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Deer can be a big problem for gardens. They often eat plants and ruin landscaping. But there’s good news for gardeners who deal with deer. Many plants naturally keep deer away, so we can create beautiful yards without worrying about damage.
We’ve put together a list of 16 deer-resistant plants to help solve this issue. These plants have features deer don’t like, such as strong smells, tough leaves, or prickly stems. By using these in your garden, you can make it less appealing to deer while still having a nice landscape.
1. Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s ear is a deer-resistant plant that adds a soft, fuzzy touch to gardens. Its velvety leaves have a silvery-green color that stands out among other plants. This hardy perennial grows low to the ground, forming dense mats of foliage. It spreads easily, making it great for ground cover or edging paths.
Lamb’s ear thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established. In summer, tall spikes of purple flowers emerge above the foliage. These attract bees and butterflies to the garden.
We love lamb’s ears for their easy care. They need little water and can be divided every few years to maintain their shape. Regular pruning keeps them looking tidy. This plant is not only deer-resistant but also rabbit-resistant. Its fuzzy texture deters these animals from munching on it.
2. Foxglove
Foxglove is a stunning plant that deer tend to avoid. Its tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers come in shades of pink, purple, and white. We love foxglove for its beauty and deer-resistant qualities. The plant contains compounds that make it unpalatable and even toxic to deer.
Foxglove thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s a biennial or short-lived perennial that self-seeds easily. This plant adds vertical interest to gardens and attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. It’s low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
We recommend planting foxglove in groups for a dramatic effect. It pairs well with other shade-loving, deer-resistant plants like ferns and hostas.
Remember that foxglove is toxic if ingested, so keep it away from children and pets. With proper care, it can be a safe and beautiful addition to deer-prone gardens.
3. Russian Sage
Russian sage is a fantastic choice for deer-resistant landscaping. This hardy perennial boasts beautiful lavender-blue flowers and silvery-gray foliage. We love how Russian sage thrives in hot, dry conditions. It’s perfect for areas that get 6-8 hours of full sun daily.
Plant Russian sage in well-draining soil, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart. It grows quite tall, reaching up to 3-4 feet in height.
Russian sage is not just deer-resistant; it’s also drought-tolerant and low-maintenance. We recommend pruning it back to about 6 inches in early spring to encourage new growth.
For a natural privacy screen, plant Russian sage in a single line, 12-18 inches apart. It creates an attractive, airy barrier that deer tend to avoid.
4. Lavender
Lavender is an excellent choice for deer-resistant landscaping. Its strong scent and essential oils make it unappealing to deer. We love lavender for its beautiful purple flowers and fragrant foliage. It adds a lovely touch to any garden or yard.
Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it easy to care for. This versatile plant comes in many varieties. Some grow compact and low, while others can reach up to 3 feet tall.
We recommend planting lavender in borders, rock gardens, or herb gardens. It also works well in containers on patios or decks. Lavender attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. This makes it a great addition to pollinator gardens.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that deer tend to avoid. Its strong scent and woody texture make it an excellent choice for deer-resistant landscaping.
We love rosemary for its versatility. It’s not just a culinary herb, but also a beautiful ornamental plant. Rosemary thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
This hardy plant is drought-tolerant once established. It can grow into a small shrub or be trained as a topiary. Rosemary’s needle-like leaves stay green year-round in warm climates.
For added deer protection, we can use rosemary essential oil as a natural repellent. Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and apply to vulnerable plants. This method enhances the deterrent effect of rosemary in your garden.
6. Bee Balm
Bee balm is a stunning perennial that deer tend to avoid. Its vibrant flowers come in shades of red, pink, and purple, blooming from mid-summer to early fall.
We love bee balm for its ability to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its strong, minty scent is what keeps deer at bay.
To grow bee balm, we recommend planting it in well-drained soil. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Space plants 1.5 to 2 feet apart for good air circulation.
For fuller plants and more flowers, pinch young shoots in spring. After the first bloom, remove spent flowers to extend the blooming season.
Bee balm is a great addition to herb gardens too. Its leaves can be used to make tea or add flavor to salads.
7. Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed is a beautiful native plant that deer tend to avoid. Its bright orange or yellow flowers add a pop of color to gardens from early to late summer. This perennial is easy to grow and drought-tolerant. We love how it attracts butterflies and other pollinators to the garden.
Butterfly weed grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can reach 1-3 feet tall when mature. To keep butterfly weed looking tidy, we recommend cutting it back by about half its height in late winter. This encourages fuller growth in spring.
While deer usually leave it alone, butterfly weed provides food and shelter for many beneficial insects. It’s an excellent choice for low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly landscaping.
8. Yarrow
Yarrow is a tough and versatile perennial that deer tend to avoid. This plant thrives in sunny, dry conditions and doesn’t need much care.
Yarrow comes in various colors, including yellow, white, pink, and red. It grows upright with flat flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators.
We love yarrow for its ability to adapt to different soil types. It’s an excellent choice for gardeners looking for low-maintenance options.
Yarrow typically grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads about 2 feet wide. It’s perfect for filling spaces in flower beds or creating colorful borders.
For best results, we recommend planting yarrow in well-draining soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, making it great for water-wise gardens.
9. Bleeding Heart
Bleeding Heart is a charming addition to deer-resistant gardens. This perennial plant gets its name from its unique heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems.
Bleeding Heart thrives in shady areas, making it perfect for spots under trees or along north-facing walls. It blooms in spring, producing pink or white flowers that add a delicate touch to landscapes.
We love Bleeding Heart for its low-maintenance nature. It doesn’t need much care once established, just regular watering during dry spells. The plant goes dormant in summer heat, so don’t worry if it dies back.
Deer tend to avoid Bleeding Heart, likely due to its toxic properties. This makes it a great choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
Remember to plant Bleeding Heart in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It pairs beautifully with other shade-loving, deer-resistant plants like ferns and hostas.
10. Alyssum
Alyssum is a great choice for deer-resistant landscaping. This low-growing plant produces clusters of tiny, sweet-smelling flowers that deer tend to avoid.
Alyssum comes in annual and perennial varieties. It self-seeds easily, often coming back year after year even in areas with deer traffic.
We love alyssum for its ability to attract beneficial insects and pollinators while keeping deer at bay. Its strong scent and mustardy-tasting leaves make it unappealing to deer and rabbits alike.
This versatile plant thrives in sunny spots and can be used to edge flower beds or fill in gaps between other plants. Alyssum is easy to grow and maintain, making it perfect for hassle-free gardening.
With its deer-resistant qualities and pretty blooms, alyssum is a smart addition to any landscape where deer are a concern.
11. Catmint
Catmint is a fantastic choice for deer-resistant gardens. This perennial plant boasts beautiful lavender-blue flowers and aromatic gray-green foliage.
Catmint blooms from late spring to early fall, making it a long-lasting addition to any landscape. Its strong fragrance is what keeps deer away, but it attracts bees and butterflies.
We love how easy catmint is to grow. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soil types. This hardy plant can reach heights of 12 to 24 inches, depending on the variety.
Catmint requires little maintenance once established. It’s drought-tolerant and bounces back quickly if deer do take a nibble. With over 250 varieties available, we can find a catmint that fits any garden style.
12. Columbine
Columbine is a lovely addition to deer-resistant gardens. This charming perennial boasts delicate, spurred flowers in various colors.
Columbine prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Its pH sweet spot is between 6.0 and 7.5.
To keep columbine healthy, we recommend dividing the plants every few years in spring. This helps maintain vigor and prevents overcrowding.
We love Columbine’s blue-green, finely cut foliage that adds texture to garden beds. While considered deer-resistant, very hungry deer may still nibble on it occasionally.
Columbine attracts pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a great choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. Its low-maintenance nature and deer resistance make it an excellent option for hassle-free landscaping.
13. Globe Thistle
Globe thistle is a striking plant that deer tend to avoid. Its spiky blue flowers and prickly foliage make it unappealing to these garden nibblers.
We love globe thistle for its unique appearance and low maintenance needs. It grows well in full sun and can handle dry conditions once established.
This perennial reaches heights of 2-4 feet, making it a great choice for the middle or back of flower beds. The spherical blue flowers bloom in summer and attract pollinators.
Globe thistle is easy to grow from seed or division. We recommend planting it in spring or fall in well-draining soil. It doesn’t need much water or fertilizer to thrive.
With its deer-resistant qualities and eye-catching looks, globe thistle is a smart pick for gardeners dealing with deer problems. It adds texture and interest to any landscape.
14. Coreopsis
Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a great choice for deer-resistant landscaping. This sunny perennial adds bright pops of color to gardens with its yellow, orange, or red flowers.
Coreopsis thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can handle dry and hot conditions once established.
We love coreopsis for its long blooming season, typically from late spring through summer. The daisy-like flowers attract butterflies and bees, making it a wildlife-friendly option.
Most coreopsis varieties grow 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide. They work well in borders, rock gardens, or wildflower meadows.
To keep coreopsis looking its best, we recommend deadheading spent blooms. This encourages more flowers and extends the blooming period.
15. Snapdragon
Snapdragons are a great choice for deer-resistant gardens. These colorful flowers have a bitter taste that deer don’t like. Snapdragons come in many vibrant hues and can grow from 6 inches to 3 feet tall. They bloom from spring to fall, adding long-lasting color to gardens.
The plants have tough, woody stems and deep roots. This means they can bounce back if deer step on them while looking for food.
We recommend planting snapdragons in sunny spots with well-drained soil. They work well in borders, containers, and as cut flowers.
While deer typically avoid snapdragons, very hungry deer might nibble them as a last resort. But in most cases, these pretty flowers will stay safe from deer damage.
16. Japanese Painted Fern
Japanese painted fern is a beautiful and deer-resistant plant for shady gardens. We love its silvery-gray fronds with burgundy veins, which add color and texture to any landscape. This fern grows best in zones 4-9 and prefers acidic soil. It’s a slow-growing plant that reaches about 18 inches tall and wide.
We recommend planting Japanese-painted ferns in areas with partial to full shade. They need moist, well-draining soil to thrive. These ferns are low-maintenance and easy to care for. We suggest watering them regularly to keep the soil evenly moist.
Japanese-painted ferns work well as ground cover or in borders. They pair nicely with other shade-loving plants like hostas and astilbes.
