Are you worried about Bambi wreaking havoc in your garden? Worry not! Here are the Best Deer Resistant Plants to keep them away!
While no plant is entirely deer resistant, Bambi tends to shy away from plants with unpalatable characteristics such as thorny stems, strong scent, bitter flavor, or unappealing texture. Let’s have a look at the Best Deer Resistant Plants!
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Best Deer Resistant Plants
1. French Marigold
Botanical Name: Tagetes
USDA Zones: 2-11
The French Marigolds bloom in a bright range of colors over a longer time and are loved by most gardeners. Their strong fragrance keeps the deer from feeding on them, and these are one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
2. Sunflowers
Botanical Name: Helianthus
USDA Zones: 4-9
Deer do not like to munch on these big, bright, sunny flowers because of the rough texture of their leaves. So, you can plant as many as you want in your garden without worrying!
3. Butterfly Bush
Botanical Name: Buddleja
USDA Zones: 5-9
4. Aster
Botanical Name: Aster
USDA Zones: 3-8
The typical purple or pink Aster flower is both deer and disease-resistant. Deer do not like to munch on this perennial because of its texture, making it one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
5. Heliotrope
Botanical Name: Heliotropium
USDA Zones: 10-11
Heliotrope is another plant that deer detest because of its strong scent and sandpaper-like foliage texture. So, you could be sure that these beautiful purple flowers would not be eaten away. These are one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
6. Foxgloves
Botanical Name: Digitalis
USDA Zones: 4-9
7. Pot Marigold
Botanical Name: Calendula officinalis
USDA Zone: 9-11
8. Lily of the Valley
Botanical Name: Convallaria majalis
USDA Zone: 3-8
The bell-shaped white pretty flowers historically symbolize feminity. But it is their poisonous nature that deters deer from feeding on them, which is why Lily of the Valley is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
9. Lamb’s Ear
Botanical Name: Stachys byzantina
USDA Zone: 4-7
Deer do not find this plant appetizing because of its velvety-soft texture. You can choose this popular plant for ground cover too! It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
10. African Lily
Botanical Name: Agapanthus africanus
USDA Zone: 8-10
African Lily bears big drumstick flower heads from midsummer. You can grow this plant in a container or outdoors to repel deer from the yard.
11. Daffodil
Botanical Name: Narcissus
USDA Zone: 3-8
If you want to keep deer at bay and lighten up your garden, you should grow Daffodils. They won’t come near them because of their toxicity, making these one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
12. Zinnias
Botanical Name: Zinnia
USDA Zone: 3-10
Most gardeners love the bright colors of Zinnias and often choose to grow them in a range of shades. Deer do not like the rough texture of the leaves and would mostly stay away from the plant. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
13. Peonies
Botanical Name: Paeonia
USDA Zone: 3-8
Another beautiful bright flowering plant that will not only liven up your garden but keep the four-legged creatures away. Deer do not like the flavor of the flowers. Their powerful fragrance also acts as a deterrent to them, making these highly effective and one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
14. Bearded Iris
Botanical Name: Iris germanica
USDA Zone: 3-10
The fragrance of popular Bearded Iris is something most gardeners love. Deer, on the other hand, do not like the strong scent at all and stay away. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
15. Bleeding Hearts
Botanical Name: Lamprocapnos
USDA Zone: 3-9
Even though these plants are known for their beauty, they’re also poisonous. Smart deer know to steer clear from them unless they want to suffer from some severe repercussions. These are one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
16. Purple Coneflowers
Botanical Name: Echinacea
USDA Zone: 3-8
The purple coneflowers are known to attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds but deer. Purple coneflowers are toxic to them. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
17. Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha
USDA Zone: 3-8
Another of the Best Deer Resistant Plants is Mint. The smell of mint leaves is too much for deer, and they cannot stand the highly aromatic foliage of this herb.
18. Heather
Botanical Name: Calluna
USDA Zone: 4-6
They look breathtaking when planted in giant swathes. The animals do not find them appealing enough to munch on these beauties because of the texture. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
19. Lungwort
Botanical Name: Pulmonaria officinalis
USDA Zone: 3-8
Lungwort ‘Ocupol’ is a semi-evergreen perennial with clear pale blue flowers. This is a plant that these animals completely detest, which is why it is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
20. Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia
USDA Zone: 5-10
Apparently, the aroma of the plant seems to be stinking for the deer, and they avoid it for their meal. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
21. Lavender
Botanical Name: Lavandula
USDA Zone: 5-9
Lavender is one of the classic perennial herbs that’s grown for its strong scent and beauty. However, deer do not appreciate its fragrance and stay away, making it one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants for any home or garden.
22. Oriental Poppies
Botanical Name: Papaver orientale
USDA Zone: 3-9
These gorgeous beauties are undoubtedly one of the most stunning and elegant flowering plants but they are also toxic. This is the reason why deer do not wish to come near them. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
23. Crape Myrtle
Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia
USDA Zone: 7-10
Crape myrtles come in a variety of hybrids with bright, lacy flowers. Deer will seldom eat any variety as they find the texture of the foliage pretty unpalatable for their taste. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
24. Houseleeks
Botanical Name: Sempervivum tectorum
USDA Zone: 3-8
Houseleeks form attractive rosettes that tolerate both shade and sun. This succulent is unappealing to team deer because they are poisonous to them, making these one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
25. Fountain Grass
Botanical Name: Pennisetum setaceum
USDA Zone: 9-10
For landscapes that are most frequented by deer, there are numerous options of ornamental grasses that these animals would rather not eat. This perennial grass will add charm to your garden and is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
26. Rosemary
Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus
USDA Zone: 6-10
Rosemary is not only used for culinary seasoning but also looks beautiful in the garden. Deer do not like its strong, piney scent and usually keep a distance, which is why these earn a place in our list of the “Best Deer Resistant Plants.”
27. Lenten Rose
Botanical Name: Helleborus orientalis
USDA Zone: 4-9
Lenten rose is an early bloomer in the season and is loved by many gardeners. They are poisonous and one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
28. Bee Balm
Botanical Name: Monarda
USDA Zone: 3-9
This beautiful flowering plant attracts butterflies and hummingbirds but not deer. These animals find the minty orange fragrance very ‘stinky’ for their taste. These are one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
29. Sweet Woodruff
Botanical Name: Galium odoratum
USDA Zone: 4-8
30. Verbena
Botanical Name: Verbena
USDA Zone: 9-11
31. Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
USDA Zone: 4-9
One of the Best Deer Resistant Plants, Thyme is a fragrant herb with small leaves commonly used in cooking. It is a perennial plant that is drought-resistant and can grow in various soil types.
32. Yarrow
Botanical Name: Achillea millefolium
USDA Zone: 3-9
Yarrow is a perennial herb with fern-like leaves and small, flat-topped clusters of flowers. It is often used in natural medicine to treat various ailments and is also a popular addition to gardens. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
33. Sedum
Botanical Name: Sedum spp.
USDA Zone: 3-10
Sedum is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves that stores water. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants and is often used in rock gardens or as ground cover and comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
34. Daylily
Botanical Name: Hemerocallis spp.
USDA Zone: 3-9
35. Lantana
Botanical Name: Lantana camara
USDA Zone: 9-11
Another of the Best Deer Resistant Plants, Lantana is a colorful flowering plant with small, clustered flowers blooming in shades of red, orange, yellow, and purple. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
36. Coreopsis
Botanical Name: Coreopsis spp.
USDA Zone: 4-9
Coreopsis is a perennial plant with daisy-like flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and can be used as a border or in rock gardens, making it one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
37. Catmint
Botanical Name: Nepeta spp.
USDA Zone: 3-8
Catmint is a perennial herb with small, lavender-blue flowers that bloom in early summer. It is often used in gardens for its attractive foliage and ability to attract bees and butterflies, making it one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
38. Baby’s Breath
Botanical Name: Gypsophila
USDA Zone: 3-9
Baby’s Breath is a flowering plant with delicate white or pink flowers often used as filler in bouquets and arrangements. It is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and can be used in gardens or as cut flowers.
39. Marigold
Botanical Name: Tagetes spp.
USDA Zone: Annual in most zones, some varieties may overwinter in Zones 8-11
Marigolds are annual plants with bright, colorful flowers that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. They are easy to care for and can be used in gardens to add color and attract beneficial insects, earning them a place in our “Best Deer Resistant Plants” list.
40. Russian Sage
Botanical Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia
USDA Zone: 5-9
Russian Sage is a perennial plant with silver-gray leaves and tall spikes of lavender-blue flowers. This plant is drought-resistant that can attract butterflies and bees. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
41. Salvia
Botanical Name: Salvia
USDA Zone: 5-9
Salvia is a perennial plant with spikes of blue, purple, or pink flowers blooming in early summer. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants and a hardy plant that can be used as a border or in rock gardens.
42. Ornamental Grasses
Botanical Name: Miscanthus sinensis
USDA Zone: 4-9
Ornamental grasses are a group of plants grown for their attractive foliage and texture. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and can be used in gardens to add height and movement. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
43. Columbine
Botanical Name: Aquilegia
USDA Zone: 3-9
Columbine is a perennial plant with delicate, bell-shaped flowers that come in multiple colors. It is a hardy plant that is considered among the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
44. Astilbe
Botanical Name: Astilbe
USDA Zone: 3-8
Astilbe is a type of perennial plant with feathery plumes of flowers that come in shades of pink, red, and white. It is a hardy plant that prefers moist soil and can be used in gardens to add color and texture, making it one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
45. Clematis
Botanical Name: Clematis spp.
USDA Zone: 4-9
Clematis is a climbing perennial plant with large, showy flowers that come in different colors. It is often grown on trellises or other supports and can be used to add height and color to gardens. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
46. Hosta
Botanical Name: Hosta
USDA Zone: 3-9
Hosta is a perennial plant with large, attractive leaves that come in multiple colors and patterns. It is a hardy plant that prefers shade and can be used in woodland gardens, borders, or as a ground cover, making it a versatile choice among the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
47. Boxwood
Botanical Name: Buxus
USDA Zone: 5-9
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with small, dark green leaves that can be pruned into various shapes. It is often used in formal gardens, hedges, or as a topiary and is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
48. Forsythia
Botanical Name: Forsythia
USDA Zone: 5-9
Forsythia is another of the Best Deer Resistant Plants and is a deciduous shrub with bright yellow flowers that bloom in early spring. It is a hardy plant that can grow in different soil types and can be used in gardens to add color and texture.
49. Snowberry
Botanical Name: Symphoricarpos
USDA Zone: 3-7
Snowberry is a deciduous shrub with white, waxy berries that persist into winter. It is often used in gardens to add winter interest or as a background plant, making it one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
50. Snow-in-Summer
Botanical Name: Cerastium tomentosum
USDA Zone: 3-7
Snow-in-Summer is a low-growing perennial plant with small, silvery leaves and white flowers that bloom in late spring. It is often used as a ground cover or in rock gardens and is considered one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
51. Daisy
Botanical Name: Bellis perennis
USDA Zone: 4-9
Daisies are perennial plants with bright, colorful flowers that come in various shapes and sizes. They are easy to care for and can be used in gardens to add color and attract beneficial insects. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
52. Potentilla
Botanical Name: Potentilla
USDA Zone: 3-7
Potentilla is a type of perennial shrub with bright yellow, red, or pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer. It is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types and is one of the top choices among the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
53. Barberry
Botanical Name: Berberis
USDA Zone: 4-8
Barberry is a deciduous shrub with thorny branches and small, colorful leaves that come in shades of red, orange, or yellow. It is often used in gardens to create a hedge or as a background plant. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
54. Hydrangea
55. Pachysandra
Botanical Name: Pachysandra terminalis
USDA Zone: 5-9
Pachysandra is a low-growing perennial plant with glossy, dark green leaves that can be used as a ground cover in shady areas. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
56. Euonymus
Botanical Name: Euonymus
USDA Zone: 6-10
Euonymus is a shrub with colorful leaves that come in green, yellow, or variegated shades. It is often used in gardens to add color and texture, making it one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
57. Hellebore
Botanical Name: Helleborus
USDA Zone: 4-9
Hellebore is a perennial plant with leathery, evergreen leaves and delicate, bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink, purple, or white. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
58. Artemesia
Botanical Name: Artemisia
USDA Zone: 4-9
Artemesia is a type of perennial plant with silver-gray leaves that can add texture and contrast to gardens. The plant is considered by many as one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
59. Honeysuckle
Botanical Name: Lonicera
USDA Zone: 7-10
Honeysuckle is a type of climbing plant with fragrant flowers in white, pink, or yellow shades. It is often grown on trellises or other supports and can be used to add height and fragrance to gardens. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
60. Bluebells
Botanical Name: Hyacinthoides non-scripta
USDA Zone: 3-8
Bluebells are bulb plants with delicate, bell-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of blue or pink in the spring. They are one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants and are often used in woodland gardens or as a ground cover.
61. Hibiscus
Botanical Name: Hibiscus
USDA Zone: 7-11
Hibiscus is a shrub with large, showy flowers that come in shades of pink, red, or white. It is often used in gardens to add color and attract hummingbirds.
62. Heuchera
Botanical Name: Heuchera
USDA Zone: 4-9
Heuchera is a perennial plant with attractive foliage in various colors, including green, red, and purple. It is often used in gardens to add texture and is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants.
63. Apricot Mallow
Botanical Name: Sphaeralcea ambigua
USDA Zone: 6-10
Apricot Mallow is a perennial plant with bright orange or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. It is often used in gardens to add color and attract beneficial insects. It is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants you can grow.
64. Vinca
Botanical Name: Vinca minor
USDA Zone: 4-9
Another of the Best Deer Resistant Plants, the Vinca is a low-growing plant with glossy, dark green leaves and delicate, blue-purple flowers. It is often used as a ground cover in shady areas and is easy to care for.
65. Weigela
Botanical Name: Weigela florida
USDA Zone: 4-8
Weigela is one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants and is a shrub with showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in shades of pink or white. It is often used in gardens to add color and texture and can be grown in containers or as a hedge.
66. Wild Ginger
Botanical Name: Asarum canadense
USDA Zone: 7-11
Wild Ginger is a low-growing plant with heart-shaped leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers, regarded by many as one of the Best Deer Resistant Plants. It is often used as a ground cover in shady areas and is a low-maintenance plant.
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