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Deer-Proof Your Garden
Many of us enjoy creating a backyard sanctuary for wildlife, but deer can quickly turn your garden into an all-you-can-eat buffet. The good news? A combination of deer-resistant plants and effective deterrents can help protect your landscape while still keeping it beautiful.
Take a Multi Step Approach to Deer Protection
The best way to protect your garden from deer is by combining multiple forms of protection. Start with deer-resistant plants, then add repellents and physical barriers like fencing, screening or netting in areas with heavy deer activity. Using a layered approach can help reduce damage and keep your garden looking its best throughout the season.
Fencing & Physical Barriers
The most effective way to keep deer out is with fencing at least 8 feet tall. Deer are excellent jumpers! Options include:
• Plastic mesh fencing
• Woven wire fencing
• Garden screening and protective netting for vulnerable plants and vegetables
Deer Repellents
Repellents help discourage browsing by scent or taste. Rotate products occasionally for best results.
Popular options include:
• Plantskydd® – Organic, environmentally safe repellent with predator-based scent
• Liquid Fence® – Rain-resistant deer and rabbit repellent
• Nature’s MACE® – Natural scent-based animal repellent
• Repellex® – Long-lasting deer and rabbit deterrent
What Makes a Plant Deer-Resistant?
While no plant is completely deer-proof, deer tend to avoid plants that are:
• Highly fragrant or aromatic
• Fuzzy or textured
• Thorny or prickly
• Strong tasting
Deer-resistant Plant Favorites
Annuals
• Ageratum – Full Sun | Late Spring–Fall
• Alyssum – Full Sun | Summer–Fall
• Begonia – Shade–Full Shade | Early Summer–Frost
• Caladium – Full–Part Sun | Spring–Fall
• Coleus – Part–Full Sun | Spring–Fall
• Geranium – Full Sun | Spring–Fall
• Marigold – Full Sun | Summer–Frost
• Petunia – Part–Full Sun | Summer–Fall
• Snapdragon – Sun–Part Shade | Spring–Fall
• Torenia – Sun–Shade | Late Spring–Frost
Perennials
• Astilbe – Colorful plume blooms for shade gardens
• Black-Eyed Susan – Bright gold flowers that attract butterflies
• Ferns – Lush texture for shady landscapes
• Lamb’s Ear – Soft silver foliage deer avoid
• Lavender – Fragrant purple blooms all summer
• Lily of the Valley – Sweetly scented spring blooms
• Peony – Large fragrant blooms and long lifespan
• Russian Sage – Airy blue-purple flowers with aromatic foliage
• Thyme – Fragrant edible groundcover
Trees & Shrubs
• Boxwood – Classic evergreen hedge
• Barberry – Bold colorful foliage
• Butterfly Bush – Pollinator favorite
• Cypress – Adds texture and year-round color
• Dogwood – Stunning spring blooms
• Forsythia – Bright yellow early spring flowers
• Spirea – Long bloom season and pollinator friendly
• Viburnum – Fragrant flowers and colorful berries
• Weigela – Colorful foliage and trumpet blooms
Vines
• Honeysuckle – Fragrant blooms that attract hummingbirds
Extra Protection for High-Risk Areas
For gardens with heavy deer pressure, combine deer-resistant plants with additional protection:
• Apply repellents regularly, especially after rain
• Use netting or screening around newly planted areas
• Protect vegetable gardens and container plantings with barriers
• Rotate deterrent products throughout the season
With the right combination of plants and protection, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape while keeping deer damage to a minimum.
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