Arricca Elin SanSone is a freelance writer, editor, and digital content developer. She specializes in lifestyle and interior design content with a focus on gardening. Arricca earned dual bachelor’s degrees summa cum laude in English and classics from Hiram College, as well as an MBA cum laude from Georgia Southern University. Before writing full-time, Arricca studied in Rome, traveled in Europe, and taught school in Asia. With over a decade of experience, Arricca has pitched, researched, and crafted fresh story ideas and content to appeal to national audiences. She has written thousands of articles for print and digital publications such as Country Living, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, House Beautiful, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.","jobTitle":"Contributing Writer","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/29dc1f78-ddae-4377-840a-1dba434b76d7_1525357351.file"},"@context":"http://schema.org","about":{"@type":"ItemList","numberOfItems":38,"itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Boxwood","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-1","description":"This classic landscape shrub can be left natural or sheared into neater shapes. Deer don't like its texture, so it's a good option if you want an evergreen. USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8SHOP BOXWOOD SHRUBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/buxus-balls-for-sale-royalty-free-image-1685717389.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Lavender","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-2","description":"The dreamy scent and lovely, silvery foliage make this perennial a must-have in any garden. There are several different types: Make sure to choose one that will survive winters in your USDA Hardiness zone. The strong scent keeps deer away.USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9SHOP LAVENDER PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/close-up-of-lavender-sprigs-in-a-field-royalty-free-image-1685718081.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Japanese Forest Grass","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-3","description":"If you love the look of grass, this one has bright gold striping and is lovely when planted in masses. Deer don't like the sharp edges. USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9SHOP JAPANESE FOREST GRASS ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/hakonechloa-macra-aureola-growing-in-a-pot-on-a-royalty-free-image-1685718404.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Allium","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-4","description":"This ornamental allium is quite striking in the spring garden—and, of course, deer don't like its scent. Plant it in the fall for spring blooms.USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9SHOP ALLIUM BULBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/allium-firmament-royalty-free-image-1685717836.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Hellebore","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-5","description":"Also called Lenten rose, this stunning perennial blooms in late winter to early spring. Its striking flowers are not enticing to deer most of the time.USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9SHOP HELLEBORES","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gorgeous-lenten-roses-of-spring-royalty-free-image-1685717565.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Winter Aconite","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-6","description":"This petite flower blooms in late winter or very early spring, just when you're tired of the gloom. Deer don't bother with it because it contains a toxic substance when ingested. Plant the bulbs in fall for spring blooms.USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8SHOP WINTER ACONITE BULBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/winterlinge-rautal-jena-germany-winter-aconite-royalty-free-image-1685718647.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Dusty Miller","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-7","description":"This silvery annual has a soft, pretty foliage that looks great with many other annuals in mixed containers. Deer don't like the velvety texture.SHOP DUSTY MILLER PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/dusty-miller-reaches-into-the-sky-royalty-free-image-1685719005.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Agastache","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-8","description":"Agastache, also called hummingbird mint, has a minty scent deer don't like. But the pretty flower spikes of this perennial last for most of the summer. 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USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9SHOP BLEEDING HEART PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/bleeding-hearts-royalty-free-image-1685651321.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":10,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Daffodil","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-10","description":"The sunny yellow heads of these spring-blooming bulbs are some of the earliest signs of spring. Plant the bulbs in fall for spring blooms. Deer leave them alone because they contain lycorine and other alkaloids which are toxic when ingested. USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9SHOP DAFFODILS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/bright-yellow-daffodils-royalty-free-image-1685651512.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":11,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Daphne ","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-11","description":"This shrub has lovely, sweetly scented flowers that appear in late winter or early spring. It's a true standout in warm season gardens, and deer tend to avoid it. USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 9SHOP DAPHNE SHRUBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/daphne-odona-japan-daphne-daphne-indica-royalty-free-image-1685651669.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":12,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Dwarf Alberta Spruce","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-12","description":"The cute conical shape of this tree makes it an attractive landscape plant, but deer typically don't like its texture. It keeps its \"Christmas tree\" shape without pruning.USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 9SHOP DWARF ALBERTA SPRUCE ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/single-dwarf-white-spruce-in-a-garden-royalty-free-image-1685652022.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":13,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Sage","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-13","description":"Sage is a pretty perennial herb that deer don't like due to its fuzzy texture and strong scent. Plant this in pots and beds. USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8SHOP SAGE PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/sage-salvia-officinalis-in-garden-close-up-royalty-free-image-1685652304.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":14,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Peony","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-14","description":"The lush blooms of this perennial in late spring to early summer are showstoppers! Its strong fragrance keeps deer away.USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 SHOP PEONY PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/peony-royalty-free-image-1685653250.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":15,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Rosemary","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-15","description":"Rosemary has a pleasant pine-like scent, but deer don't like it. It's native to the Mediterranean, so it's perennial in warm climates, but treated as an annual in cold parts of the country.USDA Hardiness Zones: 7 to 11SHOP ROSEMARY PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/rosemary-bush-royalty-free-image-1685653474.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":16,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Iris","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-16","description":"A lovely perennial that comes in many different colors, deer don't like the flowers or the texture of its sword-like foliage. USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8SHOP IRISES","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/iris-flower-royalty-free-image-1685652490.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":17,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Pieris ","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-17","description":"This pretty shrub has clusters of white or pink flowers in early spring—and deer don't generally like it. USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 8SHOP PIERIS SHRUBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/japanese-andromeda-pieris-japonica-flower-royalty-free-image-1685652747.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":18,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Lamb's Ear","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-18","description":"Silvery, fuzzy leaves reminiscent of—you guessed it—a real lamb's ears make this a fun perennial for any border planting. Spikes of purple flowers, which pollinators love, appear in early summer.USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8SHOP LAMB'S EAR PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/stachys-byzantina-in-full-flower-in-late-june-royalty-free-image-1685653032.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":19,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Abelia","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-19","description":"This pretty arching shrub blooms from summer to fall and boasts fragrant flowers that deer don't like (but butterflies and hummingbirds do).USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9 SHOP ABELIA SHRUB","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/abelia-schumannii-purple-and-white-flowers-high-res-stock-photography-639476573-1549567532.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":20,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Barberry","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-20","description":"Hardy and colorful, these shrubs have thorny stems that deter nibbling. New types are not invasive and come in colors ranging from burgundy to orange-red.USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9SHOP BARBERRY SHRUBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/berberis-thunbergii-atropurpurea-nana-with-high-res-stock-photography-131987873-1549568194.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":21,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Caryopteris (Bluebeard)","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-21","description":"This bright blue flowering shrub brings late season color to the garden. Pollinators love it, but deer don't.USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9 SHOP CARYOPTERIS PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/caryopteris-growing-in-formal-garden-high-res-stock-photography-131988758-1549568406.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":22,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Diervilla","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-22","description":"This attractive native shrub with bright foliage is colorful, tough, and a beautiful addition to any deer-resistant landscape. It pops with bright autumn color.USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8SHOP DIERVILLA SHRUBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/bush-honeysuckle-diervilla-lonicera-autumn-high-res-stock-photography-500780777-1549568499.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":23,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Forsythia","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-23","description":"This sturdy shrub's cheery yellow blooms welcome early spring. It's not particularly appealing to deer.USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 SHOP FORSYTHIA BUSHES","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/forsythia-beatrix-ferrand-yellow-flowers-high-res-stock-photography-642293161-1549568646.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":24,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Winterberry Holly","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-24","description":"This beautiful shrub brightens the winter landscape with vivid red berries that attract birds, but not deer. FYI: To produce berries, you'll need a male and female plant.USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 SHOP WINTERBERRY SHRUBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/winterberry-berries-high-res-stock-photography-128573610-1549568798.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":25,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Potentilla","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-25","description":"This long-blooming shrub is a low-maintenance plant that deer typically ignore. Plus, it's incredibly cold-hardy.USDA Hardiness Zones: 2 to 7 SHOP POTENTILLA SHRUBS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/potentilla-hedge-with-abundance-of-tiny-high-res-stock-photography-136821017-1549568972.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":26,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Butterfly Bush","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-26","description":"The butterfly bush blooms all summer long, attracting pollinators, but not deer. It comes in heights ranging from two feet to six feet, so there's one for every garden. 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Deer aren't particularly in love with this plant.USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 SHOP HEUCHERA PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/coral-flower-creme-brulee-february-high-res-stock-photography-121748735-1549569331.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":29,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Lamium ","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-29","description":"Silvery, variegated foliage and yellow, pink, or purple blooms make this a great addition to the shade landscape. Lamium, also called dead nettle, is not super-fussy and does well in dry areas. Deer are simply not interested in it.USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8 SHOP LAMIUM ","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/lamium-maculatum-fornett-lustre-july-close-high-res-stock-photography-122002657-1549569469.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":30,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Ornamental Grasses","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-30","description":"The texture of most perennial grasses keeps deer away because they prefer more tender, succulent plants. Grasses are drought-hardy too, once established.USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 SHOP ORNAMENTAL GRASSES","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/festuca-glauca-with-viola-gravel-mulch-cfs-high-res-stock-photography-135607741-1549569551.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":31,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Catmint","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-31","description":"This perennial has grey-green foliage with a spicy, minty scent and purple-blue flowers in midsummer. Deer don’t like the texture or the heavy aroma.USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 8 SHOP CATMINT","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/nepeta-x-faassenii-flowering-in-june-high-res-stock-photography-122003081-1549569631.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":32,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Bee Balm","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-32","description":"This beautiful perennial attracts tons of pollinators, but deer aren't enticed once they catch a whiff of its minty foliage.USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9SHOP BEE BALM PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/beebalm-colrain-red-high-res-stock-photography-123529439-1549569697.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":33,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Foamflower","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-33","description":"This pretty, shade-loving perennial—also called tiarella—sends up bottlebrush-like flower spikes in spring, but it's not particularly enticing to deer.USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9SHOP FOAMFLOWERS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/close-up-of-flowering-white-foam-flower-high-res-stock-photography-121834301-1549569825.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":34,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Torenia","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-34","description":"The snapdragon-like flowers make this shade-loving annual a perky addition to containers or beds—and deer aren't attracted to it.USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-11SHOP TORENIA PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/leaves-and-different-coloured-flowers-from-high-res-stock-photography-102114194-1549570059.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":35,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Sweet Alyssum","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-35","description":"This beautiful, delicate, and long-blooming annual isn't appealing to deer due to its super-sweet scent. Also called lobularia, it loves full sun, but will tolerate some shade too. USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 SHOP SWEET ALYSSUM","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/sweet-alison-high-res-stock-photography-141860644-1549570137.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":36,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Ageratum","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-36","description":"Small, fluffy blooms in shades of blues and purples all season long don't seem to attract deer, perhaps due to the fuzzy texture. This annual prefers full sun but will tolerate part sun.USDA Hardiness Zones: 10-11 SHOP AGERATUM PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/ageratum-blue-hawaii-a-popular-annual-high-res-stock-photography-106456233-1549570284.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":37,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Heliotrope","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-37","description":"The vanilla-scented flowers and sandpaper-textured foliage keep deer at bay, but you'll love this annual for its heavenly aroma and the pollinators it attracts. USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11SHOP HELIOTROPE PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/heliotropium-chatsworth-agm-close-up-of-high-res-stock-photography-122004337-1549570418.jpg"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":38,"item":{"@type":"Thing","name":"Angelonia ","url":"https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/g26238452/deer-resistant-garden-plants/#slide-38","description":"Angelonia thrives in the heat, blooms all summer, and has a slight grapey fragrance. Deer usually leave this annual alone. USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11SHOP ANGELONIA PLANTS","image":"https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/angelonia-news-photo-929167154-1549570701.jpg"}}]}}
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We love Bambi, but in our garden? Not so much. Unfortunately, hungry deer can devour your plants overnight. And when competition for food is high, or if it's been a rough winter, they will eat almost anything in your garden—even plants they left alone in previous years. Fear not though—deer-resistant plants could help reduce the destruction.
Of course, the most effective way to protect your plants is to erect a fence, but fences need to be six to eight feet high to prevent jumping...and that's costly and not always practical (or pretty). You also can try odor and taste repellants that you spray on plants, but effectiveness is unpredictable. (Not to mention they also must be applied regularly and again after rain and snow, which gets to be annoying and time-consuming.) Plus, some deer just ignore the stinkiness or bitter taste anyhow and keep chowing down.
By planting deer-resistant plants, however, you can at least increase the odds that the hungry animals will browse elsewhere. But remember that there's no such thing as deer-proof plants, only deer-resistant plants. While they're typically less likely to feast on plants with highly aromatic, fuzzy, or prickly leaves, there are no guarantees about what your neighborhood Bambi will (or won't!) eat.
This classic landscape shrub can be left natural or sheared into neater shapes. Deer don't like its texture, so it's a good option if you want an evergreen.
The dreamy scent and lovely, silvery foliage make this perennial a must-have in any garden. There are several different types: Make sure to choose one that will survive winters in your USDA Hardiness zone. The strong scent keeps deer away.
Also called Lenten rose, this stunning perennial blooms in late winter to early spring. Its striking flowers are not enticing to deer most of the time.
This petite flower blooms in late winter or very early spring, just when you're tired of the gloom. Deer don't bother with it because it contains a toxic substance when ingested. Plant the bulbs in fall for spring blooms.
Agastache, also called hummingbird mint, has a minty scent deer don't like. But the pretty flower spikes of this perennial last for most of the summer. Of course, hummingbirds love it!
The sunny yellow heads of these spring-blooming bulbs are some of the earliest signs of spring. Plant the bulbs in fall for spring blooms. Deer leave them alone because they contain lycorine and other alkaloids which are toxic when ingested.
Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world//Getty Images
This shrub has lovely, sweetly scented flowers that appear in late winter or early spring. It's a true standout in warm season gardens, and deer tend to avoid it.
The cute conical shape of this tree makes it an attractive landscape plant, but deer typically don't like its texture. It keeps its "Christmas tree" shape without pruning.
Rosemary has a pleasant pine-like scent, but deer don't like it. It's native to the Mediterranean, so it's perennial in warm climates, but treated as an annual in cold parts of the country.
Silvery, fuzzy leaves reminiscent of—you guessed it—a real lamb's ears make this a fun perennial for any border planting. Spikes of purple flowers, which pollinators love, appear in early summer.
Hardy and colorful, these shrubs have thorny stems that deter nibbling. New types are not invasive and come in colors ranging from burgundy to orange-red.
