How to Choose and Grow Deer Safe Flowers

Kale, one of many deer safe flowers in Messinas guide.

The Deer Dilemma in Your Garden

Deer are beautiful creatures, but they can wreak havoc on your garden. Many gardeners face the challenge of finding deer safe flowers that can thrive without being eaten. In this guide, we’ll explore how to choose and grow flowers that are less likely to be damaged by deer, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and beautiful.

Understanding Deer Safe Flowers

Choosing deer safe flowers means selecting plants that deer are less likely to eat. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, there are many deer resistant flowers that deer typically avoid. These plants often have strong scents, fuzzy leaves, or bitter tastes that deter deer from feeding on them.

Selecting Deer Resistant Annuals

Deer resistant annuals are a great choice for adding seasonal color to your garden. These plants complete their life cycle in one growing season but can provide vibrant blooms that deer tend to avoid. 

Some popular deer resistant annual flowers include:

  • Marigolds
  • Zinnias
  • Snapdragons
  • Cosmos
  • Do Deer Like Marigolds?

    Many gardeners wonder, “do deer like marigolds”? The answer is no. Marigolds are known for their strong scent, which is unappealing to deer. This makes them an excellent choice for a deer-resistant garden.

    HERB GROWERSIs Basil Deer Resistant? Guide to Herbs That Repel Deer

    Choosing Deer Resistant Perennials

    Deer resistant perennials are plants that return year after year, providing consistent beauty and structure to your garden. These plants are a great investment for long-term garden planning. Popular deer resistant perennial flowers include:

  • Lavender
  • Echinacea (Coneflower)
  • Salvia
  • Yarrow
  • Deer Resistant Fall Flowers

    As the seasons change, it’s essential to choose deer resistant fall flowers to keep your garden looking great. These flowers can withstand cooler temperatures and are less likely to be eaten by deer. 

    Some excellent options include:

  • Chrysanthemums
  • Asters
  • Sedum
  • Goldenrod
  • What Annuals Are Deer Resistant?

    When selecting annuals, it’s important to know what annuals are deer resistant. 

    Here are some top choices:

    • Zinnias: Bright and colorful, these flowers are usually ignored by deer.
    • Snapdragons: These tall, spiky flowers add height and are not favored by deer.
    • Marigolds: Their strong scent is a natural deterrent for deer.
    • Cosmos: With their delicate, daisy-like appearance, they are surprisingly deer-resistant.

    Perennials That Deer Won't Eat

    For gardeners looking to invest in plants that will return year after year, choosing perennials that deer won't eat is crucial. 

    Some reliable options include:

    • Lavender: Known for its fragrant foliage, deer tend to avoid this plant.
    • Echinacea: Also known as coneflower, this plant has a tough texture that deer dislike.
    • Salvia: With its aromatic leaves, salvia is another excellent deer-resistant choice.
    • Yarrow: This hardy perennial is rarely bothered by deer.

    Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Plants

    If you live in an area prone to dry conditions, choosing deer resistant drought tolerant plants is essential. These plants can withstand periods of drought and are less likely to be eaten by deer. Some top choices include:

    • Sedum: This succulent stores water in its leaves and is very deer-resistant.
    • Russian Sage: With its silvery foliage and blue flowers, it’s both drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
    • Agastache: Also known as hyssop, this plant thrives in dry conditions and deters deer with its strong scent.

    Deer Resistant Fall Annuals

    For autumn gardens, deer resistant fall annuals are a must. These plants can add color and interest as the seasons change. 

    Good choices include:

    • Ornamental Kale: Its tough leaves make it unappealing to deer.
    • Pansies: These cheerful flowers can withstand cooler temperatures and are generally ignored by deer.
    • Dusty Miller: With its silvery foliage, it adds contrast and is not favored by deer.

    How to Plant and Care for Deer Safe Flowers

    1. Select the Right Plants: Choose a mix of deer resistant annuals, perennials, and fall flowers to keep your garden blooming all year.
    2. Prepare the Soil: Ensure your soil is well-drained and fertile to give your plants the best start.
    3. Plant in Groups: Deer are less likely to venture into areas with strong scents or textures, so plant in clusters to maximize their deterrent effect.
    4. Use Deer Repellents: Products like Messinas Deer Stopper can provide an added layer of protection for your garden.
    5. Regular Maintenance: Keep your garden healthy with regular watering, weeding, and feeding to ensure your plants are strong and resilient.

    Protect Your Garden with Deer Safe Flowers

    Choosing deer safe flowers can transform your garden into a beautiful, resilient space that deer are less likely to damage. By selecting a mix of deer resistant annuals, perennials, and fall flowers, you can enjoy vibrant blooms throughout the year.

    By following these tips and incorporating a variety of deer-resistant plants, you can create a garden that remains beautiful and thriving, despite the presence of deer. Trust Messinas to provide the best solutions for all your gardening needs.

    View Our Blog for more information on maintaining an eco-friendly garden that is safe for critters, even the ones you’re deterring!