Deer resistant plants are essential if your garden is a regular snack bar for roaming wildlife. When deer nibble their way through your flowerbeds, it can feel like all your hard work has gone to waste. Fortunately, some plants naturally repel deer thanks to their strong scents, fuzzy textures, or bitter taste.
Whether you’re designing a backyard oasis or just want to save your petunias, choosing the right greenery makes all the difference. In this guide, you’ll find 15 of the best deer resistant plants for gardens—each with its own unique charm and natural defense. These plants not only keep deer away but also add color, texture, and pollinator appeal to your landscape.
Table of Contents
1. Weigela
Weigela is a showy shrub covered in clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers that hummingbirds love—but deer don’t. Its bold blooms come in shades of pink, red, and white, and some varieties even rebloom during the summer months. As one of the most reliable deer resistant plants, weigela adds low-maintenance beauty to foundation beds or borders without worrying about hungry grazers.
2. Catmint
Catmint’s fragrant foliage and silvery leaves make it both visually appealing and unappealing to deer. This hardy perennial thrives in almost any soil, is drought tolerant, and blooms for weeks in mid to late summer. Its soft purple flower spikes attract pollinators while discouraging deer, making it a top pick for gardeners seeking deer resistant plants that do double duty.
3. Bee Balm
With its bold, spiky blooms in red, pink, and purple, bee balm is a magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. But deer tend to leave this plant alone due to its pungent, minty-scented leaves. It’s a perfect fit for borders or wildflower gardens, especially if you’re looking for colorful deer resistant plants that support local pollinators.
4. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most beloved garden staples for a reason. Its aromatic foliage and vibrant purple blooms are not only beautiful but also act as a natural deer deterrent. The strong fragrance is calming for humans but overwhelming for deer. Add lavender to your herb garden or border for a classic look with built-in protection.
5. Heuchera
Also known as coral bells, heuchera is prized for its dramatic foliage, ranging from lime green to deep burgundy. Its ruffled leaves add texture and color to shady or partially sunny spots, and deer typically avoid them. While the plant does produce delicate flower spikes, it’s the foliage that earns it a place among deer resistant plants for all-season interest.
6. Spirea
Spirea is a no-fuss shrub that adds bright foliage and clusters of delicate blooms to the garden. While not toxic to deer, it’s not a favorite on their menu. Some newer varieties even bloom multiple times a year, offering long-lasting beauty. Use spirea as a low hedge or foundation plant to build structure and keep deer away naturally.
7. Japanese Painted Fern
If you’re dealing with shade and deer, Japanese painted fern is a reliable solution. Its silvery-green fronds with burgundy accents brighten dark corners, and its texture is unappealing to deer. Plant in groups for a lush, layered look that enhances woodland or shaded gardens while staying safe from browsing wildlife.
8. Cranesbill (Perennial Geranium)
Cranesbill, often called perennial geranium, is a hardy bloomer that thrives in cooler climates and resists deer with its aromatic foliage. It produces delicate flowers in shades of blue, pink, or purple throughout spring and summer. As one of the easiest deer resistant plants to grow, it’s ideal for edging paths or filling in garden gaps.
9. Lantana
Lantana is a bold, sun-loving plant that brings a tropical flair to flower beds and containers. Its vibrant clusters of flowers bloom nonstop from spring through fall. While pollinators flock to lantana, its slightly coarse leaves make it unappetizing to deer. In warm zones, it grows as a perennial, offering season-long color and natural protection.
10. Dusty Miller
With its soft, silvery leaves and velvety texture, dusty miller is an eye-catching annual that pairs beautifully with colorful flowers. Deer avoid its fuzzy foliage, making it an excellent companion plant in mixed containers or flower beds. Despite its delicate look, dusty miller is drought tolerant and thrives in full sun.
11. Angelonia (Summer Snapdragon)
Angelonia, often nicknamed summer snapdragon, produces tall spikes of cheerful blooms in shades of purple, pink, white, and blue. This heat-loving annual is rarely touched by deer and thrives in hot, humid climates. Whether planted in borders or pots, it delivers long-lasting color and belongs high on the list of deer resistant plants for warm regions.
12. Marigold
A garden classic, marigolds are tough, long-blooming annuals that flourish with minimal care. Their bright orange, yellow, and red flowers aren’t just pretty—they also emit a scent that repels deer. Plant marigolds in beds, borders, or vegetable gardens to protect tender crops and enjoy season-long blooms.
13. Butterfly Bush
As the name suggests, butterfly bush attracts clouds of butterflies with its fragrant, cone-shaped flower spikes. Meanwhile, deer find its taste unappealing. This low-maintenance shrub blooms from midsummer to fall and is available in dwarf or full-sized varieties. It’s a standout option for anyone seeking deer resistant plants that support pollinators and add height.
14. Sweet Alyssum
Sweet alyssum is a charming annual known for its dense clusters of tiny, honey-scented flowers. It works beautifully as a border plant or ground cover, often spilling gracefully over edges or containers. Despite its soft appearance, deer avoid sweet alyssum due to its strong fragrance and delicate size.
15. Lamb’s Ears
Lamb’s ears are just as soft as their name implies, with velvety, silver-green leaves that make them a sensory favorite. However, their fuzzy texture deters deer from grazing. This low-growing perennial spreads gently in borders and pathways, creating a tidy, low-maintenance edge that also helps keep deer at bay.
Conclusion
Protecting your garden from deer doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. With the right selection of deer resistant plants, you can enjoy vibrant flowers, rich foliage, and thriving borders without the worry of constant grazing. From bold bloomers like bee balm and lantana to textured foliage plants like lamb’s ears and dusty miller, there are plenty of choices that suit every garden style and climate.
By incorporating these plants strategically throughout your landscape, you’ll create a garden that’s both visually stunning and naturally protected. Plus, many of these options attract pollinators, resist drought, and require minimal maintenance—making them smart choices for any gardener.