It can be quite upsetting to wake up and find out that your lovely plants and flowers have been eaten or damaged overnight. Deer are notorious for causing chaos in gardens by devouring entire flowerbeds and ruining shrubs. To avoid this problem, it is recommended that you opt for deer-resistant perennials if you live in an area with a high deer population.

Is it possible to keep deer away from your garden? While there is no guarantee, planting deer-resistant perennials can certainly help. These plants are less palatable to deer and are therefore less likely to be on their menu. However, it’s important to note that no plants are entirely deer-proof, and if there is a large enough deer herd, they will eat anything, even deer-resistant plants.

If you live in an area with a high deer population, you may want to consider installing electric fencing or using natural, organic deer repellent spray. It’s also essential to understand what deer like and don’t like to eat. They enjoy narrow-leafed evergreens and plants with smooth leaves, but tend to avoid strongly fragrant plants, poisonous plants, and those with fuzzy leaves, spiny stems, or coarse textures.

To create a deer-resistant garden, you need to outsmart the deer. This can be done by creating borders of less palatable plants around your edibles, intermixing strongly fragrant plants, and making it difficult for them to browse. Remember, however, that deer are curious animals and may still try a plant at least once.

Some deer-resistant perennial flowers to consider include Delphinium, Coneflower, Butterfly Weed, Columbine, Lavender, Foxglove, Red Valerian, Ice Plant, Blazing Star, Yarrow, Scarlet Monardella, Peony, Hummingbird Mint, Bleeding Heart, Rodgers Flower, Dusty Miller, Leopard Plant, Goatsbeard, and Foamflower. There are also deer-resistant perennial herbs such as Oregano, Mint, Catmint, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme, as well as shrubs like Butterfly Bush, Lilac, Boxwood, Arrowwood Viburnum, Salvia, Russian Sage, Shrub Roses, and Bayberry.

Deer have a reputation for being avid plant munchers, but there are a few species that they simply can’t resist. Fortunately, Delphinium is not one of them! This gorgeous garden staple not only looks incredible with its tall spikes of blooms, but it’s also toxic to deer, making it the perfect addition to your garden. Whether you choose to use it as a border plant or frame a walkway, Delphinium is sure to impress. While dwarf varieties are available, we personally prefer the original, statuesque plants, even if they do require a bit of staking. In addition to Delphinium, Coneflower (also known as Echinacea) is another great option that deer tend to avoid. So why not add a pop of color to your garden while keeping those pesky deer at bay?

The Coneflower, scientifically known as Echinacea, is truly a remarkable plant that offers many benefits. Not only is it adored by bees and butterflies for its vibrant coloring, but it’s also avoided by pesky deer due to its strong scent and thorny centers. This makes it an essential addition to any garden! We’re particularly fond of the vivid purple hues that the Echinacea produces, and it’s great to know that it serves as an important source of pollen for native bees, bumblebees, birds, and butterflies. What’s more, it’s a low-maintenance plant that can withstand droughts. Another noteworthy pollinator plant is the Butterfly Weed, also known as Asclepias tuberosa.

Butterfly weed plays a crucial role in the survival of the monarch butterfly, and fortunately, it’s not a favorite snack for deer! This native milkweed produces a sticky sap that is unappealing to deer, making it an ideal choice for planting. In addition to its deer-resistant properties, butterfly weed is also beloved by butterflies, which rely on it to host their caterpillars. With its brightly-colored flowers, butterfly weed is a magnet for other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. As a milkweed variety, butterfly weed is just one of many options for those looking to support pollinators while keeping pesky deer away. Another great choice is columbine (Aquilegia).

Wild Columbine is a valuable plant for certain butterfly and moth species, although it may not be preferred by deer due to its toxic leaves. The flowers of this plant, which are distinctively shaped, attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but not deer who tend to avoid it. Interestingly, many butterflies and moths feed on the Wild Columbine as it serves as a food source for their larvae, and the poisonous leaves have no effect on them whatsoever. The charming downward-facing lantern-like flowers and deeply lobed green foliage of the Columbine certainly lend a delicate and sweet touch to any garden.

Isn’t lavender just the best? Well, except for deer – they’re not fans. But that’s because lavender has a powerful scent and fuzzy leaves that just don’t appeal to them. And the best part? Lavender blooms for ages, so you’ll get extended protection against those pesky deer. Not only is lavender stunningly beautiful and fragrant, but it’s also really easy to grow and doesn’t require too much watering. Honestly, it’s a must-have for any garden, even if deer aren’t a problem. Another great option to consider is foxglove (Digitalis).

If you want to keep deer out of your garden, consider planting Foxglove. Not only is it poisonous to deer, but its tall spikes of beautiful flowers also make for a stunning border or fence line. Plus, the long tubular flowers will attract hummingbirds, making it a win-win for your garden. Another plant to consider is Red Valerian, also known as Centranthus.

Red Valerian is a fuss-free plant that’s unappealing to deer, thanks to its bitter taste. Its deep green foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for the striking dark red flower clusters, which are a magnet for butterflies and humans alike. Red Valerian is a superb border plant that thrives on neglect, requiring minimal watering and blooming for several months. While its fragrant flowers are loved by many, deer stay away from them due to the bitter-tasting foliage. However, beginner gardeners should be wary of planting too many as Red Valerian has a tendency to self-seed easily.

The magnificent Ice Plant is a great option for those who want to keep their garden safe from deer. This plant has leaves covered in a multitude of hairs that deer find unappealing, and its low-growing nature makes it even more difficult for them to reach. As a result, deer are unlikely to nibble on this plant and will instead opt for something else. The Ice Plant boasts stunning daisy-like flowers that appear in various brilliant colors and create a spectacle of color that radiates upwards throughout the garden. For those looking to add some color to their garden while keeping it deer-free, the Ice Plant is the perfect perennial to choose. Another great choice is the Blazing Star, also known as Liatris.

Liatrus is an ideal addition to any pollinator garden due to its unique fuzzy blossoms that are attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Interestingly, despite their sweet honey scent, deer tend to steer clear of these flowers. We can’t get enough of the feathery blooms of Liatris, which come in various types including those with hairy stems. The sweet fragrance of Liatris keeps deer at bay and the flowers remain in bloom for several months making them perfect for a sustainable garden. This perennial flower is native to North America and is an excellent choice for attracting pollinators. Another suitable option for a pollinator garden is Yarrow (Achillea).

Yarrow is a great addition to your garden as it blooms for most of the summer and fall. It’s effortlessly grown and can be easily paired with other flowers in cut flower arrangements. The plant’s fuzzy bitter-tasting leaves and fragrant flowers are an excellent deterrent for deer, thanks to its musky odor, which reminds us of onion or garlic. Yarrow produces clusters of brightly colored flowers that are perfect as a border or hedge plant, attracting butterflies and bees. To keep deer away, mix Yarrow with flowers that deer love, and the scent will keep them clear of the area. With Yarrow blooming from early summer through fall, it provides long-lasting protection against deer. Another plant that serves as an excellent deer-resistant option is Scarlet Monardella, also known as Coyote Mint and Hummingbird Monardella.

While we humans adore the sweet aroma of flowers, it’s quite the opposite for deer who steer clear of Monardella due to its scent. Scarlet Monardella, with its aromatic leaves, is not favored by deer but is a delight for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. This plant is a charming low-growing perennial that boasts bright-orange tubular flowers. Its impressive display of flowers is a treat to behold, especially when the tips of the flowers burst outwards like a firecracker. The plant looks as though it’s caught fire when in full bloom! Perhaps this fiery display is why deer tend to avoid it. Let’s talk about another beloved flower – the Peony (Paeonia).

Peonies are a timeless and stunning option for both landscaping and creating early cut flower arrangements. These flowers are not only resistant to pesky deer, but most other garden pests as well. Peonies emit a potent scent and flavor that make them unappealing to deer, making them a top pick for any landscape. With an extensive selection of colors and enormous blooms, Peonies are a perfect fit for any garden. Another great option is the Hummingbird Mint, also known as Agastache.

Agastache is a member of the mint family that spreads rapidly and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with its bluish-violet flowers. Interestingly, deer are not fond of the mint scent that Agastache emits. To deter deer from your garden, it’s best to plant Agastache in containers or separate it from the main garden. You can also intermix containers of Hummingbird Mint plants with flowers that deer enjoy to keep them away. Another beautiful option for your garden is the Bleeding Heart, which comes in both Common and Pacific Fringed varieties (Dicentra sp.).

Could it be that some of the timeless garden plants gained their fame thanks to their unappetizing appeal to deer? One such example is the Bleeding Heart, a charming addition to any landscape that offers sustenance for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds but doesn’t tempt deer. It’s important to note that this plant can be harmful if consumed in large quantities by humans or animals, but thankfully, deer seem to have learned to steer clear. Our favorites are the Pacific and Fringed Bleeding Hearts, which are indigenous to North America, in contrast to the more commonly grown Asian Common variety. Why not consider adding this lovely and practical perennial to your garden?

Looking for a stunning garden focal point? Look no further than Rodgers Flower – an eye-catching, shade-loving plant with large, textured leaves that make it a standout feature in any garden. Not only does its impressive foliage add visual interest, but it also serves as a natural deer deterrent, saving you the hassle of dealing with pesky critters. And when in bloom, the Rodgers Flower doesn’t disappoint, producing soft, fluffy clusters of flowers that are sure to attract butterflies to your garden. So why wait? Add this magnificent plant to your garden today and enjoy its breathtaking beauty for years to come. Another great option to consider is the Dusty Miller (Jacobaea maritima).

Deer have no fondness for Dusty Miller, as it feels soft and furry to the touch. However, it is a popular choice for adding volume to flower arrangements and can complement various types of flowers. Dusty Miller is a unique plant that is cultivated for its beautiful silver-colored, lacy foliage rather than its flowers. Besides its appearance, another advantage of this plant is that it is deer-resistant. The texture of the leaves is unpleasant to deer, causing them to avoid it. Dusty Miller plants look stunning when placed among taller shrubs and perennials or used as a backdrop for brightly colored flowers. These plants can grow up to 2-feet tall, while there are also dwarf varieties that make for excellent edging plants.

If you’re looking for a great shade-loving plant that deer won’t feast on, consider the Leopard Plant. Unlike the popular Hosta, which deer seem to love, the textured and leathery leaves of the Leopard Plant are not a delicacy for these animals. This makes it a great alternative if you want to avoid having your garden become a deer buffet. The plant is known for its bright yellow flowers that rise from its thick and clumping foliage. For a dramatic look without the unwanted visitors, we recommend trying out the Leopard Plant instead of Hostas. Another great option is the Goatsbeard (Aruncus), which is also deer-resistant and perfect for shady areas.

The Goatsbeard plant has a unique structure that prevents deer from eating it. Due to its lacy foliage and delicate flowers, deer tend to avoid it in search of more accessible greens. This type of plant is an excellent choice for borders or background due to its tall growth and stunning appearance when grown in groups. As a native North American perennial plant, Goatsbeard can easily grow in zones 3-7. We appreciate the wispy and creamy-white ethereal flowers that this plant produces – a clear favorite among humans and a disliked option for deer. Additionally, Goatsbeard serves as a host plant for the Dusky Azure Butterfly and attracts many other butterflies as well. Another plant with similar benefits is the Foamflower (Tiarella).

Foamflowers are not only a gorgeous addition to any garden bed, but they also happen to be a bit too challenging for deer to consume. These plants boast delightful spikes of small, wispy white flowers that attract native pollinators such as butterflies and bees. Due to their lack of palatability and the effort required to eat them, Foamflowers tend to be avoided by deer. Although the foliage grows low to the ground, these resilient plants remain untouched by deer. If you’re looking for more deer-resistant options, consider perennial herbs like Oregano (Origanum).

Deer can’t stand Oregano, which happens to be one of our favorite herbs. The strong and distinctive aroma of this low-growing perennial herb is what makes it so enticing for culinary purposes. However, this same scent is a complete turn-off for deer. It’s no wonder they avoid it at all costs! Oregano can be used as ground cover when planted en masse, and its fragrance will leave your garden smelling heavenly. To deter deer from eating your flowers, you can place containers of Oregano throughout your garden. With a variety of over 40 types of Oregano to choose from, you can mix and match them to create a beautifully scented sanctuary that’s free from deer damage.

is another herb that deer dislike. Its strong aroma can mask other scents that may attract deer and it also has the added benefit of repelling mosquitoes. Like mint, rosemary can be grown in planters to keep it contained and easily moved around the garden. Whether you choose mint, rosemary or both, planting them strategically in containers can help control their growth while also deterring deer and insects.

Rosemary is not just a delicious herb, it’s also an effective deer repellent that can protect your garden from their nibbling habits. By planting it alongside plants that deer enjoy, Rosemary can keep them at bay and safeguard your favorite flowers and plants. With its strong aroma, Rosemary is one of the most fragrant plants that deer detest. Its woody scent can deter these animals and prevent them from damaging your garden. Moreover, Rosemary is a low-maintenance perennial that can add flavor to your dishes. For optimal results, we recommend placing pots of Rosemary throughout your garden to keep deer away. Sage is another herb that can have similar effects.

To ward off deer from your garden, consider planting an abundant amount of sage. Not only is sage a great culinary herb, but it also has a strong, musky scent that deer despise. By planting sage throughout your garden, its pungent aroma will keep deer at bay. Additionally, it can be used as a border plant to confuse the deer’s sense of smell. Another option to consider is thyme.

Thyme isn’t a herb that deer fancy! The strong aroma of Thyme is unappealing to deer. You can mix Thyme plants with other low-growing flowers and plants to deter curious deer. This herb is easy to cultivate in containers or directly in the soil and has various culinary uses. If you’re looking for deer-resistant perennial shrubs, Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) is an excellent option.

The Butterfly Bush is a great addition to any garden as it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in abundance, while keeping deer away with its honey-like scent. This perennial also blooms for a long period, making it even less appealing to deer. However, be cautious when planting Butterfly Bush as it can become invasive in some areas where it has escaped cultivation. In these cases, deer eating it would be a welcome solution. It’s important to note that the Butterfly Bush should not be confused with the native Butterfly Weed, which is a member of the milkweed family. Another popular plant for gardens is the Lilac.

If you are seeking a beautiful and fragrant addition to your garden that will keep pesky deer at bay, consider planting various types of deer-resistant lilac bushes. The delightful scent of lilacs is unparalleled, and it is known to be a natural deer deterrent. Not only are these shrubs stunning, but they also produce vibrant and colorful blooms during the spring season. While each flower lasts for approximately two weeks, by planting diverse varieties, you can enjoy lilac blooms throughout different periods. By doing so, you can create an aromatic and heavenly backyard space that will delight both your senses and your guests. Another plant that is resistant to deer is boxwood (Buxus).

Boxwood is a fantastic addition to any home garden as it’s not a favorite of deer. This shrub is incredibly versatile and requires minimal maintenance, making it an easy plant to grow. The leaves of Boxwood have a strong fragrance that deer dislike, and it’s toxic, so even if they were to overcome the smell, they wouldn’t eat it. However, some people may find the scent overwhelming too. Therefore, we suggest not sticking your nose into the plant. With hundreds of Boxwood varieties available, it’s easy to find one that suits your needs and preferences. Plant it as a border or fenceline, and you can rest assured the deer won’t like any of them. Another great deer-resistant landscape shrub is Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum).

Viburnum bushes are sometimes nibbled on by deer, but they typically don’t cause much harm. Additionally, the berries of these bushes are a crucial source of winter food for birds. While Arrowhead Viburnum has leaves and flowers that deer don’t prefer, they may still snack on it a bit. However, even if they do, it’s unlikely that they’ll inflict significant damage. The fragrance of the Arrowhead Viburnum flowers is quite strong, so it’s best to plant it away from areas where you spend a lot of time. It works great along property boundaries or in meadows. One of the primary benefits of growing Viburnum is the provision of valuable winter berries for birds, without having to worry about deer harming the plant. Another great option is Salvia Russian Sage.

Belonging to the mint family, Salvia plants possess an array of colors and emit a distinct scent that deer tend to avoid. Previously identified as a distinct species, Russian sage is now classified under the Salvia genus. The Salvia family boasts an extensive range of options, including purple, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white variations. Although it deters deer, it does attract native pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Another plant that deserves attention is Shrub Roses (Rosa).

Shrub roses have their own unique characteristics that set them apart from traditional garden rose varieties. One such advantage is their ability to repel deer, thanks to the prickly spines on their stems. This makes them a popular choice for natural fences or boundaries, effectively keeping deer out of your property. However, it’s important to note that handling these plants requires gloves to avoid getting pricked by the thorns. Despite this, the beautiful flowers produced by shrub roses are well worth the extra care. Additionally, shrub roses have a bushier and more shrub-like growth pattern compared to other garden roses. Another great plant that is worth considering for its unique properties is the Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica).

The Bayberry shrub is a highly valued plant in landscaping that also serves as a great food source for migrating birds. This native perennial shrub is resistant to drought and produces a scent that deer dislike. It can survive in extreme conditions, making it an adaptable and valuable option for landscaping. The uniquely colored silver berries attract birds during the fall season and enhance the landscape’s aesthetic value. However, it is essential to monitor these shrubs as they tend to spread rapidly if allowed to grow unchecked.

It is fascinating how much variety can be achieved while planting to repel pests in the yard and garden. Although there is no such thing as a completely deer-proof plant, these flowers, shrubs, and herbs can effectively deter them. If deer are particularly hungry or in large herds, it is advisable to erect fences to prevent them from entering the garden. Mixing different flowers with aromatic herbs confuses the deer, so it is best not to plant extensive areas of one flower. Please share with us which plants and flowers you use to repel deer in your garden.