Having wildlife in your yard can be both a blessing and a curse. If you own expansive land with fields of wildflowers, you might enjoy seeing deer nibbling on your mums. However, those with meticulously landscaped gardens might not be thrilled to find deer feasting on their daylilies. If you’re fond of cultivating vibrant, colorful flowers and reside in an area populated by deer, it’s essential to choose plants that deer are less likely to target. Consider deer as akin to a picky toddler, and the flowers on this list as the broccoli of their world—adding necessary color but typically left untouched.
Yet, just like a hungry child, if food is scarce, deer might resort to eating plants they usually avoid (with deer, nothing is truly off-limits). If you’re determined to prevent your flowers from becoming deer food, consider using an additional deer repellent like Liquid Fence.
Certain deer-resistant flowers, such as heliotrope, have a texture that makes them unpleasant to eat, while others, like daffodils, are toxic. Deer also shy away from strong-smelling plants, but you don’t have to fill your garden with onions and garlic or spray vinegar (though it can be effective). Deer tend to avoid fragrant flowers like hyacinths and lavender, which are loved by people and disliked by pests. These flowers come in various colors and thrive in different USDA zones, so you’re sure to find deer-resistant blooms perfect for your garden.
Heliotrope
Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) features star-shaped blooms in shades of purple and white, accompanied by a delightful vanilla and cherry scent, earning it the nickname “cherry pie plant.” It attracts vital pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies but won’t attract deer. Its strong fragrance and sandpaper-like leaves make it an unappealing choice for deer. Heliotrope is a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11, though it’s primarily grown as an annual in zones 9 to 11.
Apache Beggarticks
Apache beggarticks or Bidens (Bidens ferulifolia) are vibrant flowers that deer typically ignore. This yellow bloom is low-maintenance and, being native to the Southwest, can withstand extreme heat and drought. Apache beggarticks grow as perennials in frost-free areas (USDA zones 10 to 11) or as annuals, with cascading stems that make them perfect for hanging baskets and pots. Their rich nectar attracts beneficial pollinators and simultaneously deters deer.
Lilac
Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a shrub rated “Seldom Severely Damaged” by a Rutgers University study on plant deer resistance. Deer-resistant lilacs add a lovely touch of purple and fragrance to any garden, with a strong aroma that keeps deer away. Lilac shrubs can grow up to 15 feet tall and are known to live over 100 years. They can tolerate cold and herald spring in northern states in USDA zones 3 to 7.
Daffodils
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) are rarely bothered by deer. Despite their sunny appearance, they are toxic, so deer tend to avoid them. Daffodils contain lycorine and other alkaloids that make them poisonous to deer and rodents, but also to cats, dogs, and horses, so pet owners should exercise caution. They thrive across North America (USDA zones 3 to 9), except in very wet areas, as they are prone to rot. Plant them in the fall and enjoy blooms as spring arrives.
Snowdrops
Snowdrops (Galanthus spp.) are perennials that often bloom early, even pushing through snow-covered ground. They add a beautiful pop of white beside green grass and shrubs in USDA zones 3 to 8. These delicate bulbs were found to be “Rarely Damaged” by deer in a Rutgers University study. Like daffodils, they belong to the Amaryllis family and contain the toxic chemical lycorine, which mammals avoid. They are toxic to pets and humans as well.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula spp.) boasts a lovely aroma that doesn’t appeal to deer and may be strong enough to deter them from nearby plants. The scent also repels spiders, moths, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests in both your garden and home. While deer won’t eat lavender, it’s edible for humans and makes an excellent addition to drinks and desserts. You can also use your homegrown lavender to create soaps, dried arrangements, and chemical-free cleaning products. Lavender grows in USDA zones 5 to 9, so ensure you choose the right type for your area.
Peonies
Peonies (Paeonia spp.) are perennials that require a colder climate for bud formation—USDA zones 3 to 8. They bloom in late spring to early summer and have attractive, year-round green leaves. With many varieties and colors, they look stunning in floral arrangements and bouquets. Like lavender and lilac, peonies have a wonderful sweet scent that appeals to humans but not to deer. Some peony varieties have only a slight fragrance or none at all, so opt for a more fragrant type like the anemone peony if you want to keep deer at bay.
Allium
While no flowers are entirely deer-resistant, alliums (Allium giganteum), or ornamental onions, come close. As members of the onion family, they contain sulfur compounds that deer find unpalatable. Although ornamental alliums are less pungent than their edible counterparts, and may even have a pleasant fragrance, deer steer clear of them. Their presence can also serve as a deer repellent to protect other flowers. In addition to their deer-repelling qualities, alliums add variety to any garden with their tall, brightly colored globes, hardy in USDA zones 5 to 8.
Irises
Irises (Iris spp.) are perennials that deer rarely damage. They come in many varieties, each possessing at least one deer-repelling quality, such as sharp leaves, a fuzzy texture, a strong fragrance, or a bitter taste. Bearded irises (Iris germanica) are particularly unappealing to deer due to their hairy “beard,” bad taste, and sword-like leaves. Irises grow well in most areas (USDA zones 3 to 9) and come in a rainbow of colors, including lavender, violet, pink, orange, red, yellow, and multicolored.
