Gardening is a rewarding activity, but it can quickly turn frustrating if deer make your garden their buffet.
Deer can be persistent pests, munching away on flowers and shrubs that take months to grow. Fortunately, selecting the right plants can keep your garden beautiful and nearly untouched by deer.
In this article, we explore 30 attractive deer-resistant perennial plants that can thrive in your garden, maintaining its aesthetic appeal while deterring unwanted wildlife.
Deer-Resistant Plants Basic
Deer-resistant plants are those that deer find unattractive due to various characteristics such as texture, taste, and scent.
However, it’s crucial to understand that “deer-resistant” does not mean deer-proof. Deer resistance can vary based on the deer’s available food sources and their regional tastes.
For instance, a plant that deters deer in one region might not be as effective in another due to different dietary preferences.
Nonetheless, incorporating plants known for their general resistance to deer is a smart step towards safeguarding your garden.
Floral Favorites
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender is not just prized for its calming scent and lovely purple hues; it’s also highly effective at keeping deer at bay.
The strong fragrance of lavender is off-putting to deer, and its woody stems add an extra layer of defense.
This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a low-maintenance option for borders and aromatic garden paths.
2. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
Known for its dramatic, heart-shaped flowers, the Bleeding Heart is surprisingly unpalatable to deer.
Its foliage, which can be toxic, acts as a natural deterrent. This plant prefers shaded areas and can add a touch of romance to any garden space.
3. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
While stunningly beautiful with its tall spikes of tubular flowers, Foxglove is highly toxic, which naturally keeps deer and other wildlife at a safe distance. It prefers partial shade and moist soil conditions, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
4. Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
If you’re looking for a hardy, drought-resistant plant that blooms profusely and repels deer with its intense scent, Catmint is an excellent choice.
Its lavender-blue flowers and grey-green foliage make it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a vibrant, low-maintenance landscape.
5. Peony (Paeonia spp.)
Peonies offer lush, voluminous blooms that are a spectacle in spring and early summer. Their thick, fibrous roots make them less appealing to deer, who tend to avoid digging for such hardy perennials. Full sun and well-drained soil will help these plants flourish.
Hardy Herbaceous Perennials
6. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
With its silvery foliage and spires of lavender-blue flowers, Russian Sage is not only beautiful but also highly deer-resistant due to its pungent scent.
It thrives in full sun and can handle dry, poor soil conditions, making it perfect for xeriscaped areas.
7. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Also known as coneflower, Echinacea is famous not only for its medicinal properties but also for its ability to withstand deer.
The tough, prickly stems and leaves are unappealing to deer, while the vibrant, daisy-like flowers attract pollinators.
8. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is another excellent choice for areas prone to deer. Its bitter taste and feathery foliage make it a great plant for borders and wildflower gardens. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, offering a variety of colors from yellow to pink.
9. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
This plant is a magnet for bees and hummingbirds, thanks to its bright, nectar-rich flowers. Its strong scent, however, makes it less attractive to deer. Bee Balm requires full sun and enjoys moist, rich soil.
10. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)
Astilbe’s charm lies in its fern-like foliage and dense, fluffy flower plumes, which range in color from white to vibrant red.
Its bitter taste discourages deer, making it an excellent choice for shaded garden spots or woodland settings.
Shade Tolerant and Deer Discouraging
11. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
Often one of the first perennials to bloom, Hellebores are excellent for shady, deer-prone gardens.
Their toxicity makes them unattractive to deer but provides gardeners with a stunning array of colors early in the season.
12. Hostas (Hosta spp.)
Although hostas are sometimes nibbled on by deer when food is scarce, selecting the right varieties can increase their resistance.
Those with thicker, more textured leaves tend to be less appealing. These shade-loving plants are ideal for adding lush foliage and dramatic blooms to the darker corners of your garden.
13. Ferns (Various spp.)
Ferns are a fantastic choice for their general unpalatability to deer. Varieties like the Christmas fern and Lady fern can thrive in moist, shady gardens, offering a delicate texture and vibrant green color that lasts through multiple seasons.
14. Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis)
This perennial is a favorite for late-summer to fall blooming, providing a burst of color when many other flowers are fading.
Its resilience in shade and disinterest from deer make it a valuable addition to any garden.
15. Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
With its speckled, hairy leaves and springtime blooms, Lungwort not only thrives in shade but is also rarely touched by deer.
The foliage provides visual interest even when the plant is not in flower, making it a staple in woodland gardens.
Sun-Loving Perennials That Deer Dislike
16. Salvia (Salvia spp.)
This hardy plant offers a variety of colors and is particularly resistant to deer due to its aromatic foliage.
Salvia does well in full sun and provides long-lasting blooms that attract pollinators but deter pests.
17. Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
Though occasionally a target if deer options are limited, choosing the right daylily varieties can offer more resistance. They are adaptable, drought-resistant, and bloom profusely throughout the summer.
18. Iris (Iris spp.)
Irises are not only beautiful but also possess a natural toxicity in their leaves and rhizomes that deters deer.
They prefer well-drained soils and full sun, making them perfect for adding height and color to garden beds.
19. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
With its woolly, textured leaves, Lamb’s Ear is rarely palatable to deer. Its silvery foliage makes it an excellent ground cover or border plant, and it thrives in dry, sunny areas.
20. Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Also known as stonecrop, Sedum has succulent leaves that are generally avoided by deer. These plants are extremely drought-tolerant and thrive in rocky or sandy soils, making them ideal for rock gardens or borders.
Ground Covers and Borders
21. Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
This low-growing ground cover spreads quickly, offering dense foliage and spikes of blue flowers that are generally unappetizing to deer. It’s excellent for filling in gaps in the garden or under trees.
22. Bugleweed (Ajuga genevensis)
Similar to Ajuga reptans but with taller spikes and larger leaves, this variant is equally resistant to deer and provides a beautiful, dense carpet of green.
23. Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.)
Known for their colorful foliage, which can range from lime green to deep burgundy, Coral Bells are seldom damaged by deer. They work well in shaded areas and can add a splash of color to any garden setting.
24. Geraniums (Cranesbill spp.)
True Geraniums, or Cranesbill, are a hardy perennial that offers both deer resistance and beautiful blooms.
Unlike the annual Pelargoniums, these geraniums can withstand colder climates and return each year with minimal care.
25. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)
If you’re looking for a shade-loving ground cover that deer generally ignore, Pachysandra is an excellent choice.
It forms a dense mat of green, which is particularly useful in preventing soil erosion under trees or in shady borders.
Unique and Unusual Deer-Resistant Plants
26. Meadow Rue (Thalictrum spp.)
With its tall, graceful stems and delicate, lacy leaves, Meadow Rue is seldom browsed by deer. It adds an airy, whimsical element to any garden.
27. Artemisia (Artemisia spp.)
Known for its silver foliage and strong, pungent aroma, Artemisia is highly unattractive to deer. It’s drought-resistant and thrives in full sun, making it perfect for xeriscaped gardens.
28. Globe Thistle (Echinops ritro)
This plant offers striking blue, spherical flowers and a spiny texture that deer find unappealing. It’s ideal for adding texture and color to the garden.
29. Sea Holly (Eryngium spp.)
With its metallic blue flowers and unique, spiny foliage, Sea Holly is not only resistant to deer but also a showstopper in any garden.
30. Monkshood (Aconitum spp.)
Extremely toxic, Monkshood is naturally deer-resistant. While it’s important to handle with care, its beautiful blue flowers can make a safe and stunning addition to areas where deer are a problem.
Choosing deer-resistant plants is a strategic approach to garden design in deer-populated areas. By incorporating these 30 perennials, you can create a diverse, vibrant, and resilient garden that maintains its beauty despite the challenges posed by wildlife.
Experiment with these suggestions to find what works best for your garden’s conditions and enjoy the peace that comes with a deer-resistant landscape.