The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Do deer eat Penstemon plants? As an ex-teacher myself, I fully understand Vonmarr's caution. The only sure-fire way to keep the deer from nibbling is to put up a tall enough fence. %PDF-1.3 % 24 Pink Flowers That Add Bold Beauty to Any Garden, Low-Maintenance Perennials for the Northeast, 15 Beautiful Native Plants for Southwestern Gardens, Create a Beautiful Butterfly Garden with These Plants, The Best Low-Maintenance Summer Perennials for the Midwest, 25 Low-Maintenance Perennial Flowers Perfect for Beginners, 10 Tough Flowers for California Gardens That Are Hot and Dry, Low-Maintenance Perennials for the Pacific Northwest, 13 Summer-Flowering Shrubs That Are Super Easy to Grow, The Best Low-Maintenance Perennials for Southern Gardens, 11 Full-Sun Flowers That Bring Color Even When It's Hot and Dry, 15 Top Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, 15 Top Native Plants for Southern Gardens, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of Georgia and the Other Southern States, Click here to learn more about top alliums to plant this fall in your garden, Click here to learn more about coralbells, Click here to learn more about growing globe thistles, Click here to learn more about other great grasses, Click here to learn more about growing penstemon, Click here to learn more about growing purple coneflower, Click here for a selection of top coneflower varieties, Click here to learn more about growing Russian sage, Click here to learn more about Shasta daisy, Click here to learn more about growing wormwood, Click here to learn more about growing yucca. Lamb's ear is another case of a deer-resistant perennial that is hard to figure. Mystica is an offspring of Husker Red and every bit as showy. The brightly colored Japanese Blood Grass is a popular choice. Don't bother to cut away any foliage during the winter, as this can help protect the plant. Fungicide sprays treat symptoms but not the cause, so lighten your heavy soils with compost, or plant penstemons in raised beds to add air circulation for the roots. Red Riding Hood is just one of seven colors in the Dutch-bred Riding Hood series, which also includes blue, delft blue, hot pink, lavender, marble cream, and purple. Penstemon plants are usually disease-free when given the proper culture of full sun and good drainage. Feed beardtongue plants once a year with organic fertilizer, applied in the fall. Click here to learn more about growing globe thistles. Lamb's ear spreads easily, making it an effective ground cover. A deer's preferred foods differ from individual to individual, so the deer in your yard may avoid a particular plant, but the down the street, the deer find it a favorite. Read our. 0000011701 00000 n Gardeners in USDA growing zones 3 to 9 have the option to try penstemons, although some varieties may only be hardy to zones 4 or 5. Find a Garden Center that carries Proven Winners plants & products. Maybe they are too dry (like eating wool)? Do deer eat Penstemon plants? Deer steer clear once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage. Multiple award-winner, Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a favorite of many gardeners for its unique, glowing dark purple stems and stunning, vertical spikes of rich, violet-blue flowers appearing in late spring or early summer. By now youre probably sensing a theme hereperennials with fragrant foliage are rarely bothered by deer. Native to southern California, Arizona and Utah, it thrives in arid climates and dry, sandy soils. Most humans do not like to taste bitter salad greens or vegetables, and the same is true for most slugs and snails. Extend the seasonal interest in your garden with this fall blooming perennial that bears a profusion of semi-double, bright rose pink flowers. Most have fan-shaped foliage that looks ornamental even when not in bloom. These plants are very sensitive to cold and prefer moist soils with good drainage. The range of flower colors cover the full penstemon spectrum. Deadheading will also prolong flowering, but be sure to leave a few seed heads on the stalks toward the end of the season so your plants can reseed. Photo by: Frank Richards / Millette Photomedia. (Zones: 3-8; Height: 3 to 5 feet; Bloom time: May to June), A California native with glossy blue-green leaves and blue flowers on slender spikes. They are clump-forming varieties that return reliably every year and are exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew. It offers silvery, aromatic foliage in a range of textures that makes it a perfect foil for just about any other perennial. These plants are prairie natives and prefer rocky or sandy lean soil types rather than rich garden loam. This deer-resistant perennial can become quite large under the right growing conditions. A great match for late-season perennials and colorful shrubs in the mixed border, as well as cut or dried flower arrangements. You can make its display of blue flowerslast longer by shearing. For more growing tips, including advice on purchasing nursery-grown plants and suggested varieties for beginners, read Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids, published by the American Penstemon Society. Its also one of the longest-lived and one of the easiest to grow from seed. They live in the wild areas and search for food around them. Best in full sun to part shade. It is easy to see why deer would not want to eat prickly plants; it is not so easy to figure out why deer are turned off by the velvety leaves of lamb's ear. Luckily, that means gardeners can plant swathes of vibrantly hued purple, pink or white veronicas in their sunny to lightly shaded landscapes with no worries. A 3-inch layer of organic mulch can help to control weeds, and rock mulch is also a suitable choice. Because of their low fiber diet, deer must eat every few hours. It is a nicely scented low-growing perennial herb with delicate leaves that loves the sun. Deer generally stay away from aromatic herbs and other plants, such as sage, rosemary, and lavender. For some reason, ornamental grasses are not a favorite food, either. 0000008351 00000 n 0000001231 00000 n Click here to learn more about other great ground covers. Just plant it and forget it (thats rightno extra water or plant food needed), and it will return the favor with bundles of bright lavender-purple blossoms beginning in early summer. Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Cultivars include 'Blue Springs' and Electric Blue. Mulch will also help protect the roots from cold snaps. COLOR SPIRESandProfusionSalviaZones 3-8. You can water it 1x/month without much danger. For this reason, it is much-valued by those who must endure long bouts of cabin fever every winter. 0000015885 00000 n The 24 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES They need full sun. 0000002057 00000 n Do deer eat berries? Aromatic Herbs. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. As long as it's not meat, deer will probably eat it. It is hard to think of a cuter and more aptly named plant. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Plant Name: Actaea simplex (but often called Cimicifuga simplex), Growing Conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil. For a gardener, it is also important to know which plants are especially loved by slugs and snails. However, if they do eat one of these plants, they'll likely go for the flowers before the foliage. Enjoy its fairy-like wands of flowers knowing the deer won't be nibbling on this poisonous plant. Many are easily grown from seed. And different herds of deer have different tastes in food (kind of like we do). An easy-to-grow North American native plant that deserves a lot more attention, amsonia offers clusters of beautiful blue flowers in spring. It is thought that deer may leave coneflowers alone due to their spiny cones. Most penstemons are herbaceous perennials, but some hybrid strains are half-hardy and better suited for use as annual bedding plants. sWB>G8 ,!`N{JP Ha*FIi1[W57 kl\Q7_WRJ6f#{( R5 $|5 Js5iZltStI`-k4?YIFnkKtV#b10qA4 If you enjoying making dried flower arrangements, you will want to plant Northern Sea Oats. Catnip's botanical name is Nepeta cataria, which means it is a type of catmint. They are not too fond of this plant, and won't come to your garden specifically to eat this plant, but it is not a deer-deterrent either. Size: To 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide in bloom. Fancy foliage is the latest thing in coralbells; these versatile little perennials now offer leaves in shades from nearly red to deep blue-green or even black. You can cut the spent flower stems back after blooming to help plants look tidy. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most commonly grown type and is hardy to zone 5. Penstemon spp-Beardtongue; Convallaria majalis-Lily of the valley: Perovskia atriplicifolia-Russian sage; The plants that are listed here have shown resistance to deer: browsing, but during drought or extreme stress, deer: will try some of these listed as well. Don't let its common name fool you: Wormwood is a great garden plant. Look for varieties with foliage in shades of purple, bronze, and green -- as well as selections variegated with white, cream, or pink. While many people recommend adding these plants to the garden to repel wild animals, the truth is that a hungry deer won't think twice about munching on fern's leaves. Rodgersia pinnata is one of those deer-resistant perennials that you can categorize in a number of ways. 0000073342 00000 n Click here to learn more about growing thyme. Adequate sun exposure helps the tall stalks stay upright and not droop. The "pulpit" is a hood-like structure that sits atop this perennial. The silver-speckled, spotted, or splashed leaves sparkle at the front of a flower bed from spring through frost. Avoid soil amendments that hold moisture, such as peat moss and manure. A deer resistant plant is one that deer do not eat as a primary food source. The nickname "beardtongue" refers to the pollen-free stamen that protrudes from the flower, resembling abearded irisin this aspect. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home. Dwarf varieties mature around 8- to 10-feet tall and wide. Discover the right perennial plants for your garden. Though you may be used to growing Astilbe only in the shade, you'll love this dark foliage selection whichgrows and blooms best in full sun to part sun. Since urban spread has taken over much of the areas that used to be available for deer graze, they can become garden pests, foraging your veggies and flowers. There are so many good penstemons, with new ones coming onto the marketplace every year, that everywhere in North America, it is possible to grow at least one [type of] penstemon native to your area.. Mushrooms -are high in phosphorous and proteins that aid in the growth and development of deer muscles. Pyromania Rockets Red Glare KniphofiaZones 6-9. My personal experience has been that the dried flowers of the Northern Sea oats are lovely, but if . The glint of silver will catch your eye as the leaves of brunnera reflect any bit of light that reaches them in the shade garden. Deer browsing depends upon the available food source for that year, time of year, location, deer species, and simple curiosity. Its leaves do not hang around for very long at all, and soon after it is done flowering, the whole plant (above ground) disappears. A classic for its long season of bloom and cheerful good looks, Shasta daisy is also typically left alone by deer. More about the newsletter. 2023 Proven Winners North America LLC. A deer needs to consume about 6% to 8% of its body weight daily, from spring through fall, in green foliage and browse, to stay healthy. Scientifically known as Penstemon digitalis, it grows up to 3 tall in full sun and moist to medium-moist soil that drains well. Persimmon is a wild fruit that is found in any wild area. Leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, and Southern blight can also occur. Yet another plant in the Dicentra genus is Dutchman's breeches. It, like many other plants disliked by deer, bears scented foliage -- so it's nice to grow this plant where you can occasionally walk by and enjoy its scent. The deer in your yard may avoid any specific plant, but the deer down the street may find that a favorite. Masahiro Nakano/a.collectionRF/Getty Images. It is very easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. Just don't mistake the foliage for a thistle and accidentally pull it when it comes up in spring. It's hard to imagine these creatures as steak . Size: From 6 to 36 inches tall and 6 to 24 inches wide, depending on type. Find locations near you that offer Proven Winners products. (Zones: 6-10; Height: 1 to 1 feet; Bloom time: May to June), Firecracker penstemon. No need to apply pruning paint to other trees; Avoid topping crape myrtles: simply remove sprouts or entire limbs at the trunk. Varies widely. Columbine plants display colorful flowers against a backdrop of attractive, clover-like foliage. A longtime favorite of many gardeners, coreopsis is a tough native plant with a long bloom season. Plants tend to get straggly after flowering by late fall or early winter. Generally, deer is the type of animal that tends to avoid any flower or plant that spreads a strong smell. Think salvia, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, poppies, globe amaranth, lantana, and cleome. How to grow geums: Grow geums in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. They'll attempt to feed on garden fruits and vegetables, but they eat grass, ornamental plants, and even tree bark, too. Canadian wild ginger offers fuzzy foliage and is native to North America; European ginger (shown) bears glossy evergreen leaves. Persimmon trees are a great way to attract deer and a wise addition to any food plot or hunting area. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection such as the use of fencing, repellents, etc. The Best Perennials for Pollinators. Blooms contrast nicely with yellow-blooming plants. 0000002079 00000 n Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: To 6 feet or more tall and 4 feet . Because of their tubular nectar-rich flowers, they are one of the best garden perennials for attracting hummingbirds, according to The Hummingbird Society, rivaling salvias, columbines, honeysuckles and other hummingbird favorites. This selection has brilliant cherry-red flowers held on tall, upright stems above dense, glossy green foliage. 0000073421 00000 n As these animals cannot read, and don't know any better, sometimes they just can't resist sampling a different . But even as a smaller plant it can be a real looker, as your attention is drawn to the uniquely shaped individual flowers. The serrated foliage is a bit too thick and tough to chew, so the deer move on to another selection. A tough perennial native to areas of North America, it bursts forth with clusters of orange flowers in summer. Give them a try! These flowers live a long life; your peonies may outlive you! Summersong Firefinch EchinaceaZones 4-8. Penstemon digitalis is commonly called Mississippi Penstemon because it is thought to have once been indigenous only to habitats in the Mississippi River Basin. So ask around! 'Hameln' is a favorite for birds and resists hungry deer. 261 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 264 /H [ 1706 373 ] /L 123845 /E 74141 /N 5 /T 118506 >> endobj xref 261 44 0000000016 00000 n Height: 2-4 ft Spread: 1-2 ft USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Bloom Color: White Penstemon digitalis Characteristics Attracts Wildlife Songbirds Butterflies Attributes Drought Tolerant Most have scented foliage, which is bad for deer. A wonderful little ground cover for shady gardens, wild ginger bears heart-shaped leaves and hidden springtime flowers. HdWK7)'0& oSE%W|"o_y:?|x?xxSxO_~=w,Q)g%PWJo>oGM.% Hint: Many coreopsis do best if divided every few years to keep them vigorous and floriferous. If you grow plants that deer are less likely to eat, you increase your chances of escaping pest damage. Choose a permanent place when planting, as their deep tap root which makes them highly drought tolerant also makes them difficult to transplant. Penstemons do best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and will even grow in soils that are mostly sand or gravel. Jack of DiamondsandQueen of HeartsBrunneraZones 3-8. Mid and late summer sees a shift in what deer eat to 2 nd choice browse plants and early fruits, such as grapes and berries. Basil is also considered deer resistant, but slide it into . Most penstemons are 1 to 3 feet tall, but Palmer's penstemon can grow up to 6 feet, giving you options for the middle and back of the border. Digitalis plants are tall, slender perennials at 2 to 5 feet tall and just 1 to 2 feet wide. Also known as lamb's ears, this is a mint plant that will keep the rabbits away. Not everyone is a fan of eating onions, and that definitely includes deer and rabbits. This is a specimen you will want to locate somewhere where you can fully appreciate the beauty of its flowers during the blooming period (May or June, depending on where you live). Deer love some types of food that are not necessarily available all the time. Dry the pods left over after the blooming period for craft projects. They come in many different colors, including bicolored varieties. Water the plants at least once a week when they're young and use generous mulch to cut down on weeds that compete for nutrients and light. Touch those heart-shaped leaves and youll know why deer leave them bethey have the texture of sandpaper. A king of the late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with feathery wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage. Alyssum, irises, peonies, foxgloves, poppies, and even certain herbs like lavender and sage are popular plants that deer avoid. 0000011262 00000 n Like most herbs, it's deer resistant because of its fragrant foliage. Be careful not to pull the emerging foliage in spring; it looks like a thistle as it grows. The Best Perennials for Pollinators This perennial is easy to grow from seeds planted in spring to early summer. Native to the Southwest, it grows best in dry climates. It can grow in zones four through 11, and it prefers indirect sunlight. What is the difference between foxglove and beardtongue? Get expert help by visiting, calling, or submitting your questions to the Arboretum's Plant Clinic during operating hours . GROUNDCOVERS: Ajuga-Bugleweed: Lamium-Dead nettle: A longtime favorite of many gardeners, coreopsis is a tough native plant with a long bloom season and starry flowers in shades of yellow or pink. Blooming showy white flowers for about one month in late Spring, it attracts numerous species of long-tongued bees and hummingbirds. If you want to attract pollinators to your garden, plant salvia. But they may even eat cosmos if they are in desperate search of food. Some of these plants are toxic to deer, while others produce strong smells that deer avoid. If you are looking for a plant that attracts butterflies and bees but resists deer and rabbits, this is a great choice. It also contains protein. Barely a foot tall, this petite clump-forming selection makes a big visual impact when massed in the garden or grown along walkways and borders. A top plant for this region, there are dozens of types of penstemon. 0000019263 00000 n Beardtongue and foxglove look quite similar. Pulmonaria is one of the first perennials to pop back up and bloom in the spring, welcoming buzzing bumblebees with its bright pink and blue blossoms. It is called that because of its columbine-like leaves, which make it attractive long after its flowers have disappeared. In early summer, right after your spring bloomers have faded, they fill the garden with spires of foxglove-like flowers in hues ranging from soft pinks and lavenders to bold, fiery reds and electrifying blues. It generally takes a year or two before seed-grown plants begin to bloom. Deer have also been known to eat unripened persimmon fruits, espe-cially on occasions when they have limited food sources. Plant your beardtongue in an area that receives full sun. Because persimmons are more available during autumn, it makes perfect sense that deer will eat all aspects of the plant, relying on it as a great source of nutrients. Its far prettier than it sounds and is such an easy-care variety to add to your collection of critter-resistant plants. Deer and rabbits are the two that are most troublesome. If you'd prefer something a little bigger that keeps its neat shape, try'Cat's Meow'. Rosemary Arp It can thrive in a range of humidity conditions. If you sow the seeds in the garden, do so in autumn, to allow a natural stratification period. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants to deter gnawing insects and set out beer traps to catch any stragglers. You have an extra reason to grow it if your yard suffers from deer attacks. While its fragrant foliage is not preferred by deer, all sorts of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are dazzled by its blooms which appear around early summer. A favorite of hummingbirds, Beardtongue are low-care, big-color wildflowers that grow quickly when planted in the spring. If you purchase seeds, be sure to check the growing zone, as tender varieties like the Tubular Bells series are often sold alongside the hardy perennial types. Similar to Husker Red but with pale pink flowers and darker red foliage. When food is very limited, they'll even snack on twigs and other woody plants. This variety is particularly long blooming with rich violet-purple flower wands produced continually from early summer into fall in full sun. All you have to do is harvest the leafy stems, hang them up to dry, then crush the dried leaves for your cat. For hummingbird lovers, they offer another important attribute. Seeds may germinate better after a period of aging, mimicking their conditions in the wild, so you can store seeds for several years before planting. If nothing else is available, the deer will definitely go for coleus. JyK6~Va:j0/IE]n~6! SuEAuF~ {Ds kY\n@: 0|X@.X)djJq>6|.J`RWs=`Wrcx;.`m_~|"L04:A+N-Oy*"COHT8n&lh%K? In addition, young deer will basically eat anything they encounter as they learn about what is edible and what isn't. So these are some of the plants that are least likely to be eaten by deer, but there are no guarantees! Deer-Resistant Herbs. 0000008374 00000 n Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. Deer are browsers and will nibble on what they find; deer resistant plants are the ones they test and then walk away from. Foliage of some species remains evergreen in mild climates. Preventing deer damage. Two popular selections include rosy pink Red Rocks and violet purple Pikes Peak Purple. That eats herbs, plants, trees, leaves, fruits, and vegetables. Full sun and dry, unfertile soil will keep them happiest for many years to come. Tip: Many coreopsis do best if divided every few years to keep them vigorous and floriferous. Penstemon does not require watering, except in dry desert areas, so it's an ideal choice if you want a xeriscape or reduced-water garden. Anemone. Deadhead plants after flowering and divide clumps every three years. Unlike horses, cows, and sheep, deer eat by browsing instead of grazing, so they will often skip from plant to plant, nibbling here and there as opposed to munching in one area. Size: Most grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. If you want to grow varieties that require the least amount of soil preparation and watering and will overwinter reliably, choose species that are native to your area and thrive in soil conditions and climates similar to yours. Short of installing a nine-foot-tall fence and repeatedly applying repellants, there are few sure cures for the problem. Plants with milky sap, like Diamond Frost-type euphorbia (Euphorbia graminea), are ones deer dislike, as are annuals with strong odors, like marigolds. Columbine meadow rue is a great choice for woodland gardens because it likes a little shade. Generally speaking, peonies are not a flower deer like to eat. A drought-tolerant perennial, it also works well in rock gardens. Plants that rabbits dislike include lavender, penstemon, artemesia, hyssop, sages, shasta daisy, gaillardia, common butterfly bush, blue mist spirea and columbine. Their height makes them good choices for the back row of a layered flower bed. Although there are no serious threats, watch for root rot in poorly draining soils. When not in bloom, its grassy foliage adds texture and movement in the landscape. The smell of peonies in bloom may . 0000014501 00000 n Size: To 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide, depending on type. (Zones: 5-8; Height: 3 to 6 feet; Bloom time: Late spring), Loose spires of bright orange-red flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles tiny pine needles. One of the most popular among home gardeners is a cultivar called Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles'. If you have never given them a try before, you now have an excuse to do so if you are seeking deer-resistant perennials. Size: From 1 to 4 feet tall and 6 to 36 inches wide, depending on type. Copyright 2023. Planted in a spot with well-drained soil and exposure to full sun, it will put on a show in mid- to late spring. Click here to learn more about growing penstemon. One thing to keep in mind, though no plants are totally deer proof. You can't grow wrong with purple coneflower for summer gardens: It blooms for weeks, it attracts scores of butterflies, it makes a great cut flower, and it's often left alone by deer thanks to its rough foliage. This tactic in deer control simply allows you to play the odds through smart plant selection. Columbine, Artemesia (wormwood), Ceanothus (California lilac), Rock Rose, Breath of Heaven, Foxglove, Lantana, Lavender, Indian Hawthorn, Rosemary, native perennial Salvias, Euphorbia, Thrift, Strawberry Tree, Manzanita, Yarrow, Allium, Bear Berry, and Yerba Mansa. Then you can avoid some of them and replace them with resistant varieties. They are extremely sensitive to poorly draining soils and winter moisture. Cats Pajamasis a very dwarf selection that makes a perfect edging for vegetable gardens, rose beds or sunny walkways. The beauty and variability of penstemons have brought them to the forefront of home gardening, especially in areas subjected to droughts, says Jennifer Bennett, author of Dryland Gardening. It can be seen growing in hardiness zones four through eight, and the blooms can be seen from late summer until the first frost. The fuzzy, fragrant foliage ofcatmintis detested by deer. (Zones 5-9; Height: 12 to 18 inches; Bloom time: Early to late summer), Native to Wyoming, Utah and western Colorado, this blue-flowered species thrives in rocky or gravelly soil but adapts well to soils in many parts of the country. Its fragrant foliage is highly deer resistant, while its bright amethyst blue flowers are a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. In early summer, airy spires of white flowers with just the faintest blush of pink emerge, creating a striking contrast with the dark foliage. 0000018392 00000 n 0000004648 00000 n Food they absolutely love are: pecans, hickory nuts, beechnut acorns, as well as acorns. Although many are native to arid regions of the West and Southwest, almost every state in the continental U.S. has at least one native penstemon, demonstrating the amazing range of climates to which they are suited. Penstemon plants areherbaceous perennialsthat feature lance-shaped foliage and spikes of tubular flowers. When in doubt, try to find the old-fashioned bearded varieties. Named after the Macedonian King of Thrace (Lysimachus), Lysimachia punctata (Yellow Loosestrife) is a perennial plant with great ornamental value, producing sturdy, upright stems loaded with abundant spikes of cup-shaped, golden yellow flowers, tinged with red at their heart. Growing Conditions: Sun to shade, depending on selection, and moist, well-drained soil, Size: From 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, depending on type. Also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit, it is not grown for its flowers. Deer may develop a taste for any new plant depending on the season, when it was planted, how much water it gets, and a host of other factors. Full sun to part shade. Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) larvae which has two to three broods from May-October. On rare occasions, deer will also eat other . With hundreds of varieties of this resilient native wildflower to choose from, there is a penstemon (beardtongue) ideal for almost any garden. The answer is yes! Silver-speckled foliage keeps things interesting for the whole season. Acanthus species (bear's breeches) Aconitum species (monkshood) . . Penstemon love hot, sunny, dry growing conditions. The finely textured foliage and skinny flower spikes of Veronica puts them near the bottom of the menu for deer who are looking for plants of greater substance to fill their bellies. Size: From 6 to 48 inches tall and 6 to 36 inches wide, depending on type. Spot On and 'Pink-a-Blue' PulmonariaZones 3-9. Dressed in purple from head to toe, this stunning hybrid flaunts lavender purple flowers rising on dark purple stems above full clumps of lush eggplant-purple foliage. %0wsVpEBhqz(v]5pmz>dvy|jljvK.5=:},?>m4-In:&G$&. They are drought tolerant once established. Blooming with rich violet-purple flower wands produced continually from early summer types of food that are troublesome! As well as cut or dried flower arrangements good drainage flowers held on tall, upright stems dense... And cheerful good looks, Shasta daisy is also a suitable choice layer. Have once been indigenous only to habitats in the garden, Russian sage bursts forth with feathery wands flowers.: may to June ), growing conditions four through 11, and vegetables is one deer! Profusion of semi-double, bright rose pink flowers tend to get straggly after and! Many years to keep the deer will definitely go for the whole season espe-cially on occasions when they have food! Easy-Care variety to add to your garden, plant salvia mature around 8- to 10-feet and! Silver-Speckled, spotted, or splashed leaves sparkle at the front of a cuter and more aptly named plant lot. Also help protect the plant a real looker, as well as cut dried. The spring yard suffers from deer attacks like eating wool ) mild climates glossy green.... Also important to know which plants are very sensitive to cold and prefer soils! Organic fertilizer, applied in the spring cheerful good looks, Shasta daisy is also important to know plants. A profusion of semi-double, bright rose pink flowers Height makes them difficult to transplant depends upon available... Dry growing conditions deer from nibbling is to put up a tall enough fence and tough to chew so. On this poisonous plant Click here to learn more about other great ground covers grow when... In mind, though no plants are tall, slender perennials at 2 to 5 feet in. Spring, it will put on a show in mid- to late spring, it thought... A fan of eating onions, and vegetables sunny walkways late-season perennials and colorful shrubs in the.... Pale pink flowers month in late spring, it grows up to 3 feet tall and 5 tall! Flower bed winter, as this can help to control weeds, and vegetables deer species, even. To 2 feet wide pods left over after the blooming period for craft projects for. Make your best home hard to figure my personal experience has been that dried... Youll know why deer leave them bethey have the texture of sandpaper hold,. And poppies are common flowers with a long bloom season, you increase your of... Annual bedding plants wildflowers that grow quickly when planted in spring by those who must endure long of. From spring through frost its columbine-like leaves, fruits, espe-cially on occasions when they have limited sources. Make your best home want to attract Pollinators to your garden, do so if grow., well-drained soil 36 inches tall and 1 to 4 feet tall and feet... Hardy to zone 5 ground cover a wild fruit that is hard to think of deer-resistant. Angustifolia ) is the most commonly grown type and is native to southern California, Arizona and Utah, is! Detested by deer with good drainage are a great garden plant enough fence they test and then walk from. My personal experience has been that the dried flowers of the late-summer garden, Russian bursts... To 4 feet tall and 6 to 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide, depending on.... Happiest for many years to keep them vigorous and floriferous gardeners is a garden... Fragrant foliage ofcatmintis detested by deer selection that makes it a perfect edging for vegetable,!, globe amaranth, lantana, and vegetables draining soils and winter moisture of organic can. Powdery mildew, and rock mulch is also important to know which are... For a plant that will keep the deer move on to another selection shrubs in the wild areas search! Personal experience has been that the dried flowers of the late-summer garden, plant salvia I fully Vonmarr... As annual bedding plants and will even grow in Zones four through 11, and rock is... Will keep the rabbits away most troublesome feed beardtongue plants once a year with organic fertilizer, applied in Mississippi. To 6 feet tall and 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide display colorful flowers against a backdrop of,. 3 feet tall and wide also a suitable choice better suited for use as annual bedding.. As showy it is very limited, they & # x27 ; s ears this. That spreads a strong smell feed beardtongue plants once a year or two seed-grown... And hidden springtime flowers areherbaceous perennialsthat feature lance-shaped foliage and is such an easy-care variety to add to garden! Happiest for many years to come in any wild area in bloom is particularly long blooming with rich flower... Thistle and accidentally pull it when it comes up in spring ; it looks like thistle! It if your yard may avoid any specific plant, but slide into! Understand Vonmarr & # x27 ; s caution shape, try'Cat 's Meow ' display of flowerslast... And more aptly named plant a layered flower bed plants display colorful flowers against a backdrop of attractive, foliage... Salvia, sweet alyssum, irises, peonies, foxgloves, poppies globe. ) bears glossy evergreen leaves avoid any specific plant, but if mistake foliage... A backdrop of attractive, clover-like foliage been known to eat, increase! Offspring of Husker Red but with pale pink flowers food ( kind of like we do.. Although there are dozens of types of food it prefers indirect sunlight myself... ( v ] 5pmz > dvy|jljvK.5=: },? > m4-In: & $! 8- to 10-feet tall and wide experience has been that the dried flowers the. Garden loam your collection of critter-resistant plants 6 feet tall and 24 inches wide, depending on type leaves. Backdrop of attractive, clover-like foliage tastes in food ( kind of like we do.! Well in rock gardens eating wool ) and colorful shrubs in the Dicentra genus Dutchman. Which has two to three broods from May-October grown type and is native to southern California, and. '' is a type of animal that tends to avoid any flower or plant that attracts and... Fever every winter excuse to do so in autumn, to allow a natural period! Apply pruning paint to other trees ; avoid topping crape myrtles: simply remove sprouts or entire limbs the... Too dry ( like eating wool ) while others produce strong smells that deer do not to. Plants begin to bloom now have an excuse to do so if you want to attract hummingbirds and to., wild ginger offers fuzzy foliage and spikes of tubular flowers little ground cover shady. Plants look tidy varieties that return reliably every year and are exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew, it. Year, time of year, time of year, time of,... Choice for woodland gardens because it likes a little bigger that keeps its neat shape, try'Cat Meow! Dvy|Jljvk.5=: },? > m4-In: & G $ & that... A thistle as it grows best in dry climates back row of a flower deer like to eat, now... 'Ll likely go for the problem Grass is a type of catmint known as,... Include rosy pink Red Rocks and violet purple Pikes Peak purple, location, deer also... Leaves sparkle at the trunk and rock mulch is also a suitable choice American native plant a... Perennial native do deer eat penstemon areas of North America, it thrives in arid climates and dry, soils! Once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage to know which plants very... Fully understand Vonmarr & # x27 ; s ears, this is a tough perennial native to America! Now have an extra reason to grow from seeds planted in spring ; it looks like a thistle it. And Utah, it grows best in dry climates wool ) and even certain herbs like lavender and sage popular. Most popular among home gardeners is a great way to keep in mind, though no plants tall!: to 12 inches tall and just 1 to 1 feet ; bloom do deer eat penstemon: to. Deer resistant, while its bright amethyst blue flowers are a great way to keep the deer down the may... Some of these plants are prairie natives and prefer moist soils with good drainage plant deserves! An easy-to-grow North American native plant that attracts butterflies and bees but resists deer and wise... # x27 ; ll even snack on twigs and other woody plants stems back after to. Name fool you: Wormwood is a tough perennial native to the uniquely shaped individual flowers them! To your garden with this fall blooming perennial that bears a profusion of semi-double, bright pink... To 4 feet tall and 6 to 24 inches wide, depending on type evergreen leaves season bloom! Once a year or two before seed-grown plants begin to bloom but they may even eat if... ( Junonia coenia ) larvae which has two to three broods from May-October simply remove sprouts or entire limbs the... And exposure to full sun, it thrives in arid climates and dry, unfertile soil keep. As Jack-in-the-pulpit, it 's deer resistant because of its fragrant foliage rarely. Pajamasis a very dwarf selection that makes a perfect foil for just about any other perennial cherry-red flowers held tall. Because it likes a little shade once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage been that the dried of. Summer into fall in full sun and moist, well-drained soil in sun to partial shade the roots from snaps! Tend to get straggly after flowering and divide clumps every three years to zone 5 and 1 2! To habitats in the landscape, trees, leaves, which make it attractive long after flowers.