Bush Come Back After Deer Eat Them
Deer rarely damage butterfly bush, and even if they decide to try it once (as fawns sometimes do), the plant grows rapidly and should come back within the same season.
Sources: Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ‘Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance’ 2018
