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Squirrels might be fun to watch as they scurry and leap from branch to branch, but their playful energy isn’t quite as charming when directed at your garden. From digging up bulbs to snacking on fresh shoots, they can do more damage than you’d expect.
If you’re looking to keep them at away from your garden, planting the right greenery can make a big difference. Here are 17 plants that squirrels typically steer clear of.
Marigold
Marigold plants are bountiful, rich, colorful flowers that can deter squirrels. These hardy flowers are easy to grow and require full sun to bloom.
Incorporating these flowers into your garden bed will beautify your space and help keep squirrels away.
Mint
While many use mint for morning tea or evening mojito cocktails, squirrels despise this plant. Mint does well when planted in moist, well-drained soil. It spreads fairly easily, so growing it in containers is often recommended to prevent it from overtaking other garden plants.
Hyacinth
With care, you’ll enjoy beautiful and fragrant hyacinth blooms in spring. They can be grown indoors by forcing the bulbs or planted outdoors in well-drained soil. Available in various colors, from pink to blue to white, they add a splash of color and a sweet scent to gardens and indoor settings alike.
Overall, hyacinths are less enticing to squirrels, offering a natural deterrent in your garden.
Geranium
Geraniums are colorful flowering plants that add beauty to your garden and help repel mosquitoes. Geraniums are easy to care for and grow well in pots or gardens.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is a tropical plant celebrated for its lush, colorful bracts and vigorous growth. It can be grown as a vine, shrub, or ground cover. While it flourishes in full sun and requires regular watering, it’s surprisingly resilient in deterring squirrels.
Bleeding Heart
Known for its heart-shaped flowers on arching stems, Bleeding Heart is a beautiful addition to shady spots. This plant requires rich garden soil that doesn’t dry out but drains well. It is the longest blooming of all the perennials and grows up to 15 inches. Zones 3-9
Galanthus
Galanthus, commonly known as Snowdrops, are among the first flowers to bloom in late winter, signaling the approach of spring.
These delicate, white flowers thrive in well-drained soil and can often be seen poking through snow or frost. They are known for resisting squirrels, as their presence is often enough to deter them from the garden.
Oregano
One of the big appeals of oregano is that it can easily be grown in a container. It also offers a wonderful aroma that makes any outdoor space all the more inviting. The herb’s strong fragrance can deter garden pests, including squirrels, adding a layer of protection to your garden.
Alliums
Alliums are striking ornamental bulbs known for their gorgeous blooms atop tall, slender stalks. These plants add dramatic height and visual interest to garden beds and borders. Alliums are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. Their intense scent tends to repel squirrels and other garden pests, making them an effective natural deterrent.
Rosemary
Grown as a flowering plant and a cooking herb, rosemary is another herb well-suited for growing in containers and can be placed in small containers among your other crops. Rosemary’s strong aroma is known to deter squirrels and other pests, while its flowers attract pollinators, offering a blend of utility and beauty.
Related: How to Dry Rosemary
Lavender
Known for its striking purple hue and soothing scent,
Related: 16 Most Fragrant Flowers That Add Sweet Scents to Any Garden
Daffodil
The quintessential sign of spring, daffodils bring vibrant yellow, orange, and white blooms to your garden. They enjoy full to partial shade and well-drained soil, growing up to 30 inches tall.
Daffodils contain toxic compounds that can naturally deter squirrels from the area. Planting daffodils around the perimeter of your garden can provide a protective barrier that is as effective as it is beautiful.
Catnip
Catnip is famous for its intoxicating effect on cats. While catnip can attract an array of neighborhood cats, its ability to repel squirrels and other pests makes it a valuable addition to any garden. This easy-to-grow herb can be invasive, so it’s often best contained in pots or designated garden areas.
Fritillaries
Fritillaries are unique, bell-shaped flowers known for their checkered patterns. They prefer cool, well-drained soil and partial shade, making them suitable for woodland gardens or shaded areas. They are known for their ability to repel squirrels and other rodents.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
Goldenrod is a plant that blooms in late summer, showcasing tall spikes filled with small, bright yellow flowers. It does best in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. The vivid yellow flowers of
Related: 15 Yellow Perennial Flowers That Will Brighten Your Garden
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley is a delicate, bell-shaped flower with a sweet fragrance. This perennial thrives in shaded, moist areas, ideal for woodland or shaded garden corners. This beauty naturally deters squirrels and other wildlife.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper plants bring both culinary spice and pest deterrence to the garden. They thrive in full sunlight, need well-drained soil, and should be watered regularly.
