Vole Proof Plants

Perennials

• If you see your young shoots askew, chewed leaves and evidence of tunnels under mulch or bark, you are likely to have voles. Voles enjoy dining on the tender shoots of perennials, which will destroy the plant. A few perennials that do not appeal to them are coral bells, helebores, bee balm and goldenrod. These plants can be used to surround the plants that they prefer as a deterrent.

Green Plants

• Voles eat constantly. During the growing months, they devour their weight in vegetation every day. They ingest the roots, tender green leaves and stems. But they will avoid eating ferns. There are many varieties of ferns, including Autumn Fern and Sensitive Fern, that can be safely planted and not be destroyed by voles.

Bulbs

• During the spring months, garden bulbs and their flowers are targeted by voles. They eat the roots, bulbs and the plant itself. There are two exceptions. They will not eat daffodils. These bulbs are toxic to moles. The other bulb to include in your garden are alliums. This bulb is a member of the onion and garlic family and will be left alone by voles. Some gardeners surround their other plants with allium and daffodil bulbs in an effort to protect them. It is unclear whether this approach works..

Shrubs

• Woody branches are sought after by voles. Their sharp teeth and flat molars can easily chew through the bark. The bark is eaten at ground level, which girdles the shrub and kills the plant. The one choice in a shrub that does not attract voles is the arborvitae. It is an evergreen that prefers moist, well-drained soil. It is a member of the cypress family, tolerates a wide range of temperatures and can be used as a privacy hedge.