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It’s frustrating when you find deer have turned your garden into their dinner plate. While building high fences or using repellents can help, a simpler solution is to plant perennials that deer don’t like to eat.
Deer, much like us, have their food preferences. And while there’s no such thing as a completely deer-proof plant, plenty of perennials are less appealing to them.
Here are 14 deer-resistant perennials, which, though not immune to deer, are generally less attractive to them.
Hybrid Astilbe
Hybrid
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed, a form of milkweed, is a brightly colored wildflower. It blooms in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red and is deer-resistant. This sun-loving plant thrives in light, sandy soil with good drainage. Zones 3-9
Peony
Peonies are popular perennials with big, fragrant pink, red, white, and yellow flowers. They have glossy green leaves and bloom from late spring to early summer. Peonies are generally considered deer-resistant. Peonies require rich soil with good drainage. Zones 3-8
Foxglove
Foxglove has tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers, perfect for adding height to shaded gardens. Blooms late spring to early summer. Zones 4-10
Coneflower
Also known as Echinacea,
Columbine (Aquilegia Canadensis)
Columbine is a perennial with bright flowers contrasting against dark, clover-shaped leaves. Available in various colors, including two-tone, its unique bell-shaped flowers with five spurs catch the eye. Ideal for slopes, ledges, or open garden spaces, Columbine adds beauty, attracts wildlife, and deters deer.
Bee Balm
True to its name, Bee Balm is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Part of the mint family, it’s easy to grow and provides aromatic flowers that deers tend to avoid.
Catmint
Catmint produces
Lavender (Lavandula)
Known for its striking purple hue and soothing scent,
Salvia
Salvia plants are known for their spikes of violet, blue, white, or pink flowers. They are drought-tolerant and prefer full sun.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort is a deer-resistant, shade-loving perennial that blooms in early spring. Its flowers shift from pink to blue as they mature. The plant’s textured, hairy leaves deter deer, making it ideal for enhancing shady areas of the garden with minimal risk of deer damage.
Yarrow (Achillea)
Yarrow produces clusters of small, flat-topped flowers in colors including yellow, white, pink, and red. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun. Zones 3-9
Hellebore
Hellebores are early bloomers with flowers in shades of white, green, pink, purple, and red. They prefer partial to full shade and well-drained soil. Zones 3-9
Penstemon
Penstemon is deer-resistant and known for its colorful, tubular flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. Its unappealing taste and texture to deer make it an excellent choice for gardens seeking beauty and wildlife attraction without the deer problem. Zones 3-9
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