Deer can wreak havoc on any garden. From tree and shrub damage to disappearing plants, deer is the usual suspect. Like with any sworn enemy first we must know their habits. Fortunately, deer are creatures of habit, so their behavior is predictable.
Here are some facts about deer:
- Deer is most active during the morning and evening hours.
- Their habitat range typically covers several hundred acres– that's a lot of ground!
- They have one area that they use for resting and another for feeding.
- Deer mate from the months of September to January
- Older females usually have 2 babies a season whereas younger females have one.
- A deer's ability to damage is seemingly infinite.
What deer like to eat
It seems like deer eat everything we don’t want them to. Shrubs, flower buds, tree branches and bark– the list goes on. But there are foods they prefer.
Here is a list the feeding habits of deer:
- Deer tends to eat evergreens and dry leaves in winter.
- When it’s not winter, deer eat fruits and nuts.
- They favor farmlands near wooded areas because it provides both shelter and food.
- Deer related damage increases in winter when food is limited.
- They eat shrubs, trees, and crops when available.
Monitoring the deer
This is the first step of decreasing deer-related damage for a reason. To determine if it is in fact deer that are causing you problems– you have to observe. This way you will know for certain that the problem isn’t caused by squirrels, rabbits, or neighbor kids with too much time on their hands.
If you notice any of the following, deer may be the cause of your plant and tree damage:
- Height where damage occurs, deer can feed from ground level to five feet (or more) above the ground.
- If you notice hoof prints, pay close attention to the ground because they can be easy to miss.
- Browse line on evergreen plants– if you have an otherwise healthy hedge, but it is sparse from the base to about three feet up, this is likely a deer related issue.
Deer-resistant perennial plants
Prevention is often the easiest and most cost-effective method in preventing deer related damage.
Repellants are an option, but they wash off in the rain. Plus, they need to be applied to large area which means a lot of work for you.
Fences are an excellent method of prevention. However, they are expensive and may be unsightly. To keep the deer out, fences must be eight feet tall or more.
The best preventative measure is buying perennials that you love and deer hate. Perennials will return year after year, which is less work for you. Buying deer-resistant perennials is a method that will saves you a considerable amount of time, effort, and money.
Here is a list of 16 deer-resistant perennials:
Red Cardinal Flower
The red cardinal flower is a deer-resistant perennial that loves moist soils. It has tall spires that bloom with red flowers. It is loved by pollinators and is easy to grow.
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Water: Very wet
Best for rain gardens and wet spots in the garden
Learn more about Red Cardinal Flower here
Great White Trillium
Great white trillium is a timeless yet uncommon deer-resistant perennial. It has three large white rippled petals with dark green foliage. It does well in a range of soils.
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade
Water: average
Best for borders and woodland gardens
Learn more about Great White Trillium here
Siberian Iris
Siberian iris has the iconic iris petals that grow in multiple directions. It is a bold plant ideal for anyone who wants to liven up their garden.
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Water: Average
Best for Japanese gardens and borders
Learn more about Siberian Iris here
Dwarf Crested Iris
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Water: Average
Best for edges, front of border, and woodland gardens
Learn more about Dwarf Crested Iris here
Bearded Iris
The bearded iris is another deer-resistant flower that has gorgeous, bold blooms. Their flowers blossom on long stems. These are ideal for any gardener who wants to make a statement.
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Water: Average to moist
Best for middle and back or borders
Learn more about Bearded Iris here
Butterfly Weed
Butterfly weed is a must have for any pollinator garden. This deer-resistant perennial attracts butterflies, bees and maybe even a hummingbird or two. Plus, it's low maintenance, what's not to love?
Zones: 4 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Water: Moderately dry to average
Best for pollinator gardens and sunny borders
Learn more about Butterfly Weed here
White Violets
Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade
Water: Average
Best for woodland gardens, moon gardens, front of borders, and containers
Learn more about White Violets here
Bird’s Foot Violet
The bird's foot violet is a twist on the typical violet. Its flower puts out petals in dark purple and light purple. It pairs well with irises and other varieties of violet.
Zones: 4 to 8
Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade
Water: average
Best for woodland gardens, front of borders and containers
Learn more about Bird's Foot Violet here
Yarrow
Yarrow is a deer-resistant perennial that is loved by pollinators. It can grow in many soil conditions and can tolerate some shade. Yarrow is one of the most popular plants on this list!
Zones: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun
Water: average to moist
Best for borders and pollinator gardens
Learn more about Yarrow here
Dutchman's breeches
Dutchman's breeches are a deer-resistant perennial that is closely related to the common bleeding heart. It is native to North America and can be grown in five different zones. It is a low maintenance plant that is easy to grow.
Zones: 3 to 7
Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade
Water: Average to moist
Best for borders, woodland gardens, and containers
Learn more about Dutchman's Breeches here
Deer-resistant perennials for shade
Deer tend to lurk in the shadows, especially when we aren't paying attention. To ensure they don't munch on your precious shaded plants, here are some shade-loving perennials that deer will avoid.
Virginia Bluebells
Virginia bluebells are an excellent addition to any garden for their striking color. They are a deer-resistant perennial that can be grown in a wide range of soils and climates.
Zones: 3 to 8
Sun exposure: Full shade
Water: Average to moist
Best for cottage gardens and borders
Learn more about Virginia Bluebells here
Black Cohosh
This deer-resistant perennial is great for adding height and intrigue to your outdoor space. It can serve as a soft screen or be used in the back of borders due to its height.
Zones: 4 to 9
Sun exposure: Full shade
Water: Average
Best for back of borders and woodland edges
Learn more about Black Cohosh here
Mayapple
Mayapple is unique in that its flowers grow below its leaves. The leaves are like umbrellas that provide shade to the flowers. Children, especially love this plant and spotting its hidden flowers.
Zones: 3 to 8
Sun exposure: Full shade
Water: Average to moist
Best for alpine gardens and woodland gardens
Learn more about Mayapple here
Deer-resistant perennials for the Northeast
It can be tricky to find good deer-resistant perennials in the north east where deer are most prevalent. But have no fear! There are options for even the most deer-bothered gardener.
Tiger Lily
Tiger Lily is a gorgeous and unique deer-resistant perennial. It has spotted markings on its orange petals. While it is native to North America it can add an exotic look to any garden.
Zones: 3 to 8
Sun exposure: Full sun
Water: Average
Best for borders and woodland edges
Learn more about Tiger Lily here
Purple Violet
Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade
Water: average
Best for woodlands, borders, under trees or shrubs, and containers
Learn more about Purple Violet here
Creeping Buttercup
Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade
Water: Average
Best for woodlands, borders, or as groundcover
