As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that deer generally do not eat Mock Orange bushes. This makes Mock Orange a great choice for areas with a large deer population or other foraging animals. The reason behind this is that Mock Orange is not a preferred food source for these animals.
One of the reasons why deer tend to leave Mock Orange bushes alone is because of the plant’s foliage. The oval-shaped leaves of the Mock Orange are not as appealing to deer as other plants with softer or tastier leaves. Deer often prefer plants with tender and succulent foliage, and the tougher leaves of the Mock Orange are not as enticing to them.
In addition to the foliage, another reason why deer do not eat Mock Orange is because of its showy blooms. Mock Orange produces beautiful, fragrant flowers that are highly attractive to humans, but not so much to deer. Deer have different preferences when it comes to flowers, and they tend to go for plants with more delicate blooms or those that offer a higher nutritional value.
I have personally witnessed deer grazing in gardens and landscapes, but they always seemed to bypass the Mock Orange bushes. It was interesting to observe how they would selectively choose certain plants to feed on, while leaving others untouched. Mock Orange was definitely one of those plants that they ignored.
If you are dealing with a large deer population in your area and are concerned about them eating your plants, Mock Orange can be a reliable choice. Its resistance to deer browsing makes it a valuable addition to your landscape, providing both beauty and peace of mind.
To summarize, deer generally do not eat Mock Orange bushes due to their tougher foliage and the presence of more attractive food sources. This makes Mock Orange a suitable option for gardens and landscapes in areas with high deer populations.
