Gardening can be a delightful and fulfilling hobby, but not when all your hard work is undone by hungry deer. But despair not! Certain perennial flowers are known for their deer-resistant qualities, allowing us to enjoy a vibrant garden without the worry of it being devoured.
In this post, we’ll explore a variety of perennial flowers that deer typically avoid, highlighting their unique features and care requirements.
Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia)
The Red Hot Poker, also known as Kniphofia, is a striking perennial that commands attention in any landscape. With its tall spikes of tubular flowers that resemble fiery torches, it adds vibrant color in late spring through summer. The flowers bloom in shades of orange, yellow, and red, creating a stunning visual display that attracts hummingbirds while deterring deer due to their somewhat unpalatable taste.
Planting Red Hot Poker in well-drained soil and a sunny location ensures robust growth. This perennial can thrive in various climates and is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a resilient addition to the garden. Their unique appearance also makes them excellent focal points or conversation pieces in border gardens.
Yarrow (Achillea)
Yarrow, or Achillea, is another deer-resistant perennial, renowned for its hardiness and versatility. Yarrow boasts clusters of tiny, flat-topped flowers that bloom in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, pink, and red. This flowering herb is particularly valued for its medicinal properties, historically used in traditional healing practices.
In the garden, Yarrow prefers well-draining soil and full sun, flourishing even in poor conditions. Its aromatic foliage adds to its deer-resistant qualities, as the strong scent can repel these animals. Yarrow is also excellent for attracting pollinators, making it a dual-purpose plant that enhances the beauty of your garden while supporting local ecosystems.
Milkweed (Asclepias)
Milkweed, or Asclepias, is not just a deer-resistant perennial; it’s a vital plant for many butterfly species, particularly the iconic monarch butterfly. Known for its clusters of whimsical flowers which can range from pink to orange, milkweed is a standout choice in any pollinator garden.
Aside from its ecological benefits, milkweed prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location, similar to many other perennials on this list. Its milky sap can deter deer, providing a natural chemical barrier against browsing. By planting milkweed, gardeners can contribute to conservation efforts while also enjoying vibrant blooms that thrive with minimal care.
Pinks (Dianthus)
Dianthus, commonly referred to as Pinks, are delightful perennials characterized by their fragrant, fringed flowers that bloom in various shades, from deep pinks to whites and reds. Known for their long flowering periods, Pinks also exhibit significant resistance to deer due to their aromatic nature.
These plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun, making them perfect for rock gardens or borders. With proper care, such as deadheading spent flowers to encourage new blooms, Pinks can reward gardeners with abundant, fragrant flowers throughout the summer months. Their compact form also makes them suitable for smaller spaces.
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Coneflowers or Echinacea are beloved by gardeners for their vibrant blooms and wildlife attraction capabilities. The daisy-like flowers, typically in purple hues, possess a striking central cone that provides aesthetic appeal and essential nectar for pollinators.
Deer generally avoid Echinacea, likely due to the sturdy texture of its leaves and the plant’s overall resilience. Coneflowers thrive in average, well-drained soil and need full sun to part shade. Furthermore, they are drought-resistant once established, making them an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens that still deliver stunning seasonal displays.
Globe Thistle (Echinops)
Echinops, also known as Globe Thistle, is admired for its unique spherical flower heads that appear atop tall stems, creating an architectural element in any garden. Blooming in shades of blue or purple, these perennial flowers are prized not only for their beauty but also for their ability to withstand browsing from deer.
Globe Thistles prefer well-drained soils and full sunlight, thriving in dry, sandy conditions. Their spiny foliage and tough texture are often unappealing to deer. Beyond their resistance to deer, these plants are also favored by bees and butterflies, making them a great addition for those looking to support pollinator populations.
Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)
The Blanket Flower, or Gaillardia, brings a vibrant splash of color, with its radiantly colored petals that feature combinations of red, orange, and yellow. This durable perennial is well-known for its ability to bloom profusely throughout the summer, often until the first frost.
Deer tend to steer clear of Gaillardia, which thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. They are drought-tolerant and incredibly resilient, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners and regions with less frequent rainfall. With their long-lasting blooms, these flowers can create cheerful patches of color throughout the garden.
Daylily (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies, or Hemerocallis, are classic perennial favorites among gardeners. Their graceful flowers bloom for a single day, but a single plant often produces many blooms over several weeks, creating a dynamic summer display. Available in a multitude of colors and shapes, daylilies can fit into virtually any garden design.
The toughness of their leaves often makes daylilies unpalatable to deer, who usually avoid them. Daylilies thrive in a variety of soil types and can tolerate both sun and partial shade, making them highly adaptable. They also require minimal maintenance, establishing themselves well and spreading over time.
Lupins (Lupinus)
Lupins, or Lupinus, are remarkable perennials that are characterized by their tall, spiky flower clusters adorned with pea-like blooms in an array of colors, including blue, purple, red, and yellow. These flowers are not only stunning but also enrich the soil due to their nitrogen-fixing properties.
Deer typically avoid Lupins, possibly due to their toxic nature when ingested. They are best suited for well-drained soil and enjoy full sunlight or light shade. Lupins can also attract beneficial pollinators, making them an excellent addition to biodiversity-focused gardens.
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata) is a perennial that can truly light up any summer garden. With its large clusters of fragrant flowers, it comes in myriad colors from rich pinks and reds to soft whites and purples. The aromatic nature of Phlox helps deter deer, contributing to its popularity in many landscapes.
For optimal growth, Garden Phlox prefers fertile, well-drained soil and full sun. These plants thrive with consistent watering during dry spells, and removing spent flowers can promote additional blooms throughout the growing season. Their vibrant colors and delightful fragrance make them a cherished choice for borders and cottage gardens.
Stonecrop (Sedum)
Stonecrop, or Sedum, is a diverse genus of hardy succulents known for their fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers. They come in various forms and colors, providing a wonderful textural contrast to traditional flowering plants. Sedum is particularly valued for its drought-resistant capabilities, thriving in poor soil conditions.
The thick leaves and stems of Stonecrop make them less appealing to deer, adding to their desirability for low-maintenance gardens. These perennials can be planted in full sun or partial shade, making them a versatile choice for rock gardens, borders, or ground cover. In late summer and early autumn, Sedum produces clusters of small flowers that attract pollinators, further enhancing the overall beauty of the garden.
Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
Bleeding Hearts, or Lamprocapnos spectabilis, are perennial flowers recognized for their unique heart-shaped blooms that dangle gracefully from arching stems. Their enchanting appearance makes them a treasured addition to shaded gardens, bringing a whimsical touch to woodland or cottage-themed landscapes.
The deer resistance of Bleeding Hearts can be attributed to their toxic characteristics, which deter browsing. These plants thrive in rich, well-drained soil, particularly in partial to full shade, making them perfect for enhancing understory areas. Their stunning blooms typically appear in spring, providing an early burst of color before many other perennials begin to flower.
Monkshood (Aconitum)
Monkshood, or Aconitum, is a perennial known for its dramatic hooded flowers that bloom in striking shades of blue, purple, and white. With its tall stature and unique flower shape, Monkshood can serve as an eye-catching accent in any garden setting.
Known for being toxic, Monkshood is generally avoided by deer, adding to its appeal for gardeners who struggle with these animals. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade, making it a suitable candidate for borders or shaded areas. Gardeners should exercise caution when handling this plant, as it contains alkaloids that can be harmful if ingested.
Sea Holly (Eryngium)
Sea Holly, or Eryngium, presents a unique presence in the garden with its spiky, thistle-like flowers that bloom in shades of blue, purple, or white. These hardy perennials exude an air of elegance and are often used to create dramatic focal points within gardens.
Deer are typically deterred by Sea Holly’s spiky foliage, enhancing its status as a deer-resistant perennial. They thrive in well-draining soil and full sun, flourishing even in dry conditions. Beyond their resilience, Sea Holly attracts bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Columbine, or Aquilegia, is a charming perennial known for its unique, intricate flowers that come in various colors, often featuring contrasting petals. Their delicate form and nodding blooms attract numerous pollinators while adding grace to the garden.
Deer tend to avoid Columbine, likely due to its toxic nature. These plants enjoy well-drained soil and dappled sun or partial shade, making them suitable for woodland gardens or border areas. With their ability to self-seed, Columbine can naturalize in the garden, enhancing its enchanting charm as the seasons progress.
Veronica Speedwell (Veronica)
Veronica, particularly the Speedwell varieties, are popular for their upright spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers. These perennials bloom from late spring to early summer, creating striking vertical accents in any garden.
Due to their tough foliage and stem structure, Veronica is typically unappealing to deer. They prefer well-drained soils and full sun, making them resilient additions to any landscape. Furthermore, Veronica plants are low-maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, proving to be a versatile and useful choice for gardeners.
Goatsbeard (Aruncus)
Goatsbeard, or Aruncus, is a stately perennial that can reach impressive heights, offering a dramatic floral display in shaded gardens. Featuring feathery, white flower plumes that bloom in late spring to early summer, Goatsbeard provides an airy quality to borders and woodland gardens.
Deer generally avoid this plant due to its texture and potential toxicity. Goatsbeard prefers rich, moist soil and partial shade, making it well-suited for garden areas with more shade. Its lush foliage and impressive blooms create beautiful contrasts with other flowering plants and foliage in the garden.
Foamflower (Tiarella)
Foamflower, or Tiarella, is a delightful choice for shaded areas, featuring lovely foliage and delicate white or pink flower spikes. Known for its heart-shaped leaves, this perennial is perfect for creating lush ground cover or edging in woodland gardens.
Foamflower’s natural texture and chemical composition contribute to its deer resistance. It thrives in rich, well-drained soil with consistent moisture and partial shade. When planted en masse, Foamflower creates an enchanting display of flowers during the spring, enhancing shady garden spaces with elegance and charm.
Oriental Poppy (Papaver orientale)
The Oriental Poppy, or Papaver orientale, is a show-stopping perennial known for its massive, tissue-like flowers that bloom in vibrant hues, including red, orange, and pink. The large blooms can bring a burst of color to any garden, making them a fantastic choice for a focal point.
Deer tend to avoid Poppies, possibly due to their toxic alkaloids and unique texture. These perennials prefer well-drained, rich soil and full sunlight. While they may require some care and attention during their early growth stage, Oriental Poppies can thrive and provide breathtaking blooms over many years.
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
Peonies, or Paeonia lactiflora, are cherished for their lush, full blooms that come in various colors and sizes. These perennial favorites exude elegance, often serving as the centerpiece of many garden designs. Their intoxicating fragrance and saturated colors make them popular among gardeners.
Deer generally avoid Peonies, potentially due to their strong fragrance and tough leaf structure. They thrive in well-drained soil and benefit from full sun, although they can tolerate some partial shade. Additionally, Peonies require minimal maintenance and can provide years of stunning blooms with proper care.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender, or Lavandula, is a fragrant perennial herb known for its graceful spikes of purple flowers and distinctive aroma. In addition to being prized for its beauty, Lavender is favored for its culinary and medicinal uses, attracting bees and butterflies to the garden.
The strong scent of Lavender helps deter deer, making it an excellent choice for those struggling with these creatures. This perennial prefers well-drained, sandy soil and full sunlight. Once established, Lavender thrives in dry conditions, requiring minimal care. Its aromatic foliage and stunning blooms enhance not just the look of the garden but also its overall sensory experience.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb beloved by cats and humans alike. With its soft, fuzzy leaves and delicate lavender blossoms, it adds a charming touch to herb gardens and borders. Catnip is known for its deer-resistant properties, primarily due to its strong aromatic scent.
This perennial thrives in sunny, well-drained environments and can tolerate various soil types. Once planted, it tends to spread, creating lush patches that can also attract a variety of beneficial insects. Beyond its use in gardens, Catnip can provide a natural, calming herbal remedy for both pets and humans.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea, is a striking perennial known for its tall spikes of tubular flowers that can reach impressive heights. The flowers bloom in shades of white, purple, and pink, creating an eye-catching display in any garden.
The toxicity of Foxglove makes it a plant deer generally avoid. This perennial thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and prefers partial shade, making it a popular choice for woodland gardens. In addition to its beauty, Foxglove attracts bees and other pollinators, serving a dual purpose in the garden.
Sage (Salvia)
Sage, or Salvia, is a diverse genus of perennial plants that encompasses numerous colorful and aromatic varieties. Known for their spikes of flowers that bloom in vibrant blues, purples, and pinks, sages are wonderful additions to cottage gardens, causing deer to think twice before tasting their foliage.
These plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun, thriving with minimal maintenance. The aromatic oils present in the foliage deter deer and other herbivores. Sage also has culinary uses and attracts beneficial pollinators, making it a multi-purpose choice for the garden.
Russian Sage (Perovskia)
Russian Sage, or Perovskia atriplicifolia, is a hardy perennial known for its tall, wispy stems adorned with small, purple-blue flowers. This drought-tolerant plant brings a delicate elegance to gardens and landscapes, particularly in sunny areas.
Deer tend to avoid Russian Sage, likely due to its aromatic foliage and tough, woody stems. These perennials thrive in well-drained, poor soils, making them ideal for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens. With their long blooming period, Russian Sage adds color to the landscape while needing minimal care once established.
Ligularia (Ligularia)
Ligularia is a perennial known for its bold foliage and striking flower spikes that can reach impressive heights. With large leaves that provide a tropical feel and clusters of yellow flowers, Ligularia can serve as a stunning backdrop for other garden plants.
This perennial is generally avoided by deer due to its coarse texture and potential toxicity. Ligularia thrives in moist, rich soils and prefers partial shade, making it perfect for shady corners or border areas. Aside from being a deer deterrent, Ligularia also attracts pollinators, adding both beauty and function to the garden.
Iris (Iris)
Iris is a beloved perennial known for its beautiful, intricate flowers available in various colors. With a wide variety of species and cultivars, irises can bloom in early spring through summer, providing gardeners with stunning colors and elegant shapes.
Deer typically avoid Iris due to their sword-like leaves and the chemical compounds present in the plant that can deter browsing. These perennials thrive in a range of soil types, provided they have proper drainage and full sun. With their stunning visual appeal and resilience, irises are a fantastic addition to any flower garden.
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
Lamb’s Ear, or Stachys byzantina, is a unique perennial noted for its velvety, soft leaves resembling the ears of a lamb. This low-growing plant produces spikes of small purple flowers in late spring, adding an understated grace to gardens.
Deer typically avoid Lamb’s Ear due to its coarse texture and fuzziness. Lamb’s Ear flourishes in well-drained soil and prefers full sun, making it a great choice for borders and ground cover. Its ability to withstand drought conditions and suppress weeds further enhances its appeal in garden design.
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Bee Balm, or Monarda, is a fragrant perennial beloved for its vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom in rich hues such as red, pink, purple, and white. This plant is not just a beautiful addition to gardens; it’s also a magnet for pollinators, especially bees and butterflies.
Deer tend to avoid Bee Balm due to its aromatic foliage and potential taste. This perennial prefers well-draining soil and full sun or partial shade. With swift growth and long-lasting blooms, Bee Balm can create lively patches in gardens while supporting local pollinator populations.
Larkspur (Delphinium)
Larkspur, formally known as Delphinium, is a majestic perennial that brings vertical interest to the garden with its tall spikes of vibrant blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. Known for their dramatic height, Larkspurs make excellent background plants.
Deer generally avoid Larkspur due to its toxic properties. These plants thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. Larkspurs can be a challenge to cultivate in some climates, but with adequate care and attention, they can produce stunning blooms that showcase the beauty of your garden.
Astilbe (Astilbe)
Astilbe is a lovely perennial known for its feathery flower plumes that bloom in rich shades of pink, red, and white, creating an eye-catching display in shady garden areas. The lush, fern-like foliage adds terrific texture, making it an attractive choice for mixed borders.
Deer typically avoid Astilbe, potentially due to its high moisture requirements and texture. These plants thrive best in rich, moist soils with partial shade, making them ideal for woodland gardens, bog areas, or along water features. Their prolonged blooming window and attractive foliage provide interest throughout the season.
Daffodils (Narcissus)
Daffodils, or Narcissus, are iconic harbingers of spring, known for their trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in cheerful yellows, whites, and oranges. They are heralded for their beauty, resilience, and the ability to naturalize in gardens.
Deer generally avoid Daffodils due to their toxic properties, making them an excellent choice for those worried about browsing. These perennials thrive in well-drained soil and prefer full sun, establishing themselves readily in many landscapes. With their early blooms, daffodils can kickstart the gardening season with fresh color after a long winter.
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Hyacinths, or Hyacinthus orientalis, are beloved for their dense flower clusters that fill the air with a sweet scent. These spring-blooming bulbs come in a range of colors, from white to striking blues and purples.
Deer typically avoid Hyacinths due to their toxicity and their strong fragrance. These plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun, making them perfect for borders or as focal points in containers. With minimal care and a little patience, Hyacinths can provide a lush, aromatic display that enhances any spring garden.
Fritillaria (Fritillaria imperialis)
Fritillaria, particularly the crown imperial variety, boasts unique, bell-shaped flowers that hang elegantly from tall stalks. The alluring, exotic appearance of these plants adds dramatic vertical interest to garden spaces.
Deer usually avoid Fritillaria due to its bulb toxicity and unpleasant scent. These perennials thrive best in well-draining soil with full sun exposure. With their distinct appearance and late spring bloom times, Fritillaria serves as an exotic addition to any garden.
Ornamental Onion (Allium)
Allium, or Ornamental Onion, is admired for its striking globe-like flower heads that tower above lush foliage. These perennials bloom in various shades, often purple, creating bold splashes of color in late spring to summer.
Deer typically steer clear of Alliums due to their pungent odor and potential toxicity. These plants prefer well-draining soil and full sunlight, making them suitable for mixed borders or as stunning focal points. Alliums are also resistant to most pests and diseases, further enhancing their desirability for gardeners.
Crocus (Crocus)
Crocus is a delightful early spring perennial that heralds the arrival of spring with its cup-shaped flowers in vibrant colors, including yellow, purple, and white. These flowers can sometimes emerge even through snow, offering a joyous sight after a long winter.
Deer generally avoid Crocus due to its toxic properties, making them a great choice for gardeners looking to deter these animals. These plants thrive in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. With minimal care, Crocus can naturalize, creating colorful carpets of blooms that brighten up gardens in the early springtime.
