FAQ: What are some deer-resistant plants?
Deer-resistant plants are those that are less likely to be damaged or eaten by deer. However, it's important to note that no plant is completely deer-proof, especially if deer are hungry or in times of extreme scarcity. Here are some plants that are generally considered to be “deer-resistant”:
Trees and Shrubs:
Boxwood (Buxus spp.)
Forsythia (Forsythia spp.)
Juniper (Juniperus spp.)
Lilac (Syringa spp.)
Barberry (Berberis spp.)
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Butterfly bush (Buddleja spp.)
Smoke bush (Cotinus spp.)
Redtwig dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Witch hazel (Hamamelis spp.)
Perennials and Bulbs:
Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina)
Bee balm (Monarda spp.)
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Peony (Paeonia spp.)
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Foxglove (Digitalis spp.)
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Allium (Allium spp.)
Bleeding heart (Dicentra spp.)
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Herbs and Vegetables:
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Thyme (Thymus spp.)
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Onion (Allium cepa)
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Hot peppers (Capsicum spp.)
Annuals:
Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Zinnia (Zinnia spp.)
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Cosmos (Cosmos spp.)
Ageratum (Ageratum spp.)
Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)
Petunia (Petunia spp.)
Vinca (Catharanthus roseus)
Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
Groundcovers:
Lamium (Lamium spp.)
Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
Creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum)
Periwinkle (Vinca minor)
Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis)
When planting deer-resistant plants, it can be helpful to combine them with other deer-resistant strategies such as using physical barriers (fences), repellents, or planting plants that deer find unpalatable around more susceptible plants. Additionally, regularly rotating or alternating plants can help deter deer from becoming accustomed to a specific garden layout.
