Deer-resistant plants are a must-have addition to your garden if deer are common in your region. When hungry, deer will frequently walk into gardens and snack on your flowers. To protect our garden, we love to couple deer-resistant annuals with perennial flowers that are deer resistant to ensure our garden lasts the season.
There are many beautiful perennial flowers that deer don’t like to eat, and we’ve compiled a list of our favorites. From Bleeding Heart to Purple Coneflower, these flowers are not only deer resistant, but they’ll also add color and elegance to your garden.
Contents
- 1 29 Perennial Flowers that are Deer Resistant
- 1.1 1. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
- 1.2 2. Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)
- 1.3 3. Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
- 1.4 4. Catnip (Catnip Nepeta)
- 1.5 5. Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora)
- 1.6 6. Sage (Salvia)
- 1.7 7. Common Flag (Iris x germanica)
- 1.8 8. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- 1.9 9. Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis)
- 1.10 10. Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
- 1.11 11. Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’)
- 1.12 12. Spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata)
- 1.13 13. Canary Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha)
- 1.14 14. Alaly (Aquilegia canadensis)
- 1.15 15. Meadow Rue (Thalictrum aquilegiifolium)
- 1.16 16. Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria)
- 1.17 17. Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne)
- 1.18 18. Wooly Yarrow (Achillea Tomentosa)
- 1.19 19. African Lily (Agapanthus)
- 1.20 20. Chocolate Chip Bugleweed (Ajuga Reptans)
- 1.21 21. Persian Onion (Allium Aflatunense)
- 1.22 22. False Spirea (Astilbe x Arendsii)
- 1.23 23. Blue False Indigo (Baptisia Australis)
- 1.24 24. Falling Stars (Crocosmia)
- 1.25 25. Checkered Lily (Fritillaria Meleagris)
- 1.26 26. Coral Yucca (Hesperaloe Parviflora)
- 1.27 27. Orpine (Hylotelephium Telephium)
- 1.28 28. Pole-cat Geranium (Lantana Montevidensis)
- 1.29 29. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
- 2 Conclusion
29 Perennial Flowers that are Deer Resistant
1. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)
Bleeding hearts are beautiful woodland flowers that are native to Japan. They are easy to grow and can make a great addition to any garden. Bleeding hearts prefer shady, moist conditions and will bloom from early spring to summer.
2. Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)
The fringed bleeding heart (Dicentra eximia) is a native wildflower of the eastern United States. It is a self-seeding plant that requires good soil drainage in order to prosper. The plant is known for its fringed, heart-shaped flowers that range in color from white to pink.
3. Dutchman’s Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria)
Dutchman’s Breeches is a Missouri native wildflower that gets its name from its flowers that resemble Breeches. This entire plant is poisonous, but the roots are the most toxic. Ants spread the seeds of this plant.
4. Catnip (Catnip Nepeta)
Catnip, also referred to as catmints, is a perennial herb that can grow up to 3 ft tall. While deer resistant, they of course attract neighboring cats. When cats sniff or chew on catnip, they may experience a feeling of euphoria.
5. Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea f. albiflora)
The common foxglove is a beautiful but potentially deadly plant. All the parts of this plant are extremely toxic, and just a few leaves can be enough to kill an adult human. Children are at most risk, as they are more likely to put leaves in their mouths. Despite its dangers, the plant is easy to grow and freely self-seeds in optimum conditions.
6. Sage (Salvia)
Sage is a flowering plant that has a long history of medicinal use. The plant is drought and salt-resistant, which makes it a good choice for landscaping in dry or coastal areas. The plant is easy to grow and care for as well as being a deer resistant perennial.
7. Common Flag (Iris x germanica)
The common flag, or Iris x germanica, is a flower named after the Greek goddess Iris. It can be difficult to find at nurseries but is a beautiful choice if you find it.
8. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender is a beautiful and fragrant flower that is often used in aromatherapy. This plant is known to have originated in the Mediterranean and is sometimes used as an aromatic wash.
9. Hellebore (Helleborus orientalis)
If you are looking for a unique and interesting flower for your garden, you may want to consider the hellebore. Also known as the lenten rose, this plant is known for its evergreen foliage and ability to self-seed. Hellebores are relatively easy to care for and make a great addition to any garden.
10. Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
The peony is a beautiful flower that has been a favorite for centuries. It is native to central Asia and is also referred to as Chinese peonies. In addition to being beautiful, peonies also have medicinal properties. For example, the flowers can be used to make tea, which is said to be helpful in treating respiratory infections.
11. Oriental poppy (Papaver orientale ‘Beauty of Livermere’)
The Oriental poppy is known for its showy blooms. This flower is native to Asia and tends to self-seed. The Oriental poppy needs winter dormancy and dies back in cold weather.
12. Spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata)
Spiked speedwell (Veronica spicata) is an easy-to-grow flowering plant. The genus name honors Saint Veronica, who is said to have given a cloth to Jesus Christ, which he used to wipe his face on the way to his crucifixion. The plant produces small, blue flowers that bloom in the summer.
13. Canary Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha)
Aquilegia chrysantha, also known as Canary Columbine, is a flower that is tolerant of harsh conditions and is native to the western United States and Mexico. This flower’s ability to reseed itself makes it a hardy plant that can withstand a variety of conditions.
14. Alaly (Aquilegia canadensis)
Aquilegia canadensis, also known as Alaly, is a beautiful flower that is native to North America. The petals of the flower resemble an eagle’s claw, which is fitting since its genus name is from the Latin word Aquila which means eagle. The flower attracts hummingbirds and butterflies and can grow up to 3ft tall.
15. Meadow Rue (Thalictrum aquilegiifolium)
Thalictrum aquilegiifolium, also known as meadow rue, is a flowering plant that is native to Europe. The unique plant gets its name from the Greek god Aquilegia, who was known for his beautiful wings. Known for its showy flowers, Meadow Rue’s can easily be grown from seed.
16. Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria)
Lychnis coronaria, more commonly known as rose campion, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow deer resistant perennial. It typically grows to about two feet tall and features stunning, wooly, silver stems and leaves. The unique feature of the Lychnis coronaria plant is that it self-seeds, so you can enjoy its beauty for many years.
17. Dwarf Larkspur (Delphinium tricorne)
Delphinium tricorne, also known as dwarf larkspur, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family, which is native to the eastern United States and Canada and occurs in woodlands, meadows, and other habitats. The plant is not recommended in hot and humid summer climates.
18. Wooly Yarrow (Achillea Tomentosa)
If you’re in search of a plant that can thrive in dry, sandy soils and can act as a perfect ground cover, look no further than the Wooly Yarrow. This semi-evergreen perennial is a great addition to any garden and is sure to add some texture and interest.
19. African Lily (Agapanthus)
The African Lily, or Agapanthus, is a beautiful flower native to Africa. The leaves of the African Lily are evergreen, meaning they stay green and attractive even when the flower is not in bloom. The African Lily prefers well-drained soils, has a long bloom season and attracts hummingbirds.
20. Chocolate Chip Bugleweed (Ajuga Reptans)
Ajuga reptans, commonly known as chocolate chip bugleweed, is a ground-hugging herbaceous perennial. Known for its bluish-purple flower spikes that bloom in mid-to-late spring, this plant spreads and, over time, creates an attractive ground cover. It is a flowering perennial that is both deer and rabbit resistant, easy to grow, and will do fine in heavy shade.
21. Persian Onion (Allium Aflatunense)
The Persian onion, or Allium aflatunense, is a flowering bulb from central Asia. It flowers in May and lasts for 2-3 weeks, making it a great addition to any cutting garden. They bloom just after daffodils and tulips finish blooming, which makes it a great way to add color to your garden in late spring.
22. False Spirea (Astilbe x Arendsii)
If you’re in search of a plant that will give your garden some color and life from late spring till fall, look no further than the false spirea! False spireas are excellent as fresh-cut and dried flowers and come in various colors, including red, pink, peach, purple, and white. False spireas prefer shady and moist sites and grow to be about 24 to 36 inches tall.
23. Blue False Indigo (Baptisia Australis)
Baptisia australis, commonly known as blue false indigo, is a herbaceous perennial that grows from 3 to 5 feet tall. Selected as the 1992 NC Wildflower of the year, it’s native to the southeastern US and prefers full sunlight. While it can survive in the shade it may get leggy. It is a perfect pair with yellow or white flowering perennials that are deer resistant.
24. Falling Stars (Crocosmia)
Crocosmias, also known as Coppertip or Falling Stars, is a genus of plants in the iris family. Its name is taken from Greek words for ‘saffron’ and ‘smell’ in reference to the subtle scent emitted by the blooms. Crocosmias prefer full sun.
25. Checkered Lily (Fritillaria Meleagris)
The Checkered Lily, also known as the Chess flower or Snakeshead Lily, is another perennial flower that is deer resistant. By and large, this unique plant prefers filtered sunlight. Native to the meadows of Europe, they are now only grown in gardens.
26. Coral Yucca (Hesperaloe Parviflora)
The Coral Yucca, also known as the Hummingbird Yucca, Redflower, False Yucca, Red Yucca, Samandoque, or Yellow Yucca, is a native plant to the deserts of Texas and northeastern Mexico. In cooler winter climates, the Coral Yucca flowers during the summer and into fall, but flowering will occur nearly year-round in warm winter climates. The flowers of the Coral Yucca are very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
27. Orpine (Hylotelephium Telephium)
The Purple Orpine is a flowering plant that belongs to the sedum plant family. This one is native to Europe and Asia and prefers full sun and medium to dry soil. The Purple Orpine is a very easy, low maintenance, and forgiving plant. The plant produces small, pink-purple flowers that bloom in the summer. During the Roman Empire, a naturalist named Pliny prescribed Purple Orpine for treating wounds.
28. Pole-cat Geranium (Lantana Montevidensis)
Pole-cat geranium, or wild verbena, is a species of lantana. It is endemic to Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. The leaves and juice can be harmful if absorbed and will make pets sick if eaten. Despite these drawbacks, Pole-cat Geranium is a popular among butterflies and birds.
29. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea Purpurea)
The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), which is a pollinator favorite, is a long-blooming plant that attracts a variety of pollinators. This bloom can survive in full sun to low light conditions after it has been established, and it thrives in any soil type.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed learning about this beautiful collection of perennial flowers that are deer resistant. Combining some of these perennials with deer resistant annuals gives us the confidence we need that our garden will last the season.