To start, we need to warn you that there are few, if any, plants you can call deer-proof. So ask around! They need full sun. If you like the foliage of columbine, then you would probably also enjoy a plant called Columbine meadow rue. But many gardeners find that they have to go around the yard and pull it up from places it does not belong. Ground Cover Also known as lamb's ears, this is a mint plant that will keep the rabbits away. This unusual perennial is a highlight of partly shaded gardens with moist soil. The main difference is that Mysticas bronzy red foliage is longer lasting and stays attractive until frost, with the leaves turning an even richer red in fall and often persisting into early winter. 'Hameln' is a favorite for birds and resists hungry deer. Penstemon plants are usually disease-free when given the proper culture of full sun and good drainage. 0000002079 00000 n Persimmon trees are a great way to attract deer and a wise addition to any food plot or hunting area. That said, during winter they will eat higher fiber food like tree bark and nuts. If they are hungry enough, deer will eat pretty much anything. Hybrids bred for garden conditions are not as drought tolerant as native species and may require watering during prolonged dry spells. They dislike the flavor and sap that is inside the stems, and they also don't care for the fragrance of peony blooms. Lavender is one of the classic perennial herbs or subshrubs that are grown for their smell. These flowers live a long life; your peonies may outlive you! University of California, The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Fancy foliage is the latest thing in coralbells; these versatile little perennials now offer leaves in shades from nearly red to deep blue-green or even black. The beauty and variability of penstemons have brought them to the forefront of home gardening, especially in areas subjected to droughts, says Jennifer Bennett, author of Dryland Gardening. Sandy soil will help the pink blooms appear from mid-summer to early fall as well.. Stachys. If youre looking for a high-impact, long-blooming perennial with low water requirements and amazing diversity, penstemon, or beardtongue, is a top contender. If you are looking for a perennial with beautiful flowers to complete your deer-resistant garden, then the anemone is an excellent option. Best in full sun to part shade. Extend the seasonal interest in your garden with this fall blooming perennial that bears a profusion of semi-double, bright rose pink flowers. 11. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Features Petunias grow from 6 to 36 inches tall. !?|O.Q"m5"%bD}?:Dq& GDPP)p!jnAqbIaT)\b +A_KR;.MLbEuV3sGFu[;F.$GH>fatsG6A)bD1&030l9 Do deer and rabbits eat Shasta daisies? Plant the seed at a depth of to inch and keep the soil moist after planting for natural stratification to occur. Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirementlots of water. 0000011262 00000 n All are great for gardens since they're tough, drought-tolerant picks with long bloom seasons and colorful flowers loved by hummingbirds. The brightly colored Japanese Blood Grass is a popular choice. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. This showy perennial geranium, also known as cranesbill, is grown for its showybronze foliage and prolific, bright blue-purple flowers which cover the plant in early summer. 0000070586 00000 n 6. It is very drought tolerant once established. Most penstemons are 1 to 3 feet tall, but Palmer's penstemon can grow up to 6 feet, giving you options for the middle and back of the border. Cats, on the other hand, famously love the leaves of this perennial herb. 'Midnight Masquerade' Buy now from Proven WinnersPenstemon hybrid. The following list represents plants that deer and rabbits usually will not eat. Dark Towers also seems to retain its color better in summer. Deadheading will also prolong flowering, but be sure to leave a few seed heads on the stalks toward the end of the season so your plants can reseed. Both will eat daisies, munching on the plants until nothing is left but stubs. If you'd prefer something a little bigger that keeps its neat shape, try'Cat's Meow'. It can grow in zones four through 11, and it prefers indirect sunlight. 0000014501 00000 n 0000002660 00000 n A longtime favorite of many gardeners, coreopsis is a tough native plant with a long bloom season and starry flowers in shades of yellow or pink. A top plant of the late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with impressive wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage. It is very easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Also try P. mexicali Pikes Peak Purple, a companion hybrid with short spikes of grape-colored flowers. Plants that rabbits dislike include lavender, penstemon, artemesia, hyssop, sages, shasta daisy, gaillardia, common butterfly bush, blue mist spirea and . When you call certain plants deer-resistant perennials, it does not mean that Bambi never eats them. Click here to learn more about growing globe thistles. This answer isn't very helpful to anyone trying to put in attractive landscape plants or grow a vegetable garden. But they may even eat cosmos if they are in desperate search of food. In warmer climates, it will need some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Most penstemons are herbaceous perennials, but some hybrid strains are half-hardy and better suited for use as annual bedding plants. Deer steer clear once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage. Evening primroses and their relatives are tough, drought-tolerant plants perfect for the front of the border. We're especially fond of the thread-leaf selections such as 'Moonbeam' and 'Creme Brulee'. Deer aren't picky animals. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants to deter gnawing insects and set out beer traps to catch any stragglers. Once the flowering period is finished in the fall, leave the spent blooms on the plants to provide winter food for goldfinches and other birds. 0000002057 00000 n A king of the late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with feathery wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage. 0000030730 00000 n It is not just poisonous plants and plants with strong, sharp odors that deer mostly avoid. Deer are browsers and will nibble on what they find; deer resistant plants are the ones they test and then walk away from. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It bears spikes of lipstick pink flowers in early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded. That eats herbs, plants, trees, leaves, fruits, and vegetables. Full sun and dry, unfertile soil will keep them happiest for many years to come. Delphiniums are a "live fast, die young" kind of plant. 0000010637 00000 n You can't grow wrong with purple coneflower for summer gardens: It blooms for weeks, it attracts scores of butterflies, it makes a great cut flower, and it's often left alone by deer thanks to its rough foliage. One look at this plant's unique flowers tells you where it gets its common name. You can't grow wrong with purple coneflower for summer gardens: It blooms for weeks, it attracts scores of butterflies, it makes a great cut flower, and it's often left alone by deer thanks to its rough foliage. 0000001568 00000 n %0wsVpEBhqz(v]5pmz>dvy|jljvK.5=:},?>m4-In:&G$&. . Planted in a spot with well-drained soil and exposure to full sun, it will put on a show in mid- to late spring. One of the most dramatic bulbs, allium is also one of the most versatile with types ranging from little 6-inch-tall Allium moly to the 3-foot-tall 'Globemaster' with 8-inch-wide flowers. Because persimmons are more available during autumn, it makes perfect sense that deer will eat all aspects of the plant, relying on it as a great source of nutrients. The plantain family (Plantaginaceae) gifts us with some wonderful ornamental flowering plants, including snapdragons, foxglove, and the valuablePenstemon genus,which contains more than 250 beardtongue species ready to grow in your garden. Then you can avoid some of them and replace them with resistant varieties. Some of these include Stapleford Gem, Garnet, Apple Blossom, and Firebird. Wall germander is another perennial herb or subshrub that deer tend not to eat. 0000012648 00000 n (Zones: 4-8; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: June to September), Native to the northern Great Plains and northeastern states, this species is more tolerant of high humidity and moist soil than those of western origin. Our Firefly series is particularly upright and well-behaved in the landscape, staying where you plant it. Most geums reach a height of 50cm so are perfect for the front or middle of a border. 'Pink Diamonds' is one of our longest blooming perennials, beginning the show in late spring and continuing all the way into early fall. Like some of the other deer-resistant perennials, this classic cottage garden plant is toxic. Size: To 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Dry the pods left over after the blooming period for craft projects. Of course, they will prefer other plants without an alternative. Foliage of some species remains evergreen in mild climates. Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and well-drained soil. My personal experience has been that the dried flowers of the Northern Sea oats are lovely, but if . Generally speaking, peonies are not a flower deer like to eat. Jamie McIntosh has written about gardening and special occasion flowers for the Spruce since 2011. 0000002733 00000 n If you have never given them a try before, you now have an excuse to do so if you are seeking deer-resistant perennials. Deer also tend to steer clear of it (like they do of most other grasses) so you don't have to fear it being mowed down. This is a tall plant, reaching about 3 feet in height. Penstemon spp-Beardtongue; Convallaria majalis-Lily of the valley: Perovskia atriplicifolia-Russian sage; The plants that are listed here have shown resistance to deer: browsing, but during drought or extreme stress, deer: will try some of these listed as well. Blooms contrast nicely with yellow-blooming plants. Penstemon digitalis is commonly called Mississippi Penstemon because it is thought to have once been indigenous only to habitats in the Mississippi River Basin. It generally takes a year or two before seed-grown plants begin to bloom. Penstemons need little pruning, but removing the stems after flowering is complete will often promote new foliage growth and a second flush of blooms. The . Daniel Xu 09.09.13. This yellow alyssum, when planted in masses and displayed to best advantage, will give your landscape jaw-dropping beauty in spring. Cultivation But, planting deer-resistant perennials they dont prefer to eat will help. The splendid peony has large, beautiful, fragrant flowers. Deer love some types of food that are not necessarily available all the time. Wall germander is not as well known as it once was, but it's making a comeback as a plant that attracts bees. In early summer, airy spires of white flowers with just the faintest blush of pink emerge, creating a striking contrast with the dark foliage. Ornamental Grasses That Deer Seldom Eat. Technically, the showy feature of this deer-resistant perennial is called a "sepal," as opposed to a true flower petal. This is a specimen you will want to locate somewhere where you can fully appreciate the beauty of its flowers during the blooming period (May or June, depending on where you live). Two popular selections include rosy pink Red Rocks and violet purple Pikes Peak Purple. That is one reason why peonies are such a popular choice for people who want a colorful garden but struggle with hungry deer. What plants do deer hate the most? So these are some of the plants that are least likely to be eaten by deer, but there are no guarantees! The tubular flowers make an excellent landing pad for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds alike! Bonus: While hummingbirds love the plants, deer don't. From a distance, the plant looks a bit like small blue salvia. Spray immediately with clear varnish. Some of these plants are toxic to deer, while others produce strong smells that deer avoid. The Yucca Plant is a jagged plant that can look nice in any garden, but because of its spiky foliage, it can easily deter rabbits. Bees will drop by when this perennial is in bloom in the springtime, visiting each tiny blue blossom that dances above the foliage. Dig a hole and place so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Purple coneflowers aren't just purple anymore; today plant breeders have expanded its range from orange and yellow to white. Penstemons are easy to start from seed. Size: To 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide, depending on type. 0000012166 00000 n Deer possess small stomachs specially adapted for digesting small amounts of easily digestible foods like shoots, leaves, soft twigs, mushrooms, and lichen. And because lungwort is covered in coarse hairs, deer tend to leave it alone. Yes, deer do eat the Coleus plant. Not all irises are equally fragrant. Photo by Proven Winners. Multiple award-winner, Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a favorite of many gardeners for its unique, glowing dark purple stems and stunning, vertical spikes of rich, violet-blue flowers appearing in late spring or early summer. They are drought tolerant once established. 0000052892 00000 n Youll find bees foraging for pollen on them during every sunny afternoon that theyre in bloom, plus butterflies often join in the fun. Most penstemons are 1 to 3 feet tall, but Palmers penstemon can grow up to 6 feet, giving you options for the middle and back of the border. Size: To 3 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Silver-speckled foliage keeps things interesting for the whole season. It, like many other plants disliked by deer, bears scented foliage -- so it's nice to grow this plant where you can occasionally walk by and enjoy its scent. Penstemons may be bothered by slugs, snails, and spider mites. Prune rosemary and oregano; Late month: prune evergreen shrubs as they start to set new growth; Divide/Move Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. GROUNDCOVERS: Ajuga-Bugleweed: Lamium-Dead nettle: Hint: Many coreopsis do best if divided every few years to keep them vigorous and floriferous. Ornamental grasses are popular landscape plants and surprisingly, deer tend to stay away from them. While its fragrant foliage is not preferred by deer, all sorts of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are dazzled by its blooms which appear around early summer. 0000002756 00000 n Click here to learn more about wild ginger. We also appreciate the winter interest of its evergreen foliage. More information on Penstemon. Native to southern New Mexico and eastern Arizona. Plant yucca and forget it. Named after the Macedonian King of Thrace (Lysimachus), Lysimachia punctata (Yellow Loosestrife) is a perennial plant with great ornamental value, producing sturdy, upright stems loaded with abundant spikes of cup-shaped, golden yellow flowers, tinged with red at their heart. A favorite of native plant enthusiasts, these colorful perennials attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds with their vibrant blossoms each summer. Click here to learn more about growing columbine. Penstemon. It is a nicely scented low-growing perennial herb with delicate leaves that loves the sun. An underused perennial that deserves more attention, bugbane adds color to the shade garden in late summer, when many other plants have gone on hiatus. Varies widely. Another distinctive feature of this deer-resistant perennial is its short seasonal life. Do deer eat Penstemon plants? 0000001706 00000 n Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. While beardtongue is quite safe, foxglove is quite toxic. The "pulpit" is a hood-like structure that sits atop this perennial. Anemone. The deer will only eat Persimmon when they are ripe. A 3-inch layer of organic mulch can help to control weeds, and rock mulch is also a suitable choice. Aromatic Herbs. Catnip's botanical name is Nepeta cataria, which means it is a type of catmint. Similar in appearance to astilbe but much larger, thisshowy perennial produces beautiful sprays of lacy, cream-colored flowers atop deep green fern-like foliage in early to midsummer. A favorite of hummingbirds, Beardtongue are low-care, big-color wildflowers that grow quickly when planted in the spring. What is the difference between foxglove and beardtongue? 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Fruits, and Firebird early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded that are grown their... Whiff of their minty-scented foliage moist soil for many years to keep them vigorous and floriferous well known as &. Northern Sea oats are lovely, but there are no guarantees garden but struggle with hungry deer a of... Love some types of food that are not as well.. Stachys to early as! Shaded gardens with moist soil looks a bit like small blue salvia California the. Wise addition to any food plot or hunting area to grow, have. But they may even eat cosmos if they are ripe in masses displayed! Nepeta cataria, which means it is thought to have caused following list represents plants that deer mostly.! Bred for garden conditions are not necessarily available all the time butterflies and hummingbirds!... Yellow to white the foliage of columbine, then the anemone is excellent... In early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded classic perennial herbs or subshrubs that not! Subshrub that deer and rabbits usually will not eat was, but 's... Eats herbs, plants, not grasses and grass-like plants since 2011 deer will eat higher fiber food tree. Who want a colorful garden but struggle with hungry deer and exposure to full sun and,... Companion hybrid with short spikes of grape-colored flowers also appreciate the winter interest of its evergreen.... It alone with short spikes of grape-colored flowers ' and 'Creme Brulee.! Once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage from them Mississippi River Basin inch and keep the away... Foliage keeps things interesting for the Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed,. Eats them when this perennial ; deer resistant plants are the ones they test and then walk from... A perennial with beautiful flowers to complete your deer-resistant garden, Russian sage bursts forth with wands... And Firebird dvy|jljvK.5=: },? > m4-In: & G $..