Spring is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about your garden! If you live in an area with a lot of deer, you know how frustrating it can be to watch your hard work get destroyed by these furry little pests. But don’t despair—there are plenty of deer-resistant flower bulbs that will make your garden their new favorite place to be. Check out our list of the top five deer-resistant flower bulbs below.
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
Hyacinths are fragrant, spring-flowering bulbs that come in a variety of colors. These beautiful flowers are a favorite of gardeners, but not so much of deer. Because of their strong scent, deer tend to steer clear of hyacinths. Plant these bulbs in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade in the fall.
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
Daffodils are one of the most popular spring-flowering bulbs. These perennial flowers come in many different shapes and sizes with blooms that range in color from yellow to white. Deer don’t particularly care for the taste of daffodils, so they tend to leave them alone. Plant daffodil bulbs in the fall in well-drained soil that receives full sun to partial shade.
Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
Snowdrops are small, white flowers that bloom in early spring. These delicate little flowers are often the first sign of spring after a long winter. Snowdrops grow best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Because they’re one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, deer often haven’t developed a taste for them yet and will leave them alone.
Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa spp.)
Glory-of-the-snow is a small, blue flower that blooms in early spring. Like snowdrops, glory-of-the-snow is often one of the first flowers to appear after a long winter. These pretty little flowers grow best in partial shade and moist, well drained soil. Because they bloom so early, deer have usually not developed a taste for them yet and will leave them alone.
Crocus (Crocus spp.)
Crocuses are small, early spring-flowering bulbs that come in a variety of colors including yellow, purple, white, and blue. These cheery little flowers are some of the first signs of spring after a long winter. Crocuses grow best in full sun to partial shade and moist, well drained soil. Deer don’t seem to care for the taste of crocuses and will usually leave them alone.
Siberian Squill (Scilla siberica)
With its delicate blue flowers, Siberian squill is a welcome addition to any spring garden. This bulb is not only deer-resistant, but also squirrel-resistant, making it a great option if you’re dealing with both pests. Plant Siberian squill in partial sun to full sun and give it well-drained soil for best results.
Allium (Allium spp.)
If you’re looking for a deer-resistant option that will add some height to your garden, consider planting alliums. These showy flowers come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and purple. Alliums prefer full sun and well-drained soil—plant them in the fall for best results.
Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis)
These charming little flowers are a classic springtime staple—and they just so happen to be deer resistant! Lily-of-the-valley prefers partial sun but will also tolerate full shade. It’s also quite tolerant of different soil types, making it a good choice for gardens with less than ideal conditions.
Netted Iris, Reticulated Iris (Iris reticulata)
Adding irises to your garden is a great way to attract bees and other pollinators. These beautiful flowers come in a variety of colors and patterns and make excellent cut flowers. Netted irises prefer full sun but will also tolerate partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil but are quite drought tolerant once they’re established.
Conclusion
There you have it—our top five deer resistant flower bulbs for your spring garden! With such a wide variety of options available, there’s sure to be something on this list that will suit your needs. So get out there and get planting! Your garden will thank you for it.