Plant a Deer Resistant Garden!

Many who live in the suburbs share their environment with the native wildlife. For the most part, we can live in harmony with these creatures and drive considerable pleasure from their presence. However, the whitetail deer has absolutely no respect for the property of his human neighbors and possesses great athletic ability, making it difficult if not impossible to preclude its presence.

No small tree or shrub is safe from the buck that is rubbing the velvet from his antlers or marking his area. They not only cause breakage, but will rub the bark completely off a plant, causing its eventual death. The only protection is to place a cage of fencing around the plant. Here is a listing of plants which deer do not seem to like well enough to severely damage by eating. But a word of warning; deer can’t read and when they are hungry, they will eat almost anything.

Annuals

Ageratum                    Dusty Miller                 Oregano                      Rosemary

Angelonia                   Heliotrope                    Periwinkle (Vinca)       Russian Sage

Angel’s Trumpet         Lantana                       Petunia                        Sage/Salvia

Cleome                       Lobularia                     Poppy                          Snapdragon

Perennials

Artemisia                     Coneflower                  Iris                               Sage/Salvia

Beard Tongue              Coreopsis                    Lamb’s Ear                  Santolina

Bleeding Heart             Cranesbill                    Lavender                     Thyme

Catmint                        Euphorbia                    Peony                          Yarrow

Shrubs

Abelia                          Elaeagnus                   Juniper                        Privet

Barberry                      Quince                        Mahonia                      Spruce

Butterfly Bush             Holly                            Nandina                       Viburnum

Boxwood                     Japanese Plum Yew   Pomegranate              Yucca

Grasses

Bluestem                     Fountain                      Maiden                        Pampas

Feather Reed              Japanese Sedge         Dwarf Mondo              Sweet Flag

Vines

English Ivy                  Jasmine                      Trumpet Creeper        Wisteria

Trees

Bald Cypress              Gingko                        Pine                             River Birch