Nothing is certainly more annoying for a gardener than having deer come by frequently. Despite a large number of plants designated as “deer resistant,” it sometimes appears like they will devour everything and everything.
I have grown to doubt the value of such lists over time, largely as a result of clients murmuring, “This plant was meant to be deer-proof,” as they enter our nursery. In actuality, poisonous plants are the only class of plants that can be stated to be consistently deer-proof. Beyond this condensed list, Clint Eastwood’s Dirty Harry finest captures the risk involved: “You have to ask yourself, Do I Feel Lucky?”
Deer enter our fall gardens in search of water and fragile plants after a protracted, dry season. Even if they’ve left the same plant alone in a neighbor’s garden, they will consume anything that piques their curiosity, which is puzzling. This makes determining which plants are safe more difficult. It appears to depend, among other things, on what else is in your yard and how hungry they are. Why then do you see extensive lists of plants that can withstand deer browsing online or in gardening tomes like the Western Garden Book? The simple reason for this is that the deer have occasionally left them alone.
Three categories
Deer-resistant plants can be divided into three types. Those that are toxic or poisonous to deer are on the first list. These include breadseed poppies (Papaver somniferum), ricinus, euphorbias, oleanders, brugmansias, and daturas, as well as milkweeds such asclepius and tweedia, euphorbias, oleanders, brugmansias, and daturas (castor bean). It’s odd that a lot of popular bulbs are toxic and therefore deer-proof. Narcissus, hyacinth, autumn crocus, and Star of Bethlehem are a few of these (ornithogalum). Wearing gloves when pruning Asclepius and Euphorbia is advised by plant books due to their milky sap, which is caustic. While monkshood, ricinus, and the seeds of papaver somniferum are really highly poisonous, brugmansias are just weakly toxic. Like other animals, deer are intelligent enough to avoid these plants.
Playing the odds
Those plants with a potent aroma, particularly in the foliage, can be found on the second list. Deer-resistant plants include a wide range of species including lavender, rosemary, salvias, lantana, agastache, tagetes (bush marigold), tulbaghia (society garlic), as well as aromatic herbs like oregano, marjoram, sage, and mint. The idea is that deer don’t find these plants appealing because of their enhanced senses. That has some validity. All bets are off, though, if there is nothing else in your garden that they might find interesting. Deer are known to be particularly attracted to sensitive foliage, thus safeguarding new plants is a top responsibility for gardeners.
Plants with hard, hairy, or spiky foliage make up the third category of deer-resistant plants. This list consists of shrubs with more durable leaves, such as privet, ceanothus, manzanita, and rhododendrons. The list of plants with hairy leaves that deer avoid includes echiums, fremontodendron, tibouchina, and some perennial rudbeckias. Last but not least, deer avoid plants with spiky or serrated leaves, such as mahonias, some hellebores, osmanthus japonica, berberis (barberry), chaenomeles (quince), and corokia.
The complicated issue of California natives is another issue. Native plants aren’t necessarily deer-resistant because they are, after all, the primary source of food for nearby deer. However, some have evolved deterrent techniques, such as harder leaves or a certain level of toxicity. Again, it’s worth looking deeper to determine the precise characteristics that make a plant repellent to deer.
Are Euphorbia plants eaten by deer?
A member of the Euphorbiaceae family, which has members in a variety of startling sizes and shapes, Euphorbia is a very vast genus with around 2,000 species. They could be shrubs, trees, annuals, perennials, evergreens, or deciduous. The majority, which are native to temperate regions around the world, including the Mediterranean climate in Sonoma County, originated in Africa, Madagascar, and the Americas.
Poinsettia, a popular Christmas plant, is an example of Euphorbia pulcherrima. It stands out from the majority of its related species—often referred to as spurges—by having striking, vivid crimson bracts. Nearly all are perennials that require just moderate maintenance and are either evergreen or die back to the ground in the winter before regrowing in the spring. Their leafy stems have a variety of colors, sizes, and textures of leaves. The genus comprises a wide variety of forms, including, among others, mounds, upright stem sets, and low ground crawlers. Early spring through early summer is when euphorbias typically flower, and they then continue to produce lovely foliage all through the growing season or even all year long. Many are resistant to deer and gophers as well as drought.
The blooms on euphorbia are one of its most peculiar features. What is commonly referred to as a flower is actually a cyathium, which is made up of fused bracts that enclose a tiny true flower in a cup. On the ends of the leafy stems, groups of bracts that resemble leaves sprout. These bracts are typically vividly colored, with many species having chartreuse bracts that reflect light and create an amazing display. The elegant leafy stems come in a variety of colors, including blue, blue-green, reddish-green, reddish-orange, and green with purple undertones.
Depending on the species, euphorbias have different planting needs. Many plants need direct sunlight, but others may survive in partial shade, and a few even thrive in complete shadow. The majority of species that grow well in Sonoma County enjoy heat and can withstand some frost. They can tolerate drought, but some require regular water, and almost all don’t like having wet feet.
Euphorbias have some shortcomings despite its numerous positive traits. Each plant has a milky white sap in its stem that stings when touched, can be poisonous if consumed, and is extremely painful if it gets in the eyes. It’s crucial to clip them carefully and clean them right after after pruning. Long sleeves and gloves both protect the hands and arms. The good news is that the gophers and deer stay away because of the unpleasant sap. Self-sowing and underground stem spread can both be a pain, but for the most part, undesirable plants are simple to remove.
robbiae euporbia amygdaloides This species, sometimes known as Mrs. Robb’s bonnet, can endure more shade than most euphorbias and is quite short (up to 1 foot tall). It can be a helpful variety where there is no supplementary summer irrigation, but only if it is carefully contained on all sides; otherwise, it can become an unwelcome and invasive pest. Individual stems grow quickly via rhizomes.
Characia euphorbia This plant grows to a height of about 4 feet in a dome-shaped canopy, with erect, evergreen stems densely covered in narrow, blue-green leaves. It produces magnificent, spherical clusters of vibrant chartreuse/lime green flower heads that endure for several weeks and bloom in late winter to early spring. To stop unwanted self-seeding and make space for newly sprouting shoots, stems should be pruned down to the base as seeds form. The variety of this plant that is most frequently grown is E. c. wulfenii. It enjoys direct sunlight and uses little water.
griffithii Euphorbia In comparison to the other species listed, this Himalayan native has a highly distinctive appearance. It spreads slowly by creeping roots and matures as an upright stem up to 3 feet tall. Early summer brings forth the fiery orange-red bracts of “Fireglow,” which produce a sea of color and interest in areas with sun or filtered light and moderate moisture. To stop the spread and maintain control, cut it down to the ground in the winter and divide it every three to four years, if not more frequently. Some gardeners favor the related cultivar “Fern Cottage,” which is reputed to be less invasive.
Martini’s euphorbia This perennial, which is a cross between E. characias and E. amygdaloides, grows to a height of 2-3 feet and has dark green leaves with a hint of purple. In late winter to early spring, dense clusters of green blooms with dark centers appear at the tips of the branches. It does not reseed as frequently as other species, prefers full sun to part shade, and can withstand drought.
Myrsinites of Euphorbia This lovely evergreen plant, also known as myrtle spurge and donkey-tail spurge, has stems that extend outward from the crown and trail on the ground like an octopus. Early in the spring, the short, hefty blue-green leaves that cover the stems and end in clusters of chartreuse bracts lend a striking attraction to the environment. Cut entire stems back to the base as opposed to deadheading individual flowers, being careful not to remove slowly forming new stems. All year long, there will be new growth.
What plant has the most deer resistance?
French marigolds are a staple of gardeners everywhere and come in a wide range of vibrant hues over a lengthy season. They have numerous colors in a single flower head, are compact and bushy with little flowers, and have a tidy appearance overall. Marigolds are typically avoided by deer due to their strong scent, so planting them alongside other shrubs and ornamentals may assist to safeguard them.
Does Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow withstand deer damage?
With its variegated foliage and vibrant flowers, this heat- and drought-tolerant perennial will give color to sunny gardens and patio pots. Late April sees the blooming of its clusters of green, lime, and cream variegated blooms. Its multicolored foliage is equally stunning. Its gray-green leaves have a golden edge, and in the fall, they change to colors of red, pink, and orange. This plant is a vibrant patio plant and provides months of flare to the garden. One of the final perennials to enter dormancy in the fall is this one. Deer and rabbit tend to stay away from it. grows most well in full sun to some shade.
Does Euphorbia Polychroma withstand deer?
One of the best perennials for borders is Euphorbia Polychroma, often known as Cushion Spurge. It is a long-lasting and highly showy perennial. It is one of the few perennials to have a stunning fall foliage display, with dense, flattened golden-yellow blooms in the spring and growing in a beautiful dome (or cushion). In the middle of spring, its upright, strong stems yield cymes of hardly perceptible greenish blooms. Even though the blooms aren’t particularly beautiful, they are supported by sulphur-yellow bracts that are extraordinarily long-lasting and vivid. The medium-green foliage has beautiful crimson, purple, or orange leaves in the fall, making for a lengthy season of fascination.
- typically reaches heights and widths of 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm)
- won the renowned Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (1993)
- This extraordinary plant is resistant to the majority of pests and diseases, drought-tolerant, deer- and rabbit-tolerant, and low maintenance. It maintains its beauty throughout the entire growing season.
- It does best in dry, well-drained soils and prefers full sun, though it will tolerate mild shade. Rock or sandy soils with poor drainage are welcome!
Which plants irritate deer the most?
According to Hyland, deer typically avoid plants with fragrant foliage like sage and rosemary. Additionally, they stay away from statuesque plants like yews, hollies, and boxwoods. Deers will not enjoy anything spiky or fuzzy, so take the texture of the plant into consideration.
Do bunnies consume euphorbia?
The best value is provided by Euphorbia milli, which has spiky stems and branches as well as a sap that is poisonous to rabbits and other animals.
What kinds of plants won’t deer eat?
- White-tailed deer damage to nurseries has been researched by researchers from the University of Rhode Island. They found that deer had a fondness for hostas, daylilies, and English ivy in particular.
A few study participants made the interesting observation that deer appear to choose fertilized plants over those that haven’t.
Which Plants Deer Don’t Want to Eat
It should come as no surprise that deer tend to avoid harmful plants. Deer steer clear of common flowers with toxicity like daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies.
- Deer also have a propensity to avoid plants with powerful odors. Flowers like peonies and bearded irises, as well as herbs like sages, decorative salvias, and lavender, are simply “stinky to deer.
- Would you like to consume anything sharp? Deer don’t either (unless they’re in a pinch). They avoid eating plants like lamb’s ear on their favored menu.
Deer-Resistant Plants for Shade
- Bleeding hearts are one of our favorite perennials that can withstand deer (Lamprocapnos spectabilis, aka Dicentra spectabilis).
- Astilbe are plants that thrive in shade and are resistant to deer. Bridal Veil, Visions, and Fanal asters combine well.
Deer-Resistant Plants for Sun
- The Coreopsis verticillata ‘Zagreb’ variety has a long blooming season from May through September and attracts butterflies but not deer.
- The perennial Liatris spicata ‘Kobold’ or Blazing Star is another sun-loving plant that isn’t a favorite among the deer.
- One of our favorite native plants, Echinacea purpurea, attracts pollinators.
- Salvia x sylvestris, sometimes known as wood sage, is another sun-lover.
- Last but not least, a popular type of Shasta Daisy that deer do not prefer is Leucanthemum x superbum “Becky.”
List of Top Deer-Resistant Plants, Flowers, and Shrubs
Deer-resistant plants have been identified through research as those that are less likely to be consumed by deer. See the list below. Here is a list of common plants that deer rarely or never seriously harm. Remember that there are no plants that are entirely resistant to deer; this is the first rule of deer proofing.
Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica)
Pieris is a well-liked garden plant due to its showy blossoms. The gorgeous white flower clusters, which have a drooping shape and are very pollinator-friendly, contrast with the dark green leaves. Pieris thrives in a little shade and can even handle severe shade. Even though you might have to deal with bothersome lacebugs, it’s unlikely that deer will ever touch this shrub.
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
This is one of the greatest options for a shrub that deer won’t eat among natural evergreen plants. Additionally, you’ll be gifted with gorgeous pale pink flower clusters that are up to six inches in diameter big in the late spring! The shrub itself can grow to be rather enormous, up to 15 feet tall and wide, however they develop at a moderate rate. Mountain laurel thrives in partial shade and is excellent for slightly acidic soils.
Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Eastern red cedar is your best option if you enjoy how arborvitae looks and want a shrub that deer won’t eat (although they may still nibble on the lower foliage).
However, a variety of songbirds will benefit from your dinner as they love the berry-like, gray-blue cones. As a species that can withstand extreme drought, Eastern red cedar thrives in dry soil and direct sunlight, but it shouldn’t be planted close to crabapple or apple trees since it might spread cedar apple rust.
The Eastern red cedar might win the prize for being the tallest deer-resistant shrub, as it can grow to a height of up to 50 feet.
Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis)
Keep this juniper away from apples because, like Eastern red cedar, it may harbor cedar apple rust. It is also quite resistant to deer and thrives in dry soil (and even in drought conditions). Smaller shrubby forms are also available, however some cultivars develop to be tall trees (up to 20 feet).
Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)
Native to North America, this densely branched deciduous shrub is frequently seen along our eastern coast. Although the shrub’s grayish-green leaves are stunning, it is more well-known for its fruits, which are also covered with a waxy material that is scented, used to manufacture soap, attractive to birds, and generally deer-repellent.