There’s nothing quite as exasperating as waking up to find that your beautiful garden has been chowed down or demolished entirely overnight. Deer are notorious for consuming entire flowerbeds, ruining bushes, and causing chaos in the garden. So, if you’re surrounded by a sizable deer population, it’s a good idea to consider purchasing some deer-resistant perennial plants.

Is it possible to keep deer away from your garden? While there are no completely deer-proof plants, there are plants that are less palatable to deer and may be passed over if other food sources are available. Keep in mind that if there is a large enough deer herd, they will eat almost anything. Creating borders of less palatable plants around your choice edibles, intermixing strongly fragrant plants, and making it difficult for them to browse can help keep deer away. Also, consider installing electric fencing or using natural, organic deer repellent spray if necessary. Some deer-resistant perennial flowers include delphinium (larkspur), coneflower (echinacea), lavender, foxglove, and yarrow. Deer also tend to avoid plants with fuzzy leaves, spiny stems, and coarse textures.

Deer have a knack for snacking on just about anything in their path, but there is one plant they simply cannot resist – coneflower. This beautiful and versatile garden plant is the perfect addition to any yard, not just because of its stunning blooms, but also because it is completely deer-resistant. Whether you choose the classic purple varieties or opt for the more unique and colorful options, coneflower is sure to make a statement in your garden. Plus, it is known for its medicinal properties and can be used to boost the immune system and fight off colds and flu. So, not only is it a beautiful addition to your landscape, but it’s also good for your health!

Echinacea, also known as Coneflower, is a fantastic addition to any garden. This beautiful flower boasts vibrant purple petals and spiky seed-bearing centers that are loved by bees and butterflies. Plus, its strong fragrance and prickly center keep deer at bay, making it a must-have for any gardener. Not only is Echinacea visually appealing, but it also plays an important role in pollinating the area’s bumblebees, native bees, butterflies, and birds. Additionally, this hardy plant is easy to cultivate and can withstand drought conditions, making it an ideal choice for any gardener seeking low-maintenance options. Another great option for attracting pollinators to your garden is Butterfly Weed, or Asclepias tuberosa.

The survival of monarch butterflies relies heavily on the existence of butterfly weed, and the added bonus is that deer won’t touch it due to the plant’s sticky, milky sap. This particular native milkweed variety is a vital host plant for monarch caterpillars, which is why it’s crucial to include in your garden. Another benefit of butterfly weed is that its brightly hued flowers attract other pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. If you’re looking to attract pollinators while keeping pesky deer away, any type of milkweed will do the trick. Another plant species worth noting is Columbine (Aquilegia).

Wild Columbine is a plant that can serve a pivotal role in the ecosystem for certain butterfly and moth species. However, deer tend to avoid this flora due to its toxic nature. The distinctive shape of Wild Columbine flowers attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, but not deer as their leaves are harmful to them. Despite their poisonous properties, many butterfly and moth species rely on these plants to nourish their offspring. Wild Columbine’s downward-facing lantern-like flowers and deeply lobed green foliage bring a charming and delicate feature to any garden.

It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t adore lavender, except for deer, that is! These graceful creatures are not fond of the strong aroma and fuzzy leaves of lavender, making it an excellent natural deterrent. Lavender has a lengthy blooming period, ensuring that its scent remains potent for an extended period, keeping deer at bay. Additionally, this beautiful and fragrant plant is easy to cultivate and drought-resistant, making it a great addition to any garden. Whether or not you have a deer problem, lavender is a must-have. Another plant that has similar benefits is the foxglove (Digitalis).

Using Foxglove to line your garden beds and borders is not only a stunning addition to your landscape, but it also serves as a natural deer repellent. These animals are wise enough to avoid the poisonous plant, leaving your garden intact. The added bonus of attracting hummingbirds with its beautiful tubular blooms is a delightful sight to see. Another plant to consider for your garden is Red Valerian (Centranthus), which can also be a great addition to your garden design.

If you’re looking for a plant that requires little maintenance and is unappetizing to deer, then Red Valerian is the one for you. Not only does it have stunning dark red flower clusters that rise above its deep green foliage, but it also attracts butterflies while deterring deer with its bitter-tasting leaves and fragrant flowers. This tall and showy perennial can thrive on neglect, making it a great addition to any garden or landscape. However, be aware that Red Valerian self-seeds easily, so plant with caution. For another low-care option, consider Ice Plant (Delosperma).

The Ice Plant is a great choice for a perennial plant that can withstand the constant threat of deer, thanks to its fuzzy foliage that deer hate. This low-growing carpet plant has hundreds of hairs on its leaves, making it unappetizing to deer. Additionally, since it grows so low to the ground, it’s more difficult for deer to reach. Instead, deer prefer to munch on plants at eye level. With its stunning daisy-like flowers in brilliant colors that appear above the low foliage like fireworks, the Ice Plant is a sight to behold in any garden. The blazing star, or liatris, is another perennial plant that’s great for gardens with lots of destructive animals.

Liatrus is a wonderful choice for attracting pollinators due to its distinctive fluffy blossoms. Surprisingly, deer are not fond of its sweet honey fragrance! We absolutely adore the showy and feathery flowers of this plant, and we’re fortunate that we don’t have to worry about deer eating them. While some varieties of Liatris have fuzzy stems, it’s the delightful scent that keeps these animals at bay. These perennials bloom for several months, and they’re a favourite amongst hummingbirds. As a native North American perennial flower, Liatris is an excellent addition to any pollinator garden.

Another great option for pollinator gardens is yarrow (Achillea).

The Yarrow plant is a great addition to any garden as it blooms throughout the summer and fall and is easy to grow. It also complements other flowers in cut flower arrangements and can be planted amongst deer favorites to repel them. The Yarrow plant has fuzzy, bitter-tasting leaves and fragrant flowers that emit a musky odor reminiscent of onion or garlic, which deer dislike. Moreover, Yarrow produces large clusters of brightly colored flowers, making it an attractive border or hedge plant that attracts butterflies and bees. Mixing Yarrow with other plants that deer might enjoy will effectively keep them at bay for a long time. Another plant that is worth considering for your garden is Scarlet Monardella, also known as Coyote Mint or Hummingbird Monardella.

While humans tend to appreciate the sweet smell of flowers, deer are not fans of fragrant blooms like Monardella. However, Scarlet Monardella is a favorite among hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a great addition to any garden. This stunning plant is a low-growing perennial with striking bright-orange tubular flowers that burst open like a firecracker, giving the appearance of flames. Perhaps this fiery display is why deer steer clear of it. Another beautiful flower to consider is the Peony (Paeonia).

Peonies are a timeless and elegant addition to any garden or landscape, and they also make stunning cut flowers. The best part? They’re practically immune to pests, including deer. Thanks to their potent scent and flavor, these plants are unappealing to deer and other creatures, making them an ideal choice for your outdoor space. With a wide variety of colors and sizes available, you’re sure to find the perfect Peony to complement your unique style. Looking for another low-maintenance plant that’s just as beautiful? Check out Hummingbird Mint, also known as Agastache, which is equally pest-resistant and produces vibrant blooms that attract pollinators like hummingbirds.

Agastache is a member of the mint family that quickly spreads and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. While deer dislike the mint scent, it doesn’t stop the beautiful bluish-violet flowers from growing throughout the spring and fall. To keep the plant in check, it’s best to grow it in containers or in an area separate from the main garden. Intermingle Hummingbird Mint plants with deer-friendly flowers to deter them from nibbling. Another lovely option to add to your garden is the Common or Pacific Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra sp.).

It’s possible that the reason why some landscape and perennial plants have gained popularity is because they are known to be resistant to deer. One example of a great landscape option is the Bleeding Heart plant, as it serves as a food source for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds while being unappetizing to deer due to its toxicity to people and animals in large quantities. We recommend the Pacific and Fringed Bleeding Hearts, which are native to North America, over the Common variety that originates from Asia. Another option worth considering is the Rodgers Flower.

Rodgers Flower is a stunning addition to any garden, boasting tall and showy textured leaves that make for an eye-catching centerpiece. Not only is it visually impressive, but it also serves as a natural deer deterrent due to their dislike of the texture. This shade-loving plant produces huge fluffy flower clusters that attract butterflies and add even more beauty to your green space. However, it’s the massive mounding leaves that steal the show and make this plant a must-have for any gardener. Another great option for adding texture to your garden is Dusty Miller, also known as Jacobaea maritima.

With its soft and velvety texture, Dusty Miller is not a favorite of deer. However, this plant is quite popular as a filler in floral arrangements and also complements many other types of flowers. What makes Dusty Miller unique is its striking silvery and lacy foliage, which is more noticeable than its flowers. Additionally, it is deer-resistant, thanks to its felt-like leaves, which deer steer clear of. Dusty Miller plants can be planted alongside taller shrubs and perennials or used as a stunning backdrop for brightly colored flowers. While they can grow up to 2-feet tall, there are dwarf varieties available that can be used as edging plants. Another deer-resistant option is Leopard Plant (Ligularia).

If you’re tired of deer munching on your beloved Hostas, the Leopard Plant might just be the perfect alternative for you. This shade-loving plant boasts massive, textured leaves that deer are not particularly fond of. However, we can’t get enough of its spectacular displays of bright yellow flowers that rise from the thick, clumping foliage. So, why not opt for the Leopard Plant instead of Hostas to add a dramatic appeal to your garden without attracting unwanted visitors? Another great option is the Goatsbeard, also known as Aruncus, which is another beautiful and deer-resistant plant to consider.

Deer find it challenging to munch on Goatsbeard plants due to their unique structure. The intricate leaves and delicate flowers of the plant do not appeal to these opportunistic animals. Instead of struggling with this difficult-to-eat vegetation, deer tend to opt for more accessible greens. Goatsbeard is an excellent choice as a border or background plant due to its tall growth, and it also makes a statement when grown in groups. This perennial plant is native to North America and can easily grow in zones 3-7. We admire the wispy, creamy-white ethereal flowers of Goatsbeard as much as deer dislike them! Moreover, Goatsbeard is a host plant for the Dusky Azure Butterfly and attracts a plethora of other butterflies as well. Another plant that shares similar characteristics is Foamflower (Tiarella).

Foamflowers are a great addition to any garden as they not only add beauty with their stunning spikes of wispy white flowers, but they are also disliked by deer. These lovely flowers are beloved by native pollinators such as butterflies and bees, making them even more appealing. It seems that deer avoid Foamflowers due to the effort it takes to eat them, as well as their lack of palatability. While the foliage grows low to the ground, it is still too much effort for the deer to bother with. If you’re looking for other deer-resistant perennial herbs to add to your garden, oregano (Origanum) is a great option.

Deer seem to have an aversion to Oregano, which happens to be a favorite among humans for cooking. The strong and earthy aroma of Oregano is appealing to us but repugnant to deer. Oregano, a perennial herb that grows low to the ground, is perfect for creating a delightful and fragrant ground cover when planted in abundance. To confuse deer and prevent them from nibbling on your plants, it’s recommended to place containers of Oregano all over your flower garden. With more than 40 varieties of Oregano available, mixing and matching them can create a heavenly scented oasis that deer will stay away from. Another plant that is known to deter deer is Mint Catmint.

is another herb that deer don’t like. Its strong scent is a natural deterrent, and it’s easy to grow in a garden bed or container. Plus, it’s a versatile herb that can be used in cooking and for aromatherapy purposes. Just make sure to prune it regularly to keep it from becoming too woody and unattractive to the eye.

If you’re looking for a ground cover that will also keep deer away, consider planting thyme. This fragrant herb is low-growing and spreads quickly, making it perfect for filling in gaps between pavers or as a border plant. Deer don’t like the smell of thyme, so they’ll steer clear of any areas where it’s planted.

In summary, planting mint, rosemary, and thyme in containers or throughout your garden can help keep deer at bay. These herbs not only repel deer with their strong scents but also add beauty and versatility to your outdoor space. So why not give them a try and see how they can enhance your gardening experience?

Rosemary is not just a delicious herb for cooking, but it also serves as a natural repellent for deer. When planted alongside the plants that deer fancy, Rosemary’s fragrance can help to keep them at bay and protect your garden from their grazing habits. This aromatic plant is a top choice when it comes to super fragrant plants that deer dislike. Its distinct, earthy scent is known to ward off these pesky animals. With its low maintenance and easy-growing nature, Rosemary is an excellent herb that can be easily integrated into any garden. For maximum effectiveness, try strategically placing pots of Rosemary throughout your garden amongst other plants and flowers to ensure that deer stay away. Sage may also be helpful in keeping deer away from your garden.

To keep deer at bay in your garden, try planting sage abundantly. This versatile herb is not only a delightful addition to any dish, but it also has a scent that deer absolutely despise. The leaves and flowers of sage emit an earthy, musky, and mint-like aroma that we enjoy, but it is repulsive to deer. You can use sage to create a border around your garden, which will help confuse the deer’s sense of smell. Another herb that can help keep deer away is thyme.

Thyme is a scent that deer tend to avoid. So, if you want to keep them away from your garden, consider planting Thyme among your low-growing flowers and plants. It’s easy to grow in the ground or containers, and it’s a versatile herb. Additionally, there are other perennial shrubs like Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) that are deer-resistant.

The Butterfly Bush is a great addition to any garden as it attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its sweet scent, but not deer. Due to its long blooming period, deer are unlikely to even give it a try. However, it’s important to be cautious when planting it as in some areas it has become invasive. Interestingly enough, if only the deer would eat it in those areas! It’s important to note that the Butterfly Bush and the Butterfly Weed (which is native) are often confused due to their similar names. Another great option for your garden is the Lilac plant.

If you’re looking for a fragrant shrub that won’t attract deer, lilacs are an excellent option. These beautiful blooms offer a sweet, heavy scent that is detested by these creatures, making your garden safe from their unwanted presence. Additionally, lilacs are known for their vibrant colors and are considered one of the best spring flowers. Even though the flowers last only two weeks, planting various lilac types will ensure a longer blooming season and a heavenly-scented backyard. Another deer-resistant shrub to consider is Boxwood (Buxus).

Boxwood is an aesthetically pleasing shrub that can add beauty to your home landscape, and the best part is that it’s not a favorite among deer. This versatile plant is not only easy to grow but also a top deer-resistant landscape shrub due to the strongly fragranced leaves that deer dislike. However, it’s important to note that some people may find the scent overwhelming, so avoid shoving your nose right into the plant. Additionally, Boxwood is toxic, making it unappealing to deer even if they get past the smell. With hundreds of varieties to choose from, you can plant Boxwood as a border or fenceline without worrying about deer damage. Another great option for a deer-resistant shrub is Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum).

Viburnum bushes are sometimes nibbled on by deer, but they typically don’t cause much harm to the plant. In fact, the berries of these bushes provide an essential food source for birds during the winter months. While Arrowhead Viburnum’s leaves and flowers have a distinct texture and fragrance that deer tend to avoid, they may still take a bite out of it. However, the plant is generally resilient enough to withstand occasional snacking without significant damage. It’s worth noting that the smell of the flowers can be quite strong, so it might be best to place it away from frequented areas. Viburnum is excellent for property borders or meadow edges because it provides an attractive, low-maintenance option that also benefits wildlife. Another good plant choice that deer tend to avoid is Salvia Russian Sage.

Salvia, a type of shrub that belongs to the mint family, carries a distinct scent that deer find unappealing. It’s worth noting that Russian sage is no longer considered a separate species but rather a part of the Salvia genus. When it comes to Salvia, there are plenty of varieties to choose from, and they come in an array of colors including purple, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and white. Although Salvia can keep deer away, it’s also attractive to native pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Another type of shrub, the Rosa or shrub rose, is also an excellent option for your garden.

Shrub roses are an excellent choice for those looking to keep deer away from their plants, as the prickly spines on their bushes make them unappealing to these animals. Not only can they be used as a natural fence or border, but their bushy appearance also adds to the aesthetic of your garden. However, it is important to handle these plants with care, as the thorns can be painful for humans too. Despite this, the beautiful flowers that shrub roses produce make them a worthwhile addition to any garden. It’s worth noting that shrub roses differ from garden roses in appearance, with a more shrub-like growth pattern. Another plant that is highly resistant to deer damage is Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica).

Bayberry is a sought-after shrub for landscaping purposes, and it’s also a favorite among migratory birds looking for nourishment. This tough native perennial is drought-tolerant and emits a scent that deer find unappealing. Bayberry can flourish in various harsh environments, making it an adaptable and valuable option for landscaping enthusiasts. Its silver berries are distinctively colored and provide excellent ornamental value, attracting migrating birds during the autumn season. However, it’s important to monitor the growth of these bushes as they tend to spread aggressively under favorable conditions.

The versatility of yard and garden designs is truly remarkable, even when your goal is to keep pests at bay. While there’s no such thing as completely deer-proof plants, you can reduce the risk of deer damage by planting certain flowers, shrubs, and herbs. However, if you’re dealing with hungry deer or a large herd, it’s best to install fencing as a preventative measure. Mixing different flowers with aromatic herbs can also be an effective strategy, causing confusion among deer. Avoid extensive plantings of a single type of flower, as it’s like setting up a buffet for the deer family. We’d love to learn about your preferred plants and flowers for deterring deer in your garden.