Before you go rose shopping, it is best to check a list of roses that deer don't like to eat. Like with all plants, there is no such thing as a completely deer-proof rose, as deer will eat almost any vegetation if they are hungry enough. However, some roses are considered to be less palatable to deer or have physical characteristics that make them less attractive to browse.
As the early spring arrives, your roses become particularly vulnerable to grazing deer. To protect the tender new growth and delicate rosebuds, applying a deer repellent early in the season is crucial. Deer have a notorious taste for various types of roses, whether it's the popular Knockout, Drift, or even the exquisite David Austin shrub roses. However, certain types like the Rugosa Rose possess a strong, clove-like scent that can act as a natural deterrent, allowing you to enjoy their fragrance without attracting deer.
Here are a few examples of roses that are considered to be deer-resistant:
Rugosa Roses
Rugosa roses: These roses are known to be less palatable to deer and have tough, leathery leaves that make it difficult for deer to browse on them. Rugosa roses are a hardy group of rose species known for their low maintenance and deer resistance. Here are ten varieties of rugosa roses that are less likely to be eaten by deer:
'Blanc Double de Coubert' (Rosa rugosa 'Blanc Double de Coubert') is a stunning, double-flowered white rose that offers a pleasant fragrance. It's known for its resilience and appeal in various garden settings.
'Frau Dagmar Hartopp' (Rosa rugosa 'Frau Dagmar Hartopp'), also known as 'Pink Delight,' features lovely, single pink blossoms with a sweet scent. This variety is particularly deer resistant and thrives in coastal gardens.
'Hansa' (Rosa rugosa 'Hansa') is a robust, double-flowered rose with deep magenta blooms that emit a strong, pleasant fragrance. It can withstand harsh climates and is a reliable choice for gardeners facing deer problems.
'Roseraie de l’Haÿ' (Rosa rugosa 'Roseraie de l’Haÿ') produces large, double, crimson flowers that offer a delightful fragrance. This shrub is known for its vigor and resistance to browsing by deer.
'Rugelda' (Rosa rugosa 'Rugelda') features striking yellow blooms with red edges. This rose is not only eye-catching but also resistant to diseases and deer.
'Therese Bugnet' (Rosa rugosa 'Therese Bugnet') is a tall, graceful rose that produces clusters of double pink flowers. It is highly regarded for its notable hardiness and deer resistance.
'Scabrosa' (Rosa rugosa 'Scabrosa') offers large, single, magenta flowers that resemble wild roses. Its simplicity and ruggedness make it a popular choice for gardeners wanting a deer-resistant shrub.
'Alba' (Rosa rugosa 'Alba'), known for its pure white single flowers, provides a delicate scent and showcases its hardiness, making it less appealing to deer.
'Foxi Pavement' (Rosa rugosa 'Foxi Pavement') has soft lavender-pink blooms that form a compact hedge rose. It is excellent for landscaping where deer presence is common.
'Pink Grootendorst' (Rosa rugosa 'Pink Grootendorst') is characterized by its fringed pink petals, resembling a carnation. It's robust, fragrant, and not favored by deer.
These rugosa roses not only offer beautiful blooms and fragrance but are also hardy and resistant to deer, providing excellent options for landscaping in deer-prone areas.
Wild Roses
Wild roses: Wild roses have a thorny shrub-like structure that can deter deer browsing. Wild roses that are known to be deer resistant include several beautiful species with varying degrees of resistance, making them valuable choices for gardeners dealing with deer. One such rose is the 'Virginia Rose' (Rosa virginiana), characterized by its pink flowers and impressive resilience. Another is the 'Pasture Rose' (Rosa carolina), which also bears pink blossoms and is known for its hardiness.
The 'Shining Rose' (Rosa nitida) is another deer-resistant option, notable for its glossy leaves and striking pink flowers. The 'Swamp Rose' (Rosa palustris) thrives in wet conditions and produces lovely pink blooms that deer tend to avoid. The 'Smooth Rose' (Rosa blanda) distinguishes itself with almost thornless stems and delicate light pink to white blooms.
The 'Prickly Wild Rose' (Rosa acicularis) is a hardy shrub with pink flowers that deer usually leave alone. The 'Fruits of the Forest Rose' (Rosa pisocarpa) offers small, sweetly scented pink flowers and an appealing deer resistance. The 'California Wild Rose' (Rosa californica) produces clusters of pink blooms and stands up well to deer browsing.
Another noteworthy wild rose is the 'Woods' Rose' (Rosa woodsii), which can be found in diverse habitats and is appreciated for its charming pink flowers. Lastly, the 'Prickly Rose' (Rosa gymnocarpa) is known for its tolerance to deer, featuring pale pink to white blossoms and, as its name suggests, a prickly nature that deters browsing.
Species Roses
Species roses: These roses are native to certain regions and are not as favored by deer as cultivated hybrids, as their leaves are smaller and have a slightly different texture and fragrance.
For those who prefer vibrant colors, the Rosa gallica, or French Rose, boasts deep red to purple blooms with a strong fragrance. Meanwhile, the Rosa centifolia, or May Rose, features delicate, pale pink flowers with a sweet scent. The Rosa damascena, or Damask Rose, is another popular choice, known for its large, showy blooms in shades of pink and white.
If you're looking for something a bit more exotic, consider the Rosa banksiae, or Lady Banks' Rose, which features clusters of small, white flowers that cover the entire plant. Alternatively, the Rosa spinosissima, or Burnet Rose, produces delicate, pale yellow to white blooms with a subtle fragrance.
For those who prefer shrub-like roses, the Rosa acicularis, or Prickly Rose, is a good option, featuring clusters of pink to purple flowers and dense, prickly foliage. Another choice is the Rosa moyesii, or Father Hugo Rose, which boasts bright orange-red blooms with a strong fragrance.
David Austin Roses
David Austin English roses: These roses also have a strong fragrance and thorny stems which can deter deer browsing. David Austin roses have the charm and fragrance of the Old Roses with the broader color palette and repeat-flowering nature of modern roses . His roses, known collectively as David Austin Roses, blendi art with science to achieve unmatched elegance.
One of his masterpieces, Rosa Scepter’d Isle, showcases his expertise. This rose captivates with its small clusters of soft pink chalice-shaped blooms, delicately framed by paler outer petals and revealing golden stamens.
Climbing Roses
Climbing roses: Some climbing roses have large, stiff thorns and dense foliage which can make them less palatable to deer.
One popular option is the 'New Dawn' rose, also known by its Latin name Rosa 'New Dawn'. This vigorous climber produces masses of fragrant, pale pink blooms throughout the growing season and is known to be unappealing to deer. Another choice is the 'Cecile Brunner' rose, or Rosa 'Cecile Brunner', which boasts clusters of small, sweetly scented flowers in a delicate pink shade.
For those looking for something a bit more dramatic, consider the 'Zephirine Droughin' rose, also known as Rosa 'Zephirine Droughin'. This heirloom variety produces large, double blooms in a soft pink hue that are not only deer-resistant but also fragrant and attractive to butterflies. The 'Albertine' rose, or Rosa 'Albertine', is another option, offering clusters of bright pink flowers with a moderate fragrance.
If you prefer something a bit more unusual, take a look at the 'Gloire de Dijon' rose, also known as Rosa 'Gloire de Dijon'. This climbing rose produces clusters of small to medium-sized blooms in a vibrant yellow shade that are not only deer-resistant but also richly fragrant. Another option is the 'Lady Banksia' rose, or Rosa banksiae, which boasts delicate, thornless stems and tiny white flowers in early spring.
Lastly, the Rosa setigera, or Climbing Prairie Rose, features fragrant, pale pink flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer, while the Rosa villosa, or Apple Rose, produces delicate, pink to white blooms with a sweet scent.
It's worth noting again, that deer populations and preferences can vary depending on the region and the availability of food. Additionally, in an area where food sources are scarce, deer may browse on plants that are typically considered to be deer-resistant. Additionally, even if a rose variety is documented as roses that deer don't like to eat, it's best to use a combination of methods like fencing, repellents, and using a variety of plants to increase the effectiveness.