What bushes will deer not eat
William Smith
Updated on April 20, 2026
1. Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica)Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)Inkberry (Ilex glabra)Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis)Spireas (Spirea species)
What shrubs will deer Absolutely not eat?
- 01 of 10. Boxwood (Buxus) …
- 02 of 10. Juniper (Juniperus sp.) …
- 03 of 10. Arrowwood Viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) …
- 04 of 10. Andromeda (Pieris japonica) …
- 05 of 10. Bluebeard (Caryopteris) …
- 06 of 10. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) …
- 07 of 10. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) …
- 08 of 10. Shrub Roses (Rosa sp.)
What evergreen shrubs will DEER not eat?
- Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) …
- Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica) …
- Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) …
- Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) …
- Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) …
- Inkberry (Ilex glabra)
What flowering bushes will DEER not eat?
- 01 of 10. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) …
- 02 of 10. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) …
- 03 of 10. Corydalis. …
- 04 of 10. Coreopsis (Coreopsis) …
- 05 of 10. Daffodil (Narcissus) …
- 06 of 10. Lavender (Lavandula) …
- 07 of 10. Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) …
- 08 of 10.
Do deer like hydrangeas?
In general, hydrangeas are definitely not a favorite for deer. However, we would never consider hydrangeas deer resistant or deer proof. Taking additional measures to prevent deer from eating your beautiful shrubs doesn’t require a lot of work, and shouldn’t prevent you from trying to grow hydrangeas in your garden.
Are Nandina deer resistant?
Nandina tolerates a wide temperature range (from -10 to 100+ degrees F), grows slowly, uses low to moderate amounts of water, is rabbit and deer resistant, and is considered a low care, water- wise plant.
What plants do deer hate the most?
Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer.
Are coreopsis deer resistant?
Coreopsis plants (commonly known as Tickseed), attract butterflies and are deer resistant. … From late spring to late summer, you can count on the welcoming yellow blooms of Tickseed. Coreopsis are easily grown and make good cut flowers. These perennial plants prefer well-drained soil in full sun.Is Black Eyed Susan deer resistant?
Named for their dark brown centers peeking out of the gold or bronze petals, black-eyed susans thrive in the sun. Because its covered in course hair, deer and rabbits stay far away from it. These daisy-like blooms are perfect for a late summer or fall bouquet.
Do deer eat zinnia plants?Deer can eat zinnia flowers if they cannot find other palatable sources. They will also nibble on those flowers on occasion when scouting. To ensure deer do not cause damage to your treasured flowers, use deer deterrents like repellents to keep them out.
Article first time published onWhich hollies are deer resistant?
They rate the “Morris” line of shrub hollies (specifically “Lydia Morris” and “John T. Morris”) as being very deer-resistant, but note that the incredibly popular “Nellie Stevens” holly is frequently eaten. The American holly also gets an A rating, meaning deer don’t eat it, and it’s a tree form that grows tall.
Is emerald green arborvitae deer resistant?
Emerald green arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis “Emerald Green”) is a widely used landscape shrub for hedges, screening, and flanking entryways in zones 3 to 7. While it has many positive attributes — winter color, a pyramidal form and superior heat and cold tolerance — it is not deer-resistant.
Do deer like eating viburnum?
Deer usually steer clear from munching on viburnum, but no tree or shrub is truly deer proof. If hungry enough, deer will eat anything. You can try spreading odor deterrents around your plant. (mothballs, decaying fish heads, garlic, fabric softeners), but these usually last just a few days.
Do deer eat azaleas?
Azaleas are a favorite snack of deer, and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in particular. In fact, evergreen azaleas are rated as “frequently severely damaged” by deer, according to Rutgers University. Deciduous azaleas are apparently slightly less delicious.
Do deer eat nandina bushes?
Do deer eat nandinas? No, they don’t, making them one of the best deer-resistant shrubs. However, deer can eat them to the ground as a last resort.
Do deer eat lilac bushes?
Their fragrant white, purple, or pink flowers bloom among dark green heart shaped leaves and are a favorite for gardeners. Although deer will feed on over 700 species of plants found in garden and landscape areas. … Even though lilacs are considered deer resistant, they will nibble on them if no other food is available.
Do deer eat angelonia plants?
AND I HAVE SAVED THE BEST FOR LAST—Angelonia is DEER RESISTANT. Angelonia is listed as a deer resistant annual on many lists.
Do deer eat rose bushes?
Its non-stop blooms and lush foliage are a favorite for gardeners and deer as well. Deer are attracted to well watered, well fertilized plants with a lot of tender growth. Roses fit that bill. Deer will eat the foliage, buds, blooms, and the thorny canes of rose bushes.
How do I keep deer from eating my plants?
- No. 1: Choose Deer-Resistant Outdoor Plants. …
- No. 2: Place Bar Soap Near Outdoor Plants. …
- No. 3: Scatter Human Hair Around Outdoor Plants. …
- No. 4: Apply a Deer-Repellant Spray to the Outdoor Plants. …
- No. 5: Add a Motion Sensor Near the Outdoor Plants. …
- No.
Is Gulf Stream Nandina deer resistant?
This plant is particularly resistant to damage by deer.
Is Heavenly Bamboo toxic to deer?
Nandina shrubs have many traits that make them appealing to gardeners. These plants have year-round interest with spring flowers, ornamental fruits, and sometimes autumn color. They tolerate drought, shade, and salt and are quite resistant to damage by deer.
Are Abelia deer resistant?
Abelia attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Abelia exhibits no serious pest or disease problems, and is very resistant to deer.
Are peonies deer resistant?
Since deer don’t like the flavor of this flower, many gardeners find these large buds go unharmed by deer. Peonies also have a strong scent, which is another deterrent to deer. Apparently, deer think Salvia (a part of the sage family) stink, so they avoid these pungent plants during dinner.
Do deer eat Annabelle hydrangeas?
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ is considered by many to be somewhat deer resistant! Bruce Cole recommends a late spring gentle trimming to delay the flower period and reduce the flopping.
Do Deers eat hostas?
Unfortunately, deer love to eat hosta and it is one of their favorite plants to eat. … When deer eat hosta, they eat the foliage of the leaves and leave behind the stems. It leaves behind the stalks. Another animal that will routinely eat hosta are slugs.
Will deer eat chrysanthemums?
Chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflora or Chrysanthemum morifolium) are a special favorite of both gardeners and deer.
Do deer like delphiniums?
Larkspur (Delphinium spp.) Plant it next to a south-facing fence with companion plants sprawling at its feet, and let its graceful flower stalks shoot skywards. In addition to their deer-resistance, these perennials are valued for their true-blue flowers.
Do deer eat daylilies?
Herbaceous plants deer generally eat include crocus, dahlias, daylilies, hostas, impatiens, phlox, and trillium. Some refer to the flowers of lilies and tulips as deer bon-bon candies. Some trees generally resistant to deer include spruce, pines, honey locust, river birch, and buckeyes.
Are Petunia deer resistant?
Unfortunately, petunias are not deer resistant. As with any other succulent, deer will spot your petunias and immediately choose to devour them.
Are marigolds deer resistant?
All varieties of marigolds are a turnoff for deer because of their strong, pungent scent. However, signet marigolds (pictured) have a lighter citrusy smell and flavor, making them popular for culinary use. Learn more about growing marigolds.
Are cleome deer resistant?
Cleome is deer and rabbit resistant. The flower nectar attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other pollinating insects.