Are Hibiscus Deer-Resistant?

Hibiscus are flowering plants beloved for their big, trumpet-shaped petals and bright colors. Though tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is native to Asia, the genus is vast and there are varieties—including the hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) and Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)—that can tolerate cooler weather and thrive in your backyard flower bed.

But bringing these colorful blooms to your North American yard means they might be at the mercy of common North American pests. If you live somewhere where deer often munch on your flowers, you might wonder how your hibiscus will fare. Are hibiscus deer-resistant? Let’s find out. 

Do Deer Eat Hibiscus?

Good news for gardeners: hibiscus plants are typically deer resistant. But that doesn’t mean you should assume they will never nibble on this perennial. 

Data compiled by Rutgers University rates various plants by deer resistance on a four-point scale:

• Rarely damaged
• Seldom severely damaged
• Occasionally severely damaged
• Frequently severely damaged

Rose of Sharon shrubs are seldom severely damaged by deer, while another type of hibiscus (the “hardy hibiscus,” or Hibiscus moscheutos) is rated as occasionally severely damaged.

So while deer probably won’t seek out your hibiscus as a go-to dinner, there is a chance they will sample parts of your plant from time to time. This includes:

• Hibiscus flowers: While the blooms on a Rose of Sharon hibiscus are deer-resistant, deer might make a meal out of the flowers on the hardy hibiscus plant. 
• Hibiscus leaves: Perhaps more so than the flowers, deer are apt to eat the leaves of a hardy hibiscus.
• Hibiscus bushes and trees: Sure, some types will be more appealing to deer than others. But there’s always a chance deer will damage your hibiscus, especially in harsh conditions.

How to Stop Deer From Eating Hibiscus

If you do find your hibiscus petals inflicted with suspicious bite marks, do not despair. There are ways you can save your blooms.

Plant a Deer-Resistant Garden

One of the easiest ways to stop deer from damaging your garden is by planting deer-resistant foliage. Surround your hibiscus with coneflowers, daffodils, lavender, and poppies—all of these flowers are mostly overlooked by deer. 

Be aware of what plants deer love too. Planting roses, daylilies, azaleas, and pansies next to your hibiscus can attract deer and lead to damage.

Use Repellents

There also are ways to deter deer from even entering your garden. One is with repellents. 

Sound repellents make a sudden sound to scare away skittish deer. Motion repellents, similarly, make an abrupt motion (commonly with lights) when a deer approaches. You can also use scent repellents that are sprayed around (or even on) your plants. These omit a smell that deer hate, but are not-so-foul to humans.

Build a Fence

While a pricier option, building a garden fence can keep deer away from your plants for good while adding charm and sophistication to your garden. Fences go beyond just preventing deer, too—they’ll also keep out other wildlife in search of a snack, such as rabbits and raccoons.

Will Hibiscus Grow Back If Eaten?

Hibiscus is known to be a hardy plant, and many varieties are perennials that can survive tough winter conditions. If deer eat your hibiscus, the best thing to do is wait and see what happens. In many cases, the plant will regrow. But know that this isn’t a guarantee and largely depends on how much damage was done.