8 Deer-Resistant Plants to Protect Your Landscape

As the summer heat intensifies in July, many ServeScape customers begin to notice increased deer activity in their gardens.

Deer, in an attempt to stay hydrated and nourished, may venture closer to homes where lush landscapes offer a buffet of plants. However, not all plants are equally appealing to these graceful yet hungry visitors.

One of our favorite garden loving gals, Tracy Crosland, put together this deer-resistant list of some of her favorite ServeScape plants. 

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1. Yarrow 

Yarrow, scientifically known as Achillea, is a perennial herb that is highly regarded for its feathery foliage and colorful, flat-topped flower clusters. Yarrow is also known for its resilience and low maintenance needs.

While no plant is completely deer-proof, yarrow's aromatic foliage often makes it less appealing to deer, which tend to avoid plants with strong scents. This makes yarrow a good choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern.

Landscape Tip: Plant this perennial in full sun as it thrives in the heat. 

Shop New Vintage™ White Yarrow

2. Speedwell

Speedwell, also known by its botanical name Veronica, is a genus of flowering plants that includes a variety of species, many of which are valued for their spikes of colorful flowers and ease of care in the garden. They typically bloom in the summer and can have flowers in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white.

Speedwell's foliage is not a preferred food source for deer, so it is less likely to be damaged by them compared to other garden plants.

Landscape Tip: These perennials look lovely as borders, rock gardens, and as accent plants.

Shop Royal Candles Speedwell

3. Butterfly Bushes

 

Butterfly Bush, known scientifically as Buddleia, is a popular shrub with attractive, fragrant flowers that come in a variety of colors. They are excellent at drawing butterflies and other pollinators to the garden. Deer also don't typically eat this shrub. 

Landscape Tip: Butterfly bushes are a perfect addition to cottage-style gardens. 

Shop Pugster® Amethyst Butterfly Bush

4. Foxglove

Foxglove, known scientifically as Digitalis purpurea, is a beautiful and classic perennial. It sports tall and dramatic spikes of tubular flowers that can come in many colors. It's a popular choice for adding vertical interest to a garden.

Foxgloves are also known for their ability to attract hummingbirds and bees, which are drawn to their nectar-rich flowers. The toxicity of foxglove leaves and flowers tends to deter deer from eating them. 

Landscape Tip: Plant in front of a solid background, such as a building, hedge, or shrubs to help them stand out.

Shop Foxy Foxglove

5. Catmint

Catmint, known scientifically as Nepeta, is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family. It's a perennial herb that is well-loved for its aromatic foliage and attractive, lavender-blue flowers.

The plant's strong scent is generally unappealing to deer, which tend to avoid it in favor of more palatable options.

Landscape Tip: Catmint works well as an edger around flagstones and pathways. 

Shop Junior Walker™ Catmint

6. Coneflowers

Coneflowers, known scientifically as Echinacea, are a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family. They are native to eastern and central North America and are known for their large, showy heads of composite flowers, consisting of a central cone or disc that is usually purple or pink, surrounded by petal-like ray florets.

Coneflowers are not a preferred food source for deer, and their somewhat prickly stems and leaves can be a deterrent. 

Landscape Tip: Plant coneflowers in a perennial garden. Echinacea grows best in full sun areas.

Shop Magnus Echinacea, Coneflower

7. Ornamental Garlic

Ornamental garlic refers to various species of the Allium genus that are grown for their decorative appeal rather than for consumption. These plants offer attractive flowers and foliage. 

Deer don't like the taste. The plants are also resistant to rabbits and are attractive to pollinators like butterflies and bees, adding both beauty and wildlife value to your garden.

Landscape Tip: Though beautiful and valuable, society garlic do have a smell. Plant them away from the house. Consider around your mailbox or property edges.

Shop Variegated Society Garlic

8. Russian Sage

Russian Sage, scientifically known as Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a woody perennial with aromatic grey-green foliage and pale blue flowers that bloom from summer into fall. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils. It's also drought tolerant once established. 

Its aromatic foliage is generally not appealing to deer.

Landscape Tip: Russian Sage works well as ground cover or in mixed borders.

Shop Russian Sage

Design a deer-resistant landscape

The above deer-resistant plants can’t guarantee that a determined deer won’t try to nibble, but they lower your risk of a half-eaten landscape! Here are more tips to protect your garden from deer:

• Stagger plant heights. This way, deer damage will be less noticeable. 
• Plant close to your house. Deer are less likely to venture here. 
• Sprinkle Irish Springs Soap shavings. Shave off a few slices around areas where deer come through. They tend to get spooked by the smell. 
• Use deer-repellent granules. As nasty as it sounds, adding predatory scents, such as coyote urine-scented granules, around your landscape can scare off deer.