27 Deer Resistant Flowering and Shrubs to Grow

What’s worse for a gardener than walking into the backyard to find deer damaged your favorite plant.

If you can afford to install a fence around the garden, you can try planting deer-resistant flowering shrubs that can prevent the deer damage to some extent.

Though no plant is 100% deer-proof, certain flowering shrubs like lavender, cone-flower, daffodils, butterfly bush and witch hazel can are natural deer-resistant.

Deer are notorious for browsing on tender flowers and shrubs, often causing significant damage. But, they don’t like scent, texture, or toxicity of few plants listed below.

In this article, we’ll explore 27 deer-resistant flowers and shrubs, detailing their growing zones, care requirements, and unique characteristics that make them less appealing to deer.

What Attracts Deer to Your Yard?

Deer are drawn to certain landscapes for food, shelter, and water. Understanding these factors can help you take preventative measures to deter them from your garden.

  • Availability of Food: Deer prefer soft, tender plants, especially in the spring and summer when new growth is abundant. Gardens with hostas, roses, and vegetables are particularly inviting.
  • Water Sources: Like all animals, deer need water. If your garden has a pond, birdbath, or regularly watered plants, it can attract thirsty deer.
  • Shelter and Protection: Tall grasses, wooded areas, and dense shrubs provide deer with cover from predators and harsh weather, making your yard a safe haven.
  • Seasonal Availability of Plants: During late fall and winter, when natural food sources are scarce, deer become less picky and may eat plants they would typically avoid.
  • Fragrant or Soft Plants: Deer love plants with a mild or sweet fragrance. They tend to avoid strong-smelling, fuzzy, bitter, or toxic plants.

27 Deer-Resistant Flowers and Shrubs

These flowering and shrubs are unappealing to deer due to their strong aroma, toxic nature, or rough texture.

1. Daffodils

Daffodils are bright, cheerful spring flowers that come in shades of yellow, white, and orange. They contain toxic alkaloids that make them highly unpalatable and even harmful to deer if consumed.

Their strong scent and bitter taste further discourage deer from grazing on them, making them an excellent deer-resistant plant for gardens.

  • Growing Zone: 3-9
  • Requirements: Full sun to partial shade, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Toxic to deer and other animals, with a strong fragrance

2. Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant, drought-tolerant herb with beautiful purple flowers that bloom in summer. Its strong aromatic oils and essential compounds make it highly unappealing to deer, effectively keeping them away from gardens. Additionally, its silvery-green foliage has a slightly rough texture, further discouraging browsing.

  • Growing Zone: 5-9
  • Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Strong aromatic oils repel deer

3. Foxglove

Foxglove is a striking biennial or perennial plant known for its tall spikes of tubular, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow. It contains toxic compounds called digitalis glycosides, which make it highly poisonous to deer and other animals if ingested. Its bitter taste and unpalatable foliage further deter deer from browsing.

  • Growing Zone: 4-10
  • Requirements: Partial shade to full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Toxic foliage and bitter taste

 4. Marigolds

Marigolds are vibrant, sun-loving annual flowers that bloom in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They have a pungent scent that deer find unappealing, making them an excellent companion plant for vegetable gardens. Their slightly bitter taste and strong essential oils further discourage deer from nibbling on them.

  • Growing Zone: Annual (grows in all zones)
  • Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Strong pungent scent repels deer

5. Peonies

Peonies are lush, perennial flowers that produce large, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, white, red, and yellow. Their tough, leathery foliage and bitter taste make them unappetizing to deer. Additionally, their strong fragrance, which is pleasant to humans, helps keep deer at bay.

  • Growing Zone: 3-8
  • Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Thick, waxy foliage and strong fragrance deter deer

6. Russian Sage

Russian Sage is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial with silvery foliage and delicate purple flowers that bloom throughout summer. Its strong aroma and slightly fuzzy texture make it unappealing to deer.

Additionally, it thrives in dry conditions, making it an excellent low-maintenance plant for deer-resistant landscapes.

  • Growing Zone: 4-9
  • Requirements: Full sun, dry, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Strongly aromatic leaves repel deer

7. Salvia

Salvia, or sage, is a hardy perennial or annual plant that produces vibrant, tubular flowers in red, purple, pink, or blue.

Its fuzzy leaves and strong, minty scent deter deer from browsing. This drought-tolerant plant also attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a great pollinator-friendly choice.

  • Growing Zone: 4-10
  • Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Pungent scent and rough texture deter deer

8. Alliums

Alliums, a member of the onion family, are unique globe-shaped flowers that range in color from deep purple to white. Their onion-like scent is a natural deer deterrent, as deer dislike the strong smell. These low-maintenance plants are also resistant to rabbits and rodents.

  • Growing Zone: 4-9
  • Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Onion-like odor repels deer

9. Bleeding Heart

Bleeding Heart is a charming, shade-loving perennial with delicate, heart-shaped pink and white flowers.

It contains toxic compounds that make it harmful if ingested, naturally deterring deer from grazing. Its soft, fern-like foliage is also not a preferred texture for deer.

  • Growing Zone: 3-9
  • Requirements: Partial to full shade, moist, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Toxic foliage and bitter taste

10. Coneflower

Coneflowers are tough, drought-tolerant perennials with daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, yellow, and white. Their rough, spiky center and strong scent make them unappealing to deer. These plants are excellent for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

  • Growing Zone: 3-9
  • Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Rough texture and strong scent

11. Hellebores

What To Do With Hellebores When Finished Flowering

Also known as the Lenten Rose, hellebores bloom in late winter to early spring, producing nodding flowers in shades of white, pink, purple, and green. Their toxic foliage makes them highly unpalatable to deer, offering year-round protection.

  • Growing Zone: 4-9
  • Requirements: Partial to full shade, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Toxic leaves deter deer

12. Columbine

Columbine is a delicate perennial with unique, spurred flowers in various colors, including pink, purple, blue, and yellow. Its bitter taste and tough, leathery foliage make it an unattractive food source for deer.

  • Growing Zone: 3-9
  • Requirements: Partial shade to full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Tough, bitter foliage discourages deer

13. Bee Balm

Bee Balm is a striking perennial with red, pink, or purple blooms that attract bees and butterflies. Its minty, aromatic foliage repels deer, making it a great choice for deer-resistant gardens.

  • Growing Zone: 3-9
  • Requirements: Full sun, moist, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Strong mint-like aroma repels deer

14. Snapdragons

Snapdragons are colorful annual flowers that bloom in spring and fall. Their slightly bitter taste and textured foliage make them unattractive to deer.

  • Growing Zone: Annual (grows in all zones)
  • Requirements: Full sun, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Bitter taste discourages deer

15. Yarrow

Yarrow is a hardy, drought-tolerant perennial with feathery foliage and clusters of tiny, brightly colored flowers. Its strong scent and slightly fuzzy leaves help keep deer away.

  • Growing Zone: 3-9
  • Requirements: Full sun, dry, well-draining soil
  • Why Deer Avoid It: Aromatic, bitter-tasting leaves

16. Boxwood

Boxwood is a popular evergreen shrub used in landscaping for its dense, rounded shape and glossy green leaves.

Deer tend to avoid boxwood because it contains alkaloids that are toxic if consumed in large quantities, its leaves emit a pungent odor, and it offers low nutritional value.

These factors make boxwood unappealing to deer, making it an excellent choice for deer-resistant landscaping in areas with high herbivore activity.

17. Butterfly Bush

The Butterfly Bush is a popular flowering shrub known for attracting butterflies with its fragrant blooms.

Deer generally avoid it due to its strong fragrance and somewhat tough, leathery leaves. These characteristics make it unappealing to deer, making it a great choice for gardens in areas with high herbivore populations.

18. Barberry

Barberry is a spiny shrub with vibrant foliage and berries that deer tend to avoid. The plant’s thorny branches act as a natural deterrent, while its sour-tasting berries and pungent aroma make it unattractive to deer. This shrub is an ideal choice for creating deer-resistant landscapes.

19. Spirea

Spirea is a hardy shrub with clusters of small, fragrant flowers that deer usually avoid. Its leaves are often less palatable to deer due to their slightly bitter taste and coarse texture.

Spirea’s resilience and deer-resistant nature make it a favored option for gardeners in deer-prone areas.

20. Holly

Holly is a popular evergreen shrub known for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries. Deer avoid holly primarily because of its sharp, spiny foliage, which makes it uncomfortable to browse.

Additionally, its strong, bitter taste further discourages deer, making it a reliable deer-resistant option for landscaping.

21. Forsythia

Forsythia is a fast-growing shrub with bright yellow flowers that deer typically avoid. Its leaves contain compounds that give it a slightly bitter taste, making it less appealing to deer.

Forsythia’s low-maintenance nature and deer resistance make it an excellent choice for garden hedges and borders.

22. Juniper

Juniper is an evergreen shrub or tree known for its aromatic, needle-like foliage.

Deer generally avoid junipers because of their strong, pungent scent and the sharp texture of their needles. These characteristics make junipers a great addition to gardens in areas with high deer populations.

23. Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel is a unique shrub with fragrant yellow flowers that deer typically avoid. Its leaves and stems are astringent and bitter, making it unappealing to deer.

Witch Hazel’s resistance to browsing, along with its winter interest, makes it an attractive and deer-friendly option for landscaping.

24. Elderberry

Elderberry is a deciduous shrub known for its large clusters of white or pink flowers and dark purple berries.

Deer tend to avoid elderberry due to its strong, sometimes unpleasant scent and the fact that its berries are not typically favored by deer. This shrub is a great choice for deer-resistant gardens.

25. Rhododendron

Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub with large, showy flowers that deer tend to avoid. Its thick, leathery leaves contain compounds that are mildly toxic and have an unappealing taste for deer.

Rhododendrons’ deer resistance, along with their stunning blooms, makes them a popular choice in ornamental landscapes.

26. Lilac

Lilac is a beloved flowering shrub known for its fragrant purple or white flowers.

Deer avoid lilacs because of their strong fragrance and somewhat coarse leaves, which are less palatable. These characteristics make lilacs a great deer-resistant shrub, adding both beauty and practicality to your garden.

27. Smoke Bush

Smoke Bush is a unique shrub known for its smoky, plume-like flower clusters and vibrant foliage.

Deer tend to avoid Smoke Bush due to its pungent odor and the slightly tough texture of its leaves. Its striking appearance and deer resistance make it a great choice for gardens in deer-prone areas.

How to Prevent Deer Damage in Your Garden?

While no method is fool-proof, several strategies can help minimize deer damage.

Use Deer-Resistant Plants

Selecting plants that deer dislike, such as those with strong scents (lavender, sage) or toxic properties (foxglove, daffodils), is one of the best deterrents.

Install Physical Barriers

A sturdy, 8-foot-high fence is the most effective way to keep deer out. Alternatively, use mesh netting or tree guards around young plants.

Apply Deer Repellents

Spraying plants with commercial deer repellents or homemade solutions like garlic spray, soap, or cayenne pepper can deter browsing.

Companion Planting

Placing strong-scented plants, such as alliums or marigolds, near deer-favorite plants can help repel them.

Motion-Activated Deterrents

Devices like motion-activated sprinklers, lights, or noise-makers startle deer and discourage them from returning.

Will Plants Recover from Deer Damage?

Most plants can recover from occasional deer browsing, especially if they are well-established.

However, repeated feeding can weaken plants, making them more susceptible to disease and environmental stress. Regular maintenance and protective measures will help ensure your plants thrive.

Conclusion

While planting these flowering plants may not proof your garden completely from deer attacks, but it can reduce the loss to minimal.

As mentioned deer deters from toxicity and smell of above listed plants, it will be a wise decision to grow these deer-resistant flowers and shrubs.

Along with protection you can enjoy a lush, vibrant garden without the frustration of constant deer damage.

While no plant is completely deer-proof, strategic planning and deterrents can help protect your landscape.

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