Deer-resistant flowers are those that deer tend to avoid due to their scent, texture, or taste. Some popular deer-resistant flowers include:
- Anise Hyssop : Fragrant leaves with a pleasant scent that repels deer; soft peach flowers; hardy in zones 5-9
- Bee Balm (Monarda) : Minty foliage that deer dislike; attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; hardy in zones 4-8
- Russian Sage : Herbal-scented foliage that deer avoid; bright amethyst-blue flowers; thrives in full sun and dry soil; hardy in zones 4-9
- Salvia : Strong scent unappealing to deer; attracts pollinators; drought tolerant; hardy in zones 3-8
- Verbena : Coarse leaves and bitter flavor deter deer; blooms spring to frost; hardy in zones 8-11
- Wishbone Flower : Snapdragons-like flowers; tolerates heat and shade; little maintenance; annual
- Floss Flower : Lavender-blue flower clusters with rough foliage; deer resistant; full sun to part shade
- Signet Marigold : Strong, pungent scent that deters deer; lighter citrusy smell; full sun
- Snapdragon : Dramatic flower spikes; bloom in cooler seasons; deer resistant
- Helenium (Sneezeweed) : Deer resistant perennial for hot summers
- Echinacea (Coneflower) : Deer resistant, blooms early summer
- Helichrysum (Strawflower/Curry Plant) : Deer resistant with aromatic foliage
- Calylophus hartwegii (Sun Drops) : Tough, drought-tolerant, deer resistant with yellow blooms
- Platycodon (Balloon Flower) : Deer resistant perennial with unique flower buds
- Allium (Ornamental Onion) , Nepeta (Catmint) , Lavender , and Achillea (Yarrow) are also known to be deer resistant
These plants often have aromatic, bitter, or tough leaves that deer avoid. While no plant is completely deer-proof, these varieties significantly reduce deer damage in gardens
