How to Choose Deer Resistant Flowering Plants

Deer stay away from rough textured or bitter tasting foliage and strongly scented plants. These are the types of plants that should be growing along border edges and among more appetizing deer loving plants.

There is no such thing as deer proof plants; a very tall fence is the only sure way to keep deer away from flower gardens. However, growing plants that are unsatisfying to deer, by understanding the animal’s needs, is a prettier and less expensive way to garden in a deer’s habitat.

Strongly Scented Flowers for Gardens

Flowering plants with a strong scent or fragrance will distract deer making it more difficult for these animals to find desirable plants. Gardeners are able to create a scented garden or planting bed that attracts pollinators with these types of plants, as well. The butterfly bush, Buddleia, is an excellent example. Cleome commonly called spider plant is an appropriate annual plant for this purpose.

Highly scented perennial herbs are another group of plants to consider. The perennial herb Salvia officinalis has variegated leaves that make colorful borders but the annual salvias should be considered, as well. Agastache, commonly called anise hyssop, is a native perennial herb that attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, but not deer.

Rough Textured Leaves on Flowering Plants

Deer do not favor rough textured leaves or flowers. Gardeners can find the scented characteristics and rough textured leaves together in many flowering plants. Echinacea, Nepeta, Veronica and Heuchera are rarely or seldom foraged by deer.

Bitter Tasting Flowering Plants

Deer do not like bitter tasting plants that have a milky sap. Plants such as butterfly weed and snapdragons are pretty flowers but are usually left alone by deer. Aconitum napllus, monkshood, and Lantana have poisonous parts but are frequented by pollinators that benefit gardens.

Monkshood is a native plant in Europe and a hardy perennial plant in the United States zones 4 – 8. The spike shaped flower stems are covered in bluish flowers that bloom July through August. The plant grows three to four feet tall, however, it is not for drought tolerant gardens.

More Deer Resistant Plant Ideas

Deer depend on plants for food. The effects on garden plants are determined by deer population sizes, the availability of preferred food sources and drought conditions in the area. In the spring, plants are more susceptible because deer have increased eating and young shoots are appetizing.

Deer forage for food, even among pretty flower gardens. Check out more plants and whether deer favors them. Gardeners should choose plants that are rarely or seldom eaten for greater success growing a garden that deters deer from foraging.