Bambi-Proof Blooms: Deer-Resistant Perennial Flowers

Welcome back to the second part of our series on deer-resistant blooms! If you've been battling hungry deer in your garden, you know how frustrating it can be to see your beloved plants nibbled away. In this installment, we're diving into the world of deer-resistant perennials. These hardy plants not only bring lasting beauty to your garden from spring through winter but also stand up to the persistent appetites of deer. From vibrant peonies in the spring to festive holly branches in the winter, these selections are perfect for creating a garden that’s as beautiful as it is resilient. Let's explore the best deer-resistant perennials for every season. If you missed my post on deer-resistant annuals from last week, you can read about them here. Annuals have a place in the garden too because they often give us more long-lasting color than perennials do, but perennials are the backbone of color in the garden. I utilize both types of plants…who am I kidding…all types of plants in my garden. I love them all!

Spring:

Peonies:

Peonies produce large fragrant blooms that are irresistible to any flower lover. I have over 150 in an unprotected area with a family of 10+ deer that graze regularly. Occasionally, they will step on one, but they have never eaten them. Peonies need full sun. Plant several different varietals based on their bloom time (early, mid, and late) for a longer Spring show.

Favorite Varietals:

1. Sarah Bernhardt

2. Bowl of Cream

3. Etched Salmon

4. Kansas

5. Lemon Chiffon

6. I could go on and on on varietals. There are so many and it’s hard to choose! All are deer-resistant.

Foxglove:

Foxgloves are tall, dramatic spikes of tubular flowers. They come in all the best Spring pastel colors. They are biennials or short-lived perennials but are worth the wait and effort. They contain toxic compounds that detract deer. Favorite Varietals:

1. Dalmatian series

2.  Camelot series

Daffodils:

Daffodils make wonderful cut flowers. When picked, they emit a sticky sap, making it difficult for deer to eat them. Daffodils come in many colors and forms, and I am sure you can find one to delight in. They are long-lived perennials that like to naturalize an area so you can enjoy them for many years without worrying about critters eating them. Plant several different varietals based on their bloom time (early, mid, and late) for a longer Spring show. Favorite Varietals:

1. Sir Winston Churchill

2. Erlicheer

3. Tahiti

4. Delnashaugh

5. Again, I have a small obsession with daffodils and could go on and on about my favorites.

Yarrow:

Yarrow has a fuzzy texture that deer find unappealing. It’s drought-tolerant and comes in a variety of colors. It has a flat top cluster of small flowers making this an excellent filler. Plant in full sun, well-drained soil. The yellow cultivars hold their color when dried. Favorite Varietals:

1. Moonshine or Coronation Gold

2. Summer Berries

3. Paprika

4. Terracotta

Forsythia:

Forsythia blooming is a telltale sign that Spring is arriving. The end of winter is in sight and gardeners everywhere rejoice. Forsythia is deer-resistant and makes a striking statement in early Spring arrangements. Plant this low-maintenance, wood shrub in full sun or partial shade. It can grow in a variety of soil conditions. They bloom on old wood so don’t prune until after they bloom. These can get quite large so I am suggesting dwarf and standard-sized plants. Favorite Varietals:

1. Show Off Sugar Baby (dwarf)

2. Gold Tide (dwarf)

3. Sunrise (4-5’ with Fall color)

4. Show Off (4-5’ tall and wide)

Summer to Fall:

Echinacea:

Echinacea, also known as coneflower, has daisy-like flowers with spiky raised centers that deter deer from browsing. This group of plants comes in almost every color including bright lime green and hot pink, muted cantaloupe tones, and deep cranberry. Favorite Varietals:

1. White Swan

2. Cheyenne Spirit

3. Double Scoop series

4. PowWow series

Rudbeckia:

Rudbeckia is one of the most loved flowers in my garden. They aren’t just Black-eyed Susans anymore. You can select a cultivar that matches your style. There are rudbeckias with green centers making them not quite as bold, moody, bronze rudbeckia, funky bi-colors, cute, fuzzy ones, and even black cherry varieties that are perfect for fall. Rudbeckias are the powerhouse of the summer and fall garden pumping out blooms all season.  Favorite Varietals:

1. Maya

2. Sahara

3. Cherry Brandy

4. Little Henry

5. Rudbeckia triloba

6. Prairie Sun

7. Cherokee Sunset

8. Indian Summer

Lavender:

Lavender is a great addition to a cutting garden that needs to be deer-resistant. It can be used fresh or dried giving it a large cutting window. If you have clay soil, you can grow lavender in pots as they do not like wet feet. ‘Phenomenal’ Lavender is the toughest and most cultivar available.

Blunt Mountain Mint:

I absolutely love this plant for filler flowers. It has silvery foliage and little white flowers that add welcomed contrast to an arrangement. It is more well-behaved than culinary mint and won’t grow wildly out of place. It’s also loved by pollinators making it a must-grown filler flower. Favorite Varietal: Pycnanthemum muticum (straight species)

Winter:

Holly:

Holly is a great addition to the landscape and can be used for cutting, while not a flower, the beautiful berries bring a festive flair to your holiday arrangements. It grows best in full sun. You’ll get a good 10 days out of each branch before the berries start to drop. Favorite Varietals:

1. Variegated Holly

2. American Holly

Hellebores:

Hellebores are generally deer-resistant because of their leathery, evergreen foliage. They bloom late winter and into early spring. Hellebores grow best in shade. For the longest vase life, wait until seed pods form in the center of the flower. Favorite Varietals:

1. Wedding Series

2. Ice and Roses Series

Ornamental Grasses:

Ornamental Grasses (Switchgrass and Miscanthus) add movement and texture to a winter arrangement. They can be cut really anytime or the year. Deer leave these types of grasses alone because of chemical deterrents that make them unappetizing. Favorite Varietals:

1. Frosted Explosion

2. Bunnytail Grass

3. Greendrops Grass

Berries and Branches:

Winterberry (debatable based on your deer population) and Red Twig Dogwood are striking during the winter with their bright red color perfect for holiday arrangements. Winterberry needs both a male and female plant to flower (usually the plant name will indicate its sex) and Red Twig Dogwoods should be pruned to encourage new growth that is a bright, vibrant red color. Both can be planted in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil. Winterberry can stand occasional wet feet. Favorite Varietals:

1. Berry Poppins or Berry Heavy can be paired with Mr. Poppins Winterberry (You only need one male plant). 

2. Arctic Fire Red Twig Dogwood (There is also a yellow version)

Creating a garden that thrives despite deer pressure is possible with the right plant choices. By incorporating these deer-resistant perennials into your landscape, you can enjoy a colorful and low-maintenance garden throughout the year. Remember, while no plant is completely deer-proof, the varieties mentioned here are less appealing to deer, giving your garden the best chance to flourish. Whether you're looking to add vibrant blooms in the summer or festive foliage in the winter, these perennials will help you achieve a beautiful garden that stays intact. Happy gardening, and may your blooms be ever vibrant and deer-free!

Keep Blooming,

Nicole Dillon

Breemar Flower Farm | Ashland, VA | Zone 7b