Plants Deer Don't Like
By Kristi Vaughan
One of the most effective ways to minimize damage from deer browsing is to plant ornamentals that the deer don’t like. The same goes for trees and shrubs.
In a good year this may be all that you need to do in order to reap the visual benefits of your work. Unfortunately, as horticultural experts at the University of Connecticut point out, there are no guarantees that a plant will be resistant to your local deer.
The level of deer-resistance varies by region and by severity of the winter. Plants that have been untouched for years may become the dinner of choice for deer in a cold snowy winter.
That said, landscapers, nurseries and agricultural extension services have developed lists of plants that have generally proven to be resistant. You also can take a walk through local parks and woods where there is no deer-protection and note what plants seem to be untouched.
Ornamentals
Generally speaking odiferous and fuzzy flowers are not the first choice for deer. And while deer will devour Tulips, they usually leave Daffodils and Allium alone.
The following ornamentals appear on many lists: Astillbe, Baptista, Bleeding Heart, Catmint, Bloody Cranesbill, Dusty Miller, Evening Primrose, Ferns, Foam Flower, Foxglove, Iris, Lavender, Monarda, Nasturtium, Peony, Salvia, Santolina, and Yarrow.
Herbs
Because of their strong taste and smell, herbs are usually avoided by deer. Some landscapers recommend using herbs as a natural barrier to keep deer away from more desirous plants.
Among the herbs that generally are not favored are: Chives, Chili Pepper, Garlic, Mints, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Wintergreen.
Trees and Shrubs
As you might imagine, plants with thorns and prickly leaves are not among the plants deer will go after – usually. So topping the list of deer resistant trees and shrubs are plants like Holly, Barberry and Hawthorn.
Also on many lists are: Boxwood, Butterfly Bush, Colorado Blue Spruce, Cotoneaster, Honeysuckle, Japanese Maple, Magnolia, Russian Olive, and Virburnum.
Plants to avoid
Just as deer have their dislikes, so do they have their favorites. Topping most lists are Hostas, Lilies, Tulips and Yews. If you new to an area and want to see what not to plant, take a drive around and note what shows signs of being eaten or is just non-existent.