Deer proof your landscape
Using plants, flowers and shrubs that are deer resistant
While there is no such thing as absolute Deer Proof, there seems to be agreement that certain vegetation can be counted among the ones deer find less palatable.
Some plants might be nibbled on, but not destroyed. Fawns seem inclined to sample anything, but once they figure out that it's not tasty, they will move on. Use deer resistant plantings coupled with spray on repellents to discourage them and protect your landscape. Young trees should be protected by a cage made of wire until the branches are taller than the deer can reach. Items in red have been subject to nibbling by the deer in our yard. Nibbled on, but not destroyed.
PERENNIALS
GROUND COVER
Ajuga
Basket of Gold
Campanula
Sedums
Soap Wort
Sweet Woodriff
Wooly Thyme
Autumn Joy Sedum
Black-Eyed Susan
Bleeding Heart
California Poppies
Campanula
Chives
Columbine
Cone Flower
Coral Bells
Coreopsis
Daffodil
Euphorbia
Ferns
Flax
Foxglove
Galardia
Iris
Ladies Mantle
Laitris
Lambs ear
Lavendar
Lupine
Mint
Peonies
Poppies - Iceland/Oriental
Rudbeckia
Rue
Russian Sage
Salvia
Sedum
Shasta Daisy
Thyme
SHRUBS
Lilac
Potentilla
Spirea (Bridle Wreath)
Tamarix
VINES
Honeysuckle
Morning Glory
ANNUALS
Allysum
Cosmos
Geranium
*Herbs
Lobelia
Marigolds
Snapdragons
Verbena
Zinnia
Deer-Resistant Quick Facts
- Use an integrated system to control damage by deer - population management, fencing, repellents and vegetation management.
- Severe winters and early spring is when browsing deer can cause the greatest damage.
- Herbs and plants that are lemony or minty scented are a good planting choice. Mint, lemon verbena, etc.
- Deer are less inclined to browse on plants with furry, fuzzy leaves, Lambs Ear for example.
- There are regional differences in what deer will eat. Check with your County Extension Office for a list of ornamental plants that are least likely to suffer deer damage.
- Place the more deer resistant plants to the front of a flower bed.
*Chives have been moved into the nibble category. The deer in my yard seem to think it's good stuff.
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