Duck hardy grass or shrubs

[CayugaJana]

I was wanting to plant some ornamental grass or shrubs on one side of my duck pen. It would be in the shade. Are there any that grow well in the shade? I want to try to make their area less of an eye sore.

 

[chickens really]

Buy native shrubs...I have a vine planted...I plant everything in planters that are too tall for the Ducks to reach into...They love to noodle everything and it only takes seconds for them to pretty up a flower pot...

 

[CayugaJana]

Lol..... well in the Midwest, most native shrubs are also an eyesore. Was thinking about these.....

 

[chickens really]

Just fence off till they can grow....Bad Ducks will destroy young plants...Those are nice....

 

[CayugaJana]

Just fence off till they can grow....Bad Ducks will destroy young plants...Those are nice....

Yes! I planted a bunch of baby lily bulbs this year. And they chewed those suckers off right as the leaves emerged from the ground. And from what I understand lilies are on the toxic list.....

 

[chickens really]

Yes! I planted a bunch of baby lily bulbs this year. And they chewed those suckers off right as the leaves emerged from the ground. And from what I understand lilies are on the toxic list.....

They don't always eat what they destroy...I had a pretty Geranium my Mom started for me and gave me last spring..lol...Little buggers noodled it right out of the pot....Never ate anything just noodled it to death..

 

[CayugaJana]

They love to do that. I really like to garden and they free range during the day so I have to shoo them out of stuff a lot.

 

[Michael P]

In my experience, ducks will leave large ornamental grasses alone if the plants are mature. You probably need to protect young plants with wire cages until the foliage becomes tough enough to discourage nibbling. Shrubs that have reasonably tough or hard leaves also seem safe from ducks, think hollies or junipers. And it is a numbers game. Many ducks and few plants is bad for the plants. Few ducks and many plants means the damage gets spread around and no plants are destroyed.

Some plants will never be safe. Aquatic plants with soft leaves will be eaten immediately. Sedums with their succulent juicy leaves are duck delicacies.

 

[CayugaJana]

In my experience, ducks will leave large ornamental grasses alone if the plants are mature. You probably need to protect young plants with wire cages until the foliage becomes tough enough to discourage nibbling. Shrubs that have reasonably tough or hard leaves also seem safe from ducks, think hollies or junipers. And it is a numbers game. Many ducks and few plants is bad for the plants. Few ducks and many plants means the damage gets spread around and no plants are destroyed.

Some plants will never be safe. Aquatic plants with soft leaves will be eaten immediately. Sedums with their succulent juicy leaves are duck delicacies.

Thanks! Those are excellent points. That’s why my succulents are gone!

 

[Amiga]

It needs support, but kiwi vine grows well in part shade. You can keep it pruned to manage its size. Goldenrod is nice, there are many varieties, though it prefers some sun. Violets are hardy and my ducks don't pay much attention to them. Viburnums often grow in shade. Ferns?