Deer can cause major damage to gardens and landscapes by eating a wide variety of flowers and plants. While no plant is completely deer-proof, there are certain flowers that deer tend to avoid because of their strong scents, textures, or tastes. Understanding which flowers deer dislike can help gardeners choose plants that will have a better chance of thriving in areas with a substantial deer population.
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Why Do Deer Eat Flowers and Plants?
Deer are herbivores, meaning the bulk of their diet consists of plant matter. They will feed on grasses, tree leaves and twigs, shrubs, vines, and even farm crops. But deer also enjoy munching on colorful blooms in flower beds and gardens.
Some key reasons deer are attracted to flowers and ornamental plants include:
- Abundant food source – Flowers, buds, and foliage provide deer with easily accessible nutrition.
- Opportunistic feeders – Deer will take advantage of any easy meal, even in urban and suburban settings.
- Lack of predators – With few natural predators, deer populations can explode quickly.
- Non-selective diet – Deer aren’t picky and will sample almost any type of plant matter.
- Attracted to young growth – Deer prefer to eat tender new growth which is more abundant in gardens.
Flowers that are brightly colored, have lush foliage, or a high water content tend to be especially appealing to foraging deer. Some deer may also be attracted to the sweet fragrances given off by certain blooms. All of these characteristics mean deer can and will munch their way through flower beds if given the chance.
Do Deer Have Flower Preferences?
Deer do exhibit some preferences when it comes to which flowers and plants they like to eat most. Here are some of their top favorites that are likely to get chomped in yards and gardens:
- Tulips
- Lilies
- Irises
- Pansies
- Impatiens
- Petunias
- Roses
- Snapdragons
- Daisies
- Daffodils
- Hostas
- Daylilies
- Dahlias
- Gladioli
- Zinnias
When planning a garden, it’s wise not to rely too heavily on these deer favorites. Mix in other plants and choose flower varieties that are less appetizing to help minimize damage.
What Scents or Textures Do Deer Dislike?
There are certain characteristics of plants that make deer likely to pass them over. Flowers with strong fragrances, fuzzy or hairy textures, bitter flavors, tough leaves, and milky or sticky saps tend to be avoided.
Scent deterrents include:
- Lavender
- Sage
- Hyssop
- Catmint
- Eucalyptus
- Juniper
- Rosemary
Plants with fuzzy or prickly textures deer don’t like include:
- Lamb’s ear
- Mullein
- Astilbe
- Ornamental grasses
- Fescues
- Salvia
- Dusty Miller
Bitter flavors or saps that deter deer:
- Foxglove
- Poppies
- Monkshood
- Yarrow
- Bleeding heart
- Daffodil
- Narcissus
Take advantage of these repellent characteristics when selecting flowers and plants for the garden.
15 Flowers Deer Hate
Here are 15 types of flowers that deer tend to avoid.
1. Lavender
The strong scent of lavender confuses deer’s sensitive noses. The silvery-green foliage is also unappealing. Grow lavender in drifts along beds, in containers, or as border plants.
2. Daffodils
All parts of daffodils are toxic to deer, including the leaves, flowers, and bulbs. Plant daffodil bulbs in clusters around the garden for early spring blooms.
3. Foxglove
The complex, bell-shaped flowers of foxglove contain digitoxin and other toxic compounds. Deer find both the taste and effects unpleasant.
4. Poppies
Poppies emit a strong scent from their leaves and flowers that deer don’t like. The taste is also bitter. Choose oriental poppies or Iceland poppies.
5. Yarrow
The fern-like leaves and tiny flowers of yarrow have a potent odor. They also contain compounds that can irritate deer skin and stomachs.
6. Monkshood
The unique shape of monkshood flowers competes for attention in the garden. But it’s the bitter, poisonous alkaloids found throughout the plant that keep deer at bay.
7. Salvia
Drought tolerant salvias thrive in hot, sunny gardens where deer roam. The aromatic leaves and tubular flowers discourage grazing.
8. Euphorbia
Euphorbia is prized for its unique chartreuse floral bracts and deer resistance. The milky sap can irritate deer skin and eyes.
9. Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender produces abundant fragrant purple flowers on compact shrubs. The strong scent deters deer browsing.
10. Nepeta
Commonly called catmints, these spreading perennials have gray-green leaves and blue flowers. The minty aroma repels deer.
11. Veronica
Also called speedwell, veronica offers long lasting blue flower spikes. The bitter taste and thick leaves discourage deer.
12. Geranium
Hardy geraniums thrive in shade gardens. The leaves exude a strong scent when crushed, signaling deer to stay back.
13. Lungwort
Spotted lungwort leaves resemble lung tissue, but it’s the red-violet snapdragon-like flowers that add color. Deer don’t like the coarse leaves.
14. Lupine
This popular cottage garden perennial produces tall spikes of pea-like blooms. Deer tend to leave lupines alone due to their distasteful alkaloid content.
15. Dusty Miller
Grown for its fuzzy, silver-colored foliage, dusty miller deters deer with its texture and scent. Use it as an accent plant in containers and borders.
Other Deer-Resistant Flowers
Here are some additional flowers that do not appeal much to deer and can be incorporated into gardens:
- Columbine
- Butterfly weed
- Snapdragon
- California poppy
- Cleome
- Foxglove
- Larkspur
- Nasturtium
- Peony
- Russian sage
- Canna lily
- Fritillaria
Layer these less-favored flowers in with other plants to create attractive beds and borders.
Companion Planting with Deer-Resistant Flowers
A well-planned garden uses companion planting strategies to get the most out of flowers that deter deer.
Here are some tips for companion planting with deer-resistant flowers:
- Use pungent herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, and chives to mask the scent of more desirable plants.
- Underplant roses, lilies, and irises with lavender or catmint.
- Plant alliums like chives, garlic, and onions throughout the garden to deter browsing.
- Surround tasty shrubs and young trees with unappealing flowers like foxglove and salvia.
- Add trellis plants like clematis vines to occupy vertical space and provide cover.
- Grow fragrant herbs among vegetables to confuse deer’s sense of smell.
- Intersperse different textures such as fuzzy lamb’s ear and upright yarrow.
- Include plants with different bloom times to provide consistent deer resistance.
Taking advantage of synergies between plants through thoughtful design is key to repelling flower-munching deer.
Physical Barriers and Deterrents
In addition to smart plant selection, other deterrents can be used to keep deer from destroying gardens.
- Fencing – A 8-10 foot tall fence around the garden will physically block deer. Some fencing options include wood, wire mesh, electric, or solar-powered.
- Repellents – Substances with foul tastes or scents applied directly onto plants can deter browsing. Commercial repellents or DIY solutions like hot pepper spray, soap, and garlic oil can be used.
- Scare devices – Motion-activated sprinklers, lights, or sounds startle deer. Devices must be moved regularly so deer don’t become accustomed.
- Dogs – Allowing dogs access to the garden will scare deer with their presence, sounds, and scent. Dogs must be prevented from damaging plants though.
Using fencing or other deterrents along with smart plant choices provides multiple layers of protection against hungry deer.
Growing Flowers in Deer Country
When gardening in areas with high deer populations, don’t let the threat of damage keep you from growing flowers entirely. Instead, focus on selecting plants that research shows deer dislike. Resistant annuals, perennials, bulbs, and herbs can flourish and provide blooms that deer will pass over for tastier treats.
Avoid landscape designs dominated by known deer favorites like tulips, roses, and lilies. Supplement with other flowers that have strong fragrances, fuzzy textures, bitter or toxic properties, and tough foliage. Plants like lavender, salvia, poppies, and veronica are much less likely to get nibbled. Combine resistant flowers with fencing, repellents, and scare devices for the best protection.
With thoughtful design and plant choices, gardens can include beautiful flowers that both gardeners and deer can enjoy.
Conclusion
When deer invade gardens, they can quickly mow down vegetable plants and strip the flowers right off ornamentals. While no plant is completely deer-proof, there are many flowers that deer dislike due to characteristics like scent, taste, and texture.
Flowers and plants with strong fragrances from lavender, sage, catmint, and basil cause deer to turn up their noses. Fuzzy or prickly foliage on lamb’s ear, salvia, and astilbe also deters browsing. Toxic flowers like foxglove, poppies, and monkshood taste terrible and can even make deer ill. Other plants with bitter flavors or milky saps are less palatable.
By landscaping with plants like lavender, euphorbia, veronica, lupine, and others that deer don’t find tasty or appealing, gardeners can still have flowers without sacrificing them to hungry deer. Combining these resistant varieties with fencing, repellents, and scare tactics can provide multiple lines of defense against deer damage.
Although deer have definite preferences, don’t let them stop you from gardening. Get creative with companion planting, choose plants wisely, and use deterrents to protect flowers and keep deer at bay.