We can all surely agree that deer are adorable creatures that we love to see out in the wild, but in our gardens, it’s a whole other story. The problem is, while they do look cute, they love to treat our gardens like a salad bar, munching away at all of our hard work. Sadly, this means that most of us gardeners want to keep deer out of our yards, and if that sounds like you, you’re going to want to pay attention, as we’re here today to discuss plants that, if planted, will keep deer away from your garden.
Lavender
You may have heard before that deer tend to steer clear of lavender, and it’s true–they hate this plant due to its strong aroma and slightly woody leaves. Sure, the scent might be calming to people, but deer find it off-putting, so it’s a solid choice. Beyond its deer-deterrent qualities, lavender is also a hardy, easy-to-grow plant that offers stunning purple blooms and delightful fragrances, so it really is an all-around useful plant to grow.
Rosemary
It’s surprising to us humans, but deer don’t like the fragrance of rosemary either, despite how much we love using it in cooking. Deer will avoid your garden if they smell rosemary around, so it’s a solid pick if you’ve fallen victim to their hungry appetites. Furthermore, rosemary is drought-tolerant, so even if you live in a dry region of the U.S., there’s no excuse not to grow it.
Foxglove
We’re not sure whether foxes like it or not, but foxglove doesn’t go down well with deer at all, likely due to its toxicity, which discourages munching. For humans, though, these tall, graceful flowers produce lovely bell-shaped blooms in vibrant colors, attracting hummingbirds and other pollinators instead. Be mindful, though, because foxglove is poisonous to people, too, so it’s best for gardens with fewer curious pets or young children.
Bee Balm
Known for its distinctive aroma, bee balm attracts bees and butterflies but tends to keep deer at a distance, so its colorful blooms can brighten up any garden bed while adding a natural deterrent. Best of all, this plant thrives in both sunny and partly shaded spots, making it versatile for just about any garden space.
Russian Sage
The silvery leaves and the pungent smell of Russian Sage are a big hit with humans but not with deer. In fact, they actually dislike it, perhaps due to its tall, feathery stalks or its fragrance. Either way, we love Russian Sage’s beautiful purple flowers, as they give our gardens a textured look that few other plants can offer.
Peonies
Still facing trouble from those pesky deer? Consider trying to grow peonies, which deer generally avoid, mainly due to their texture. Unfortunately, young peony shoots may tempt deer in the early spring, but once they fully develop, they’re sure to keep the deer away. Once planted, they’re low-maintenance and bring beauty year after year, so they’re pretty handy to have in more ways than one.
Marigolds
Most gardeners love the strong, peppery scent of marigolds, but surprisingly, deer aren’t fussed. In fact, they really dislike this fragrance, so they won’t touch anything close to it, and that includes your vegetables. As a result, you can plant marigolds around your favorite vegetables, flowers, and other plants, giving yourself the peace of mind that you can continue to focus on your garden deer-free.
Daffodils
They may look beautiful to us, but daffodils are seriously unappealing to deer, mainly because of the bitter taste of their bulbs and leaves. These bright yellow flowers are among the first to bloom in spring, signaling warmer days ahead, not to mention a deer-free spring and summer. So, why not plant some daffodils in your garden? It’s a really easy way to add color and keep deer from nibbling on more enticing flowers.
Yarrow
Another plant that deer just won’t touch is the yarrow, which has a bitter taste, much like daffodils, along with a strong scent that generally discourages deer. It’s unfortunate that this means you won’t get to enjoy the visual appeal of deer in your garden, but at least by growing yarrows, you can enjoy their beauty, along with that of other plants, without being paranoid about deer.
Allium
Strangely, the oniony smell of allium keeps deer at bay, even though humans tend to love it. Its globe-shaped flowers stand out in purple, white, or pink hues, creating a modern flair and thriving in sunny spots, making them a wonderful addition to any garden. Better still, they only need a little bit of water once they have rooted, making it a smart and stylish choice for areas prone to deer.
Snapdragons
As with other plants on this list, the snapdragon’s texture and slight bitterness just aren’t tasty in the eyes of deer. Yes, they may occasionally nibble on them in food-scarce areas, but it’s pretty unlikely, especially in your yard. So, choose some snapdragons from the available rainbow of colors, and they’re sure to make your gardening experience more pleasant.
Lamb’s Ear
It’s easy to see why the lamb’s ear was given its name; its soft, velvety leaves have a fluffy texture, one that humans love to see but deer generally ignore. If you have a deer problem, this plant is already a solid idea, but remember that it also boasts silvery foliage, bringing a glorious contrast to any garden, particularly in sunny areas. Therefore, it’s an excellent plant for any veggie patch overall.
Globe Thistle
While you might think they look gorgeous, globe thistle’s spiky texture and bold look are usually off-putting to deer. These hardy plants have round, blue flowers that appear in midsummer, attracting pollinators without inviting deer, which is ideal. That way, you can enjoy the benefits that pollination has on your other plants without having your hard work ruined by these cute yet frustrating mammals.
Salvia
As you might expect, the slightly bitter taste of the salvia flower makes it a gross choice for deer. It’s one of our top picks on this list, as salvia is also tough, tolerates heat, and blooms for months, providing plenty of beauty without much risk at all. It’s also a favorite of hummingbirds, who’ll appreciate its presence, but we guarantee that the deer will stay away either way.
Bleeding Heart
Don’t be disturbed by the somewhat morbid name of this plant; the bleeding heart’s delicate flowers are wonderful additions to any garden. Conveniently, deer tend to avoid them, so you can go ahead and plant them without worrying about them becoming a snack. Best of all, they’ll deter deer from your other plants if you plant them close enough; simply ensure you’ve investigated it as a companion plant, and you should be good to go.
Boxwood
Boxwood’s dense, evergreen leaves don’t attract deer, although in winter, they may nibble on it if other food is scarce. Usually, though, this won’t be the case, so it’s still a pretty safe bet. Moreover, boxwood is often used for hedges as it can be shaped to add structure to your garden, so it’s a really unique and decorative choice that you’ll no doubt fall in love with.
Japanese Painted Fern
The final plant on this list is the Japanese-painted fern, a plant whose delicate fronds and soft colors aren’t tempting in the slightest to deer. For some reason, this shade-loving plant brings a subtle elegance to garden spaces for humans but nightmares for our four-legged friends. So, if you’re still suffering from deer treating your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet, plant some Japanese-painted fern along with other deer-deterrent plants, and your problem will be solved in no time.