There are difficulties involved in designing a lovely garden, particularly if you are in a deer-populated area. The greatest deer-resistant perennials are highlighted in this guide, so you may enjoy a gorgeous garden without having to worry about it turning into a smorgasbord.
What Makes a Plant Deer Resistant
Plants that are resistant to deer typically have strong structures, strong odors, variable textures, and unpleasant tastes.
Deer find it difficult to chew through plants with fuzzy or prickly textures, which discourages them from grazing.
The overpowering scents of strongly scented plants, such as fragrant flowers or herbs, can also keep deer away.
Furthermore, deer instinctively stay away from toxic plants so they don’t poison themselves.
By adding these kinds of plants to your garden, you fortify it naturally against the deer population that lives there.
Now let’s look at some of the best perennials that withstand deer, each with a unique set of traits that discourage deer from choosing to plant them:
Black-Eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta)
Black-eyed Susans, also known as Rudbeckia hirta, are renowned for their vibrant yellow petals and dark centers. These perennials are particularly resilient to deer, as their rough, hairy leaves are unappealing to these animals.
They are adaptable to a wide range of soil conditions, provided it is well-drained. For optimal blooming from late summer to early fall, plant them in a location with full sun.
Yarrow (Achillea)
Yarrow, especially the ‘Achillea Firefly Sunshine’ variety, is notable for its fragrant foliage, which deters deer. With its feathery leaves and clusters of small flowers, it adds both texture and color to your garden.
This plant flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option. It blooms from late spring through early fall, making it a great choice for rock gardens and perennial borders.
Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a deer-resistant perennial herb with aromatic foliage that keeps deer at bay. It produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers from late spring to early fall.
For best results, plant catmint in full sun with well-drained soil. Its long-lasting beauty and pleasant fragrance, combined with its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, make it a valuable addition to any garden.
Red Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
Red Columbine is known for its distinctive, nodding flowers that deer generally avoid due to their toxic nature. This perennial thrives in partial shade and moist soil.
Its vibrant red and yellow blooms attract hummingbirds, bringing extra life to your garden. Blooming from mid-spring to early summer, it is well-suited for woodland gardens.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm is celebrated for its eye-catching flowers and aromatic leaves, which are unappealing to deer. This perennial grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
It attracts a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a great addition to spring gardens.
Lavender
Lavender is known for its strong fragrance, which naturally repels deer. Its silvery-green foliage and purple flowers provide a touch of elegance to any garden.
Lavender grows best in full sun with well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. It blooms from late spring to early summer, making it ideal for perennial borders and rock gardens.
Russian Sage
Russian Sage features aromatic, silvery leaves and tall stems adorned with lavender-blue flowers. Its strong odor and fuzzy texture make it unattractive to deer.
For best results, plant Russian Sage in full sun with well-drained soil. It blooms from mid-summer to fall, adding bold color and resilience to your garden.
Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spectabilis)
Bleeding Hearts are cherished for their heart-shaped flowers that hang from arching stems. Their toxicity makes them deer-resistant.
These perennials prefer part shade to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. They bloom in the spring, adding a romantic touch to your shade garden.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
Purple Coneflower is a hardy perennial with spiky centers and bright petals. Its coarse texture and spiny seed heads deter deer.
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil to enjoy its blooms from midsummer to fall. This drought-tolerant plant attracts pollinators and is a great choice for any garden.
Salvia
Salvia stands out for its aromatic foliage and vibrant flower spikes, which are generally avoided by deer. This herbaceous perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
It attracts pollinators and provides continuous color from late spring to early fall, making it a lively addition to your garden.
Brunnera
Brunnera, known for its heart-shaped leaves and delicate blue flowers, is often overlooked by deer. It thrives in shady spots with moist, well-drained soil.
Brunnera blooms in early spring, offering a burst of color and making it a great companion plant for other shade-loving perennials.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
Lungwort features spotted leaves and clusters of small, color-changing flowers. Its fuzzy foliage is unattractive to deer.
Best planted in partial to full shade with moist, well-drained soil, Lungwort blooms in early spring, providing early-season interest to your garden.
Speedwell (Veronica)
Speedwell’s spikes of flowers and glossy green leaves are typically avoided by deer. This perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
It offers a long blooming period from late spring to early fall and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear is appreciated for its soft, velvety leaves, which deer find unappealing. Its silvery foliage contrasts beautifully in garden beds.
Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil for a low-maintenance, deer-resistant option. Lamb’s Ear is also drought-tolerant and works well as ground cover.
Astilbe
Astilbe is known for its feathery flower plumes and fern-like foliage, which deer generally avoid. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and adds vibrant color to shaded garden areas.
Blooming in mid to late summer, Astilbe comes in shades of pink, red, white, and purple, making it a great choice for garden borders.
Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale)
Oriental Poppies are distinguished by their large, showy flowers, which deer tend to avoid due to their hairy foliage. They thrive in full sun with well-drained soil.
These poppies offer a burst of color from late spring to early summer and create a striking focal point in garden beds. Their seed pods add additional interest after blooming.
Hellebore
Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses, are toxic to deer and bloom in early spring. They prefer partial shade and well-drained soil, adding early-season interest to your garden.
Available in a range of colors including white, pink, purple, and green, Hellebores are hardy and long-lasting.
Allium
Alliums, with their globe-like clusters of flowers, are rarely disturbed by deer. Their onion-like scent and texture serve as natural deterrents.
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil to enjoy their unique blooms. Alliums come in various sizes and colors, adding architectural interest to your garden and making them ideal for perennial borders and rock gardens.
Peony
Peonies are admired for their large, fragrant flowers and are naturally resistant to deer due to their toxic roots and bitter foliage. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Blooming in late spring to early summer, peonies offer stunning colors and make excellent cut flowers, enhancing any garden with their bold blooms.
Monkshood (Aconitum)
Monkshood features tall spikes of blue or purple flowers and is known for being toxic, which makes it deer-resistant. It thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
Blooming from late summer to fall, Monkshood adds late-season color to your garden. Handle with care, as all parts of the plant are poisonous.
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)
Butterfly Bush is recognized for its long, cone-shaped clusters of flowers that attract butterflies. Its fragrant flowers and fuzzy leaves make it unappealing to deer.
For best results, plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Butterfly Bush blooms from summer to fall, providing continuous color and attracting pollinators.
Bearded Iris (Iris germanica)
Bearded Iris is known for its thick, sword-like leaves and showy flowers that are typically avoided by deer. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
It blooms in late spring to early summer, adding striking color to your garden. Bearded Iris comes in a wide range of colors and is perfect for perennial borders.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
Daffodils are highly effective at deterring deer due to their toxic bulbs and leaves. They thrive in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
Blooming in early spring, daffodils offer cheerful displays of yellow, white, and orange flowers. They are low-maintenance, naturalize well, and enhance spring gardens with their vibrant blooms.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Heuchera, commonly known as Coral Bells, is valued for its attractive foliage and small, bell-shaped flowers. Deer typically avoid it due to its bitter taste.
This perennial thrives in part shade to full shade with moist, well-drained soil. It blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a variety of leaf colors from green to purple to silver, and adds texture to shade gardens.
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Coreopsis, or Tickseed, is a cheerful perennial with daisy-like flowers that deer generally avoid. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Blooming from early summer to fall, Coreopsis attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies and comes in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Its long bloom time makes it a staple for sunny garden beds and borders.
Blue Star (Amsonia)
Blue Star, also known as Amsonia, features clusters of star-shaped blue flowers that deer tend to ignore. Its feathery foliage turns golden-yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest.
Plant in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Blue Star blooms from late spring to early summer and pairs well with other perennials.
Sneezeweed (Helenium)
Sneezeweed, or Helenium, produces vibrant flowers in yellow, red, and orange that deer generally avoid due to their bitter taste. This perennial thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.
Blooming from mid-summer to fall, Sneezeweed adds a bright splash of color to your garden and is well-suited for sunny garden beds.