The Best Deer-Resistant Plants for Your Garden
If you’ve ever had deer munch their way through your carefully planted flowers and vegetables, you know how frustrating it can be. I am always battling with what works and what doesn’t when it comes to hungry deer on our land. While no plant is completely deer-proof (a hungry deer will eat almost anything!), some plants are far less appealing to them. Whether it’s because of strong scents, fuzzy leaves, or bitter tastes, these plants tend to repel deer or simply be ignored. In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best deer-resistant plants for your garden, noting whether they are annuals or perennials and if they thrive in sun or shade.
1. Lavender
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 5-9.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Strong fragrance and oils repel deer. I have actually used diluted lavender essential oils to spray on flowers I am trying to deter deer from and it works!
Lavender is a must-have for any garden, not just because it smells amazing but because deer don’t like its strong aroma. It thrives in well-draining soil and full sun, making it a great low-maintenance option.
2. Russian Sage
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 4-9.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Strong smell and slightly woody texture deter deer.
This airy, purple-blooming plant is an excellent addition to any landscape. It’s drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it a perfect choice for gardeners looking for beauty with minimal upkeep.
3. Marigolds
- Annual or Perennial? Annual.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Strong scent repels deer.
Marigolds are well-known for their ability to deter pests, including deer. Their vibrant colors also make them a fantastic choice for borders and garden beds. Marigolds are also a fantastic companion plant for so many vegetables!
4. Yarrow
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-9.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Bitter taste and strong smell deter deer.
Yarrow is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for hardy, drought-resistant plants. Plus, it attracts beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees.
5. Bee Balm
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-9.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun to partial shade.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Minty scent repels deer.
Bee balm is a vibrant, pollinator-friendly plant that will attract hummingbirds and bees while keeping deer at bay.
6. Foxglove
- Annual or Perennial? Biennial or short-lived perennial in zones 4-10.
- Sun or Shade? Partial shade to full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Toxic to deer and other animals.
Foxglove’s tall, striking flowers are beautiful in cottage gardens, but they are also toxic—making them a good choice for deterring deer.
7. Daffodils
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-8.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun to partial shade.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Toxic and unappetizing to deer.
Daffodils are one of the best bulbs to plant if you have a deer problem. Since they bloom early in the spring, they add cheerful color to your garden before many other plants even wake up.
8. Rosemary
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 7-10, annual elsewhere.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Strong fragrance repels deer.
Rosemary is an excellent dual-purpose plant, working as a kitchen herb while also deterring deer from your garden beds.
9. Bleeding Heart
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-9.
- Sun or Shade? Partial to full shade.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Unappetizing texture and taste.
This shade-loving perennial produces delicate, heart-shaped flowers in early spring and remains a great choice for woodland gardens.
10. Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-9.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Rough texture and bitter taste deter deer.
Coneflowers are tough, drought-resistant plants that attract pollinators but not deer, making them a fantastic low-maintenance option.
11. Lamb’s Ear
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 4-9.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun to partial shade.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Fuzzy leaves make it unappealing to eat.
Lamb’s Ear is a great ground cover that provides unique texture to your garden while also keeping deer away.
12. Catmint
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-9.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Strong scent repels deer.
This beautiful, low-maintenance plant is loved by pollinators but disliked by deer, making it an excellent border plant.
13. Snapdragons
- Annual or Perennial? Annual in most climates, but short-lived perennial in zones 7-10. Mine readily reseed year after year in Zone 6B.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Bitter taste deters deer.
Snapdragons add stunning color to garden beds and are often left alone by deer, making them a great choice for annual flower gardens.
14. Peonies
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-8.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Strong scent repels deer.
Peonies are not only beautiful but also deer-resistant, providing gorgeous blooms in late spring to early summer.
15. Alliums
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-8.
- Sun or Shade? Full sun.
- Why Deer Avoid It: Onion-like scent and taste deter deer.
Alliums are a great choice for gardeners looking for deer-resistant bulbs that also add architectural interest to the garden.
My Final Thoughts
While deer can be a persistent challenge, choosing the right plants can make a big difference in keeping them out of your garden. Incorporating plants with strong fragrances, fuzzy textures, or bitter tastes will help minimize deer damage while keeping your garden beautiful. Whether you’re looking for perennials, annuals, sun-lovers, or shade plants, there’s a deer-resistant option for you. These are the best deer resistant plants for your garden that I have personally grown and can attest to their deer resistant powers! From the years of battling deer this is a great list that the deer around my property either deer won’t touch at all or will only start to nibble on in the fall once the growing season is over and they are extra hungry.