We’ve all been there: frustrated, once again, that our friendly local deer have devoured the beautiful garden we planted. There are many ways to prevent this, from repellent balls to using deer spray, to even adding a fence. But our favorite and most effective way is to design your garden with annuals that are deer resistant (even better if you layer in deer resistant perennials as well). There are plenty of options to choose from that won’t force you to sacrifice curb appeal.
Contents
- 1 10 Flowering Annuals that are Deer Resistant
- 2 Is it deer resistant?
- 2.1 Are Petunias deer resistant?
- 2.2 Are Impatiens deer resistant?
- 2.3 Are Nasturtiums deer resistant?
- 2.4 Are annual Begonias deer resistant?
- 2.5 Are Lobelias deer resistant?
- 2.6 Are Poppies deer resistant?
- 2.7 Do deer eat Verbena plants?
- 2.8 Is Coleus deer resistant?
- 2.9 Are Bleeding Hearts deer resistant?
- 2.10 Are Dianthus deer resistant?
- 2.11 Are Zinnias deer resistant?
- 2.12 Do deer eat lavender plants?
- 2.13 Do deer eat Marigold plants?
- 2.14 Do deer eat Sage?
- 2.15 Are cosmos deer resistant?
10 Flowering Annuals that are Deer Resistant
1. Cosmos
Cosmos are beautiful annual flowers that are also deer resistant. Cosmos are quick and easy to grow. But, they don’t withstand low temperatures. Cosmos bloom in a range of colors that includes white, pink, red, yellow, and maroon. Cosmos can grow up to 6 feet tall. Cosmos prefer full sun. Add some cosmos to your garden for a beautiful display of color while avoiding deer.
2. Cleomes
Cleomes are known as spider flowers. Spider flowers are annuals that have a wild look and are both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant. Cleome plants are 3-4 feet tall on average. Cleomes prefer full sun. Cleomes flowers can be of white, pink, purple, and lavender colors. Spider Flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies to your garden, though they do not have a noticeable fragrance.
3. Lobelia
Lobelia is a beautiful deer-resistant annual flower. Lobelia is easy to grow and blooms in a variety of colors (sky blue, white, pink, purple). Though it resists deer, it attracts bees and other insect pollinators. The herbaceous annual lobelia grows up to 12 inches tall and does well in full sun to partial shade.
4. Mexican Sunflower
Mexican Sunflowers are annuals that are easy and quick to grow. They will reach up to your shoulder in a few weeks and fill the blanks in your yard with colors. The red, orange or yellow petals always around the yellow center are deer resistant. These beautiful flowers bring butterflies, birds, and pollinators to your garden. Mexican Sunflowers need full sun to do wonders. These are a great choice for new gardeners.
5. Snapdragon
Snapdragon plants blooms in a variety of colors (red, white, yellow) and can grow over 6 feet tall. This herbaceous plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 10 and likes full sun to partial shade. Because they are such showy plants they are often the feature in an annual or mixed border display. Their appearance varies with different varieties.
6. Ageratum
This annual flower is an excellent drought and deer resistant option. Ageratum blooms in shades of blue and white, grows about 12-18 inches tall, and does well in full sun to partial shade. This flower is perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden.
7. Coreopsis
Coreopsis is both deer resistant and drought tolerant. This flower is available in a variety of colors, including yellow, red, and pink, and grows about 2-3 feet tall. Coreopsis does well in full sun to partial shade and blooms from late spring to early fall. Add some coreopsis to your garden to get a long-lasting source of color.
8. Salvias
Salvias are a great option for deer-resistant annual flowers. There are a variety of salvias available, including red, pink, blue, and white. They come in both annual and perennial varieties. Salvias do well in full sun to partial shade, and many of them are drought tolerant. Add some salvias to your garden for a beautiful display of color.
9. Nasturtium
Nasturtium is deer-resistant not for its flowers but for its leaves. Its flowers are colorful and its petals are edible. Nasturtium has a fragrance that brings a score of butterflies and birds to your garden. Yet, Nasturtium is susceptible to pests too. Nasturtium prefers full sun and its flowers can be of red, pink, white, yellow, or orange color.
10. Zinnias
Zinnias are another popular deer-resistant annual flower. They come in a variety of colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, and purple, and grow about 18-24 inches tall. Zinnias do well in full sun to partial shade and should be watered regularly. Add some zinnias to your garden for a beautiful display of color.
Is it deer resistant?
Are Petunias deer resistant?
No, Petunias are not deer-resistant. Deer would not waste time thinking about whether to eat it or not.
Are Impatiens deer resistant?
No, impatiens are not deer-resistant. Your Impatiens would be susceptible to Deer.
Are Nasturtiums deer resistant?
Yes, Nasturtiums are deer-resistant. They have fuzzy leaves that the deer do not like.
Are annual Begonias deer resistant?
Some Begonias are deer-resistant — make sure to look for the annual Begonias with fuzzy or leathery leaves, as deer generally do not go for fuzzy textures.
Are Lobelias deer resistant?
Yes, they made our top 10 list of annuals that are deer resistant!
Are Poppies deer resistant?
Yes, due to their taste and toxicity, Poppies are deer-resistant.
Do deer eat Verbena plants?
No, Deer do not eat Verbena plants.
Is Coleus deer resistant?
While mildly toxic, the Coleus is generally resistant to deer.
Are Bleeding Hearts deer resistant?
Bleeding Hearts could be annuals or perennials. They are easy to grow and are deer-resistant.
Are Dianthus deer resistant?
Dianthus plants have strong scents, which generally deters deers, so they are generally safe from our deer friends.
Are Zinnias deer resistant?
Yes, Zinnias are deer-resistant.
Do deer eat lavender plants?
Lavender plants are a great deer-resistant perennial.
Do deer eat Marigold plants?
No, Deer do not eat Marigold plants because of their pungent scent.
Do deer eat Sage?
No, Deer do not generally eat Sage plants.
Are cosmos deer resistant?
Yes, Cosmos are deer-resistant.
Deer are not to be underestimated, especially if you have spent hours cultivating your garden. The following annual flowers are deer-resistant, so you can sleep well knowing your yard is free of these pesky animals.