Deer Resistant Plants To Grow
The below list of plants are all used by gardeners for deer-resistance in gardens. White-tailed deer hate the taste and smell of certain types of flowers, herbs and even trees. However, take note that some plants are toxic to dogs and can make them very sick, if ingested in high doses. (Click here for a list of pet safe plants to grow.)
Deer-resistant plants are recommended to growers as a secondary layer of protection around a deer fence. Keep deer at bay by planting these types of flowers in gardens:
Virginia Bluebells | Verbena |
Peonies | Iris (toxic to dogs) |
Geraniums (toxic to dogs) | Coreopsis |
Blanket Flower | Veronica |
Perennial Sage | Aster |
Daffodils (toxic to dogs) | Marigolds |
Black-Eyed Susan | Hibiscus |
Lilac | Viburnum |
Butterfly Bushes | Buckeye |
Sweet tasting conifer trees, such as white oak, crab apple and arborvitaes are favored by deer; however, others with prickly needles can be used to keep deer away:
White Spruce | Colorado Blue Spruce |
Ginkgo Biloba | Red Maple |
River Birch | Dawn Redwood |
Black Tupelo | Tulip Poplar |
American Holly (Toxic to dogs) | American Persimmon |
American Sweetgum | Flowering Dogwood |
Pond Cypress | Southern Magnolia |
Deodar Cedar |
Deer also hate smelling and tasting certain veggies and herbs such as garlic, peppers, thyme, oregano, and basil.