Top 10 Plants We Are Successfully Growing Among Our Ravenous Deer

Let's talk top 10 Deer-Resistant Plants for Your Garden

Alright, my green-thumbed friends, let’s talk about our furry, four-legged "friends" – the deer. They’re cute, they’re graceful, and they’re a huge pain in the petunias when it comes to our gardens. Finding plants that deer won’t eat can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack... that's on fire... during a tornado. But after some trial and error (and maybe a few tears), we’ve found plants that even the hungriest deer usually stay away from. So take it as our personal experience.

Agastache (Anise Hyssop) – This beauty is like the popular kid in school that the deer just ignore. Maybe it’s the licorice-scented leaves, or maybe it’s just too cool for them. Either way, it’s a win for us!

Alyssum (Lobularia) – This little cutie is like the cheerleader of the garden, always spreading joy and never getting eaten. It’s low-growing, drought-tolerant, and the deer just aren’t interested. Go team!

Endless Summer Hydrangea – Deer seem to dislike this one as much as I dislike running out of coffee. Maybe it’s the big, showy blooms that scare them, or maybe they just don’t like the taste. Who knows? But we’re definitely not complaining!

Lavender – This one’s a double win. Deer usually avoid it, and it smells fantastic. It’s like the garden version of a fancy candle that the deer just don’t bother to blow out.

Nasturtium – Now, this one’s a bit of a gamble. Some deer love it, some deer hate it. But in our garden, it’s been a safe bet. Plus, it’s edible for us, so it’s a win-win!

Rosemary – Turns out, deer aren’t big fans of our favorite herb. Maybe they don’t like seasoning their greens? Either way, we win because rosemary is as useful as it is pretty.

Carex Testacea 'Prairie Fire' – This ornamental grass is like the garden’s tough coach – the deer stay away out of respect (or fear, who knows?). It’s tough, it’s pretty, and it’s deer-resistant. What more could you ask for? This is NZ native though, sorry if it's not available where you live, but have a look at local options for decorative grasses which appear dry. Not the moist, juicy types. Carex is a bit like thick hair - not very appetising, even to deer.

Iris – These stunning flowers are not only a delight to the eyes but also seem to be a turn-off for deer. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, adding a beautiful splash to any garden.

Coneflower  – Echinacea is this perennial plant that's part of the daisy family producing these beautiful cone-shaped flowers, which come in all sorts of colors like pink, purple, red, yellow, and even orange. Good news for pollinators, bad news for deer.

Calla Lily – Last but not least, this classy lady is another one the deer tend to avoid. Maybe they’re intimidated by her elegance, or maybe they just don’t like the taste. Either way, she’s a keeper.

I'd like to day 'marigolds' or 'freesias' but we have this doe called, ironically, Top 10. She's actually a top-10 lawn mower and she for some unknown reason even likes these typically deer-resistant plants, along with geraniums! She meticulously walks around chomping down flowers of anemones too! If it wasn't for her and occasinally #174, those would've been strong contendants.

So, there you have it, folks. 10 plants that are thriving in our garden despite the hungry deer. Every garden is different, and every deer has its own weird tastes, but hopefully, this list helps you get started. Happy gardening, and may your plants be lush and your deer stay far away!