Ground covers are an essential aspect of garden design, providing aesthetic appeal, erosion control, and a habitat for beneficial flora and fauna. Fortunately, many beautiful ground cover plants are naturally resistant to deer. In this post, we’ll explore a range of deer-resistant ground covers, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and ideal growing conditions.
Astilbe
Astilbe, known for its feathery plumes of flowers, thrives in shady, moist environments, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens. The foliage is attractive, with deeply divided leaves that provide texture. Though primarily appreciated for its stunning blooms, deer generally avoid Astilbe due to its bitter taste. This perennial can grow in a variety of soil types, as long as it is kept consistently moist. Astilbe comes in various colors, including pink, white, and red, allowing for a colorful display throughout the summer months. Additionally, it can grow up to 3 feet tall, making it a striking addition to understory plantings.
Sedum
Sedum, commonly referred to as stonecrop, is a succulent perennial that is lauded for its drought resistance. It features fleshy leaves and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers, drawing pollinators into the garden while staying off the menu for deer. Sedum prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it an ideal candidate for rock gardens, borders, and containers. With varieties that range from ground-hugging types to taller forms, Sedum can adapt to various landscape styles. Its low-maintenance nature and ability to thrive in poor soils make it a favorite among gardeners seeking resilience and beauty.
Creeping Phlox
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata) is a perennial ground cover that produces an abundance of colorful flowers in spring, creating a vibrant carpet of color. This plant is well-adapted to sunny locations and does well in poor or rocky soils, making it a fantastic choice for challenging garden spots. Deer typically avoid Creeping Phlox due to the plant’s aromatic foliage and potential toxic properties. Available in various colors, including pink, blue, and white, this perennial can bloom for several weeks, attracting butterflies and other pollinators. Moreover, its ability to prevent soil erosion makes it a practical choice for slopes or border plantings.
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)
Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) is an evergreen ground cover that provides year-round interest with its low-spreading habit and needle-like leaves. This hardy plant is drought-resistant once established and can tolerate various soil types, preferring well-drained conditions. The deer tend to avoid it, possibly due to the dense foliage and aromatic oils it contains. Creeping Juniper can thrive in full sun and is an excellent option for rock gardens, slopes, or as a border along pathways. In addition to its decorative value, it also serves as a habitat for small wildlife.
Bleeding Heart
Ideal for shaded and semi-shaded areas, Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis) is famed for its unique heart-shaped flowers that dangle from arching stems. While the foliage emerges lush and green in spring, the plants are often shunned by deer due to the slight toxicity of their leaves and stems. Bleeding Heart prefers rich, moist soils and is an excellent choice for cottage gardens or shaded borders. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, and its delicate, drooping flowers can range from pink to white, providing a romantic touch to any landscape.
Lungwort
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) is a charming perennial well-suited for shady gardens. It features spotted leaves and produces clusters of star-shaped flowers in early spring, transitioning from pink to blue as they mature. The distinct foliage and early blooms make Lungwort an attractive option, while its slightly bitter taste discourages deer from munching on it. This plant thrives in rich, moist soil and often spreads to create a lush ground cover, making it a suitable addition to woodland gardens or shady borders.
Bee Balm
Bee Balm (Monarda), also known as Oswego Tea, boasts vibrant, tubular flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This perennial thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. While not every deer will know to avoid it, its strong fragrance can deter foraging. Bee Balm can reach heights of about 3 to 4 feet and can be a prolific spreader, so it’s perfect for filling in areas and creating a colorful display over the summer. In addition to its ornamental value, the leaves can be used to make herbal teas, adding a practical benefit to its cultivation.
Coneflower
Coneflower (Echinacea) is renowned for its daisy-like blooms and is a staple in many gardens. With its ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators, it adds life and vibrancy to garden spaces. Deer typically steer clear of Coneflower thanks to its tough foliage and resilience. This perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it suitable for borders, meadows, or wildflower gardens. The flowers can range in color from purple to pink to white, and many varieties also offer medicinal benefits, historically used for boosting the immune system.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula) is beloved for its aromatic leaves and beautiful purple flowers. This Mediterranean herb is very drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained, sandy soils. Its strong scent is often enough to deter deer, making it an excellent choice for both decorative gardens and culinary uses. Lavender thrives in full sun, producing vibrant blooms from early summer to fall. It can be utilized as a ground cover, grown in borders, or even in containers. Beyond its practicality, it adds a delightful aroma to gardens and is well-known for attracting various pollinators.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial ground cover that flourishes in shady environments. With its whorled leaves and white star-like flowers, it creates an enchanting carpet beneath trees or in shady borders. Deer are typically unimpressed by the plant due to the chemical compounds in its leaves, which can emit a sweet scent reminiscent of freshly cut hay. The plant spreads easily, forming a dense mat that helps suppress weeds and retains moisture in the soil. Its ability to adapt to low-light conditions makes it a great ground cover for woodland gardens.
Hardy Geranium
Hardy Geranium (Geranium spp.), also known as cranesbill, is a versatile perennial that offers a range of leaf shapes and flower colors. Deer generally avoid this plant due to its toughness and bitter taste. Hardy Geraniums excel in various soil types and can tolerate full sun to partial shade, making them adaptable to many landscapes. The foliage is often attractive throughout the growing season, turning vibrant colors in autumn. Hardy Geranium blooms from late spring through summer, making it an excellent choice for filling in garden beds and adding texture to landscapes.
Catmint
Catmint (Nepeta) is a stylish addition to any garden, known for its aromatic leaves and beautiful blue-purple flowers. Similar to its cousin, catnip, Catmint emits a pleasant fragrance that can deter deer while attracting beneficial insects. It’s exceptionally drought-tolerant and flourishes in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for dry gardens and borders. This perennial blooms from late spring to early summer and can rebloom in late summer with proper care. Its low-maintenance nature, combined with a spreading habit, makes it a desirable choice for creating borders or filling gaps in the landscape.
Pachysandra
Pachysandra is a classic ground cover for shady areas, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds while brightening up darker spots in your garden. Its glossy, evergreen leaves stay vibrant throughout the year, providing visual interest even in winter months. Deer usually avoid Pachysandra due to its bitter-tasting foliage. This low-growing perennial flourishes in rich, well-drained soil and is an excellent choice for foundations or under trees. The small, white flower spikes in spring add a delicate touch to the lush green backdrop.
Lyreleaf Sage
Lyreleaf Sage (Salvia lyrata) is a fascinating ground cover plant featuring striking foliage and spikes of purple flowers. It thrives best in sunny to partly shaded locations, adapting to various soil types, though it prefers well-drained terrain. What attracts gardeners to Lyreleaf Sage is its ability to attract pollinators while remaining largely untouched by deer. The sturdy leaves are a distinctive heart shape, contributing to the plant’s year-round interest. It’s a great option for naturalizing in meadows or using in perennial borders.
Wormwood
Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is a unique addition to any garden, known for its silvery-green foliage and aromatic scent. Often used for its medicinal properties, it is generally unappealing to deer due to its bitter taste and strong fragrance. Wormwood thrives in dry, well-drained soil and full sun, making it an ideal choice for drought-tolerant gardens. The plant can also deter certain insects, offering a dual purpose in the garden. Wormwood’s interesting foliage can add texture and contrast to garden beds, enhancing the visual appeal.
Russian Sage
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is a drought-resistant perennial boasting silvery, aromatic foliage and tall spikes of blue-purple flowers. Its resilience in sunny, dry locations makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to create low-maintenance landscapes. The strong scent of the foliage helps deter deer, while the abundant blooms attract butterflies and bees. Russian Sage thrives in well-drained soil, typically blooming from late summer to fall, adding color and life to your garden even as other plants begin to fade away.
Lamb’s Ear
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) is cherished for its soft, fuzzy leaves that resemble those of a lamb. The silver-gray foliage adds an attractive element to ground cover, while its drought resistance and ability to thrive in full sun or partial shade make it highly versatile. Deer tend to avoid Lamb’s Ear owing to its texture and flavor. In late spring, it produces tall spikes of pinkish-purple flowers that provide additional visual interest and attract pollinators. Its ability to spread and fill in vacant spaces makes it a practical choice for sunny garden beds.
Creeping Thyme
Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is an aromatic ground cover option known for its small flowers and evergreen foliage. This hardy perennial withstands foot traffic, making it ideal for pathways or between stepping stones. The fragrant leaves deter deer, and the plant attracts bees and butterflies in summer with its tiny blooms. Creeping Thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal maintenance. As it spreads, it forms a lush, aromatic carpet that can be a delightful addition to any garden.
Columbine
Columbine (Aquilegia) is a perennial with delicate, nodding flowers available in various colors. This plant thrives in partial shade to full sun, adapting well to diverse soil conditions. Columbine tends to escape attention from deer due to its unusual shape and slight toxicity. It blooms in spring, producing unique-shaped flowers that offer charm and elegance. Its ability to self-seed can lead to naturalized colonies within the garden, offering an effortless way to introduce this beauty throughout your landscape.
Liriope
Liriope, often referred to as monkey grass, is a versatile, evergreen ground cover that performs well in both sun and shade. Its grass-like appearance and purple flower spikes in late summer make it an attractive option for borders or shaded areas. Deer generally avoid Liriope, which adds to its appeal for gardeners concerned about wildlife. Its tolerance to a wide range of soil conditions and drought makes it a resilient choice. Additionally, Liriope can serve as a practical barrier to prevent erosion on slopes.
Catnip
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is renowned for its ability to attract felines, but it also provides benefits for human gardens. This hardy perennial features fuzzy, gray-green foliage and produces small, tubular flowers that attract bees and butterflies, adding diversity to your garden ecosystem. Deer typically avoid Catnip due to its strong herbal scent. Best grown in full sun, Catnip can tolerate a range of soil types, making it easy to care for. Its vigorous nature ensures that it effectively covers ground and prevents weeds, presenting a practical and fragrant addition to gardens.
Blue Oat Grass
Blue Oat Grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens) is a striking ornamental grass that features blue-gray foliage and produces airy flower heads in summer. This plant thrives in sunny, well-drained locations and is known for its drought tolerance. Deer typically refrain from consuming Blue Oat Grass, possibly due to its coarse texture. This grass adds a stunning contrast to more colorful garden blooms and can serve as an excellent backdrop in mixed borders. Its upright form creates a visually appealing structural element in the landscape year-round.
Northern Sea Oat Grass
Northern Sea Oat Grass (Chasmanthium latifolium) is an attractive ornamental grass that produces cascading seed heads resembling oats. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Deer usually bypass this grass, offering a low-maintenance ground cover option. Northern Sea Oat Grass’s arching appearance makes it a fantastic choice for borders, alongside water features, or in woodland gardens. Its elegant movement in the breeze adds a dynamic quality to the landscape.
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo Grass (Buchloe dactyloides) is a native prairie grass that stands out for its drought tolerance and heat resistance. It forms a dense mat that can cover large areas, making it an excellent choice for lawns or informal meadows. Deer tend to avoid Buffalo Grass due to its coarse texture. This grass requires full sun and thrives in well-drained soils, making it a suitable low-maintenance option for homeowners looking to reduce watering needs while providing an attractive cover for their yard.
Emerald Gaiety Euonymus
Emerald Gaiety Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety’) is a striking evergreen ground cover that features variegated white and green leaves. This adaptable plant can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to shade, and is resistant to drought once established. Deer are generally uninterested in the foliage, allowing it to flourish in gardens with wildlife concerns. The attractive foliage brings year-round interest, making it a perfect choice for borders and containers, while its ability to spread allows it to fill in gaps effectively.
Yellow Loosestrife
Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris) is a perennial with vibrant yellow flowers that bloom in summer. It thrives in moist areas and is often found along pond edges or in wetland gardens. While deer may munch on some plants, Yellow Loosestrife’s slightly bitter taste typically keeps them at bay. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires consistent moisture, making it a solid choice for rain gardens or naturalized areas. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this plant can also attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Sweet Alyssum
Sweet Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is an annual ground cover that delights with its sweet fragrance and tiny clusters of white, pink, or purple flowers. It’s incredibly beneficial for attracting pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Deer often avoid Sweet Alyssum due to its aromatic properties. This adaptable plant flourishes in sunny to partially shaded areas and is excellent for hanging baskets, borders, and mixed gardens. Its ability to self-seed means it can provide a continuous presence in the garden for years to come.
Licorice Plant
Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare) is an aromatic perennial with distinctive silvery foliage that is perfect for trailing over pots or baskets. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for containers or garden borders. Deer tend to steer clear of its leaves, contributing to its appeal for gardeners concerned about wildlife. With a low-maintenance nature, the Licorice Plant provides both ornamental interest and an engaging texture that complements other plants in your garden.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) is a classic, fragrant perennial that produces delicate, nodding white flowers in spring. It thrives in shaded or partially shaded areas and forms a lush ground cover over time, making it ideal for woodland gardens. Deer generally avoid Lily of the Valley due to its toxicity, allowing it to flourish in various garden settings without fear of being eaten. Preferring rich, well-drained soil, this plant not only beautifies gardens but also fills the air with its sweet fragrance in early spring.
Conclusion
When designing a garden, selecting deer-resistant ground covers can significantly reduce the risk of damage from hungry wildlife. Each of these plants contributes beauty and function to your landscape, providing various textures, colors, and benefits. From the airy blooms of Astilbe to the aromatic foliage of Lavender, there’s a deer-resistant ground cover suited to any gardening style or condition. By incorporating these resilient plants, you can achieve a lush, vibrant garden that thrives in the presence of wildlife, allowing you to enjoy nature while protecting your beloved landscape.
