Deer Resistant Perennials
Juniperus c. 'Golden Blue Pacific'
Evergreen conifer with golden needle foliage, forming dense spreading growth. Provides shelter for birds, and grows 12 to 18 inches tall. Ideal for low hedges, borders, and erosion control. Zones: 5 to 9.
Deer resistant perennials help reduce browsing damage while bringing dependable color, texture, and seasonal interest to the landscape. Many feature aromatic foliage, fuzzy leaves, or strong fragrance that make them less appealing to deer, while still providing flowers and foliage that contribute to the overall garden design. These plants help maintain fuller garden beds and more consistent displays throughout the season, allowing gardeners to spend less time replacing damaged plants and more time enjoying the landscape as it grows and matures.
Considerations for Deer Resistant Plants
Deer Pressure Level: Assess how frequently deer visit and how heavily they browse in your area, as this influences how resistant a perennial truly needs to be. In areas with consistent deer activity, even plants considered resistant may experience occasional damage
Plant Palatability: Focus on perennials with characteristics deer tend to avoid, such as aromatic foliage, fuzzy or rough-textured leaves, milky sap, or strong fragrances. Resistance is not absolute, and deer may browse plants when food sources are limited
Aesthetic Preferences: Deer-resistant perennials often feature distinctive foliage textures, silver or gray leaves, or fragrant foliage in addition to flowers. Consider how foliage, bloom color, and flowering season fit your overall garden design
Maintenance Requirements: Monitor for browsing damage and be prepared to protect young plants as they establish. Some perennials recover quickly after light feeding, while others may require trimming or seasonal cleanup to restore their appearance
Supplemental Protection: Even resistant perennials may benefit from temporary fencing, repellents, or netting during establishment or periods of heavy deer pressure. Additional protection can help reduce damage and improve long-term success
Water & Fertility Management: Avoid overfertilizing, as lush, soft growth is often more appealing to deer. Moderate watering and fertilization help encourage sturdier growth that is generally less attractive to browsing
Local Observations: Pay attention to which perennials deer avoid or repeatedly browse in nearby gardens, as preferences vary by region and season. Local experience often provides the most useful guidance when selecting plants
Seasonal Vulnerability: Consider when perennials are most susceptible to browsing, particularly during spring emergence when fresh shoots appear. Newly planted perennials and tender growth often attract more attention than mature plants
Plant Selection Strategy: Use a variety of highly resistant perennials rather than relying on a single plant type. Combining plants with different bloom times and growth habits can create a more resilient planting overall
Site Placement: Position more vulnerable perennials closer to patios, walkways, or frequently used areas, and place highly resistant selections along outer edges. Deer are generally more cautious near spaces with regular human activity
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3 to 4 ft tall
2 to 3 ft wide
Full sun to partial shade
Deciduous
Moderate growth
Moderate resistance
Not aromatic
Flowers
FEATHER REED GRASS (Calamagrostis)
03
Feather reed grasses provide dependable structure and texture while remaining among the more deer-resistant perennial choices for borders and naturalistic plantings. Calamagrostis brachytricha (shown here) is grown for its arching green foliage and soft pink-tinged flower plumes that mature to silvery tan tones later in the season. Its upright habit and coarse texture help maintain seasonal interest while making it less appealing to browsing deer in mixed plantings.
A reliable addition to borders, prairie-style gardens, or deer-resistant plantings, these grasses provide texture and structure throughout the growing season. Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ offers narrow vertical plumes held on strongly upright stems that create a more architectural appearance in the landscape. Together, these selections provide lasting structure, and seasonal interest in the garden.
Related: Explore All Grasses ➔
RUSSIAN SAGE (Perovskia)
02
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3 to 5 ft tall
2 to 4 ft wide
Full sun
Deciduous
Fast growth
High resistance
Aromatic foliage
Flowers
Russian sage combines aromatic foliage and a naturally airy habit, making it one of the more dependable deer-resistant perennials for sunny gardens and open landscapes. Perovskia atriplicifolia (shown here) is grown for its finely divided silvery-gray foliage and long wands of lavender-blue flowers that create a soft haze of color through summer and into fall. Its fragrant leaves and textured stems help maintain seasonal interest while making it less appealing to browsing deer in mixed plantings.
A dependable addition to borders, prairie-style gardens, or deer-resistant plantings, this perennial provides texture and structure throughout the growing season. Its upright branching habit and drought-tolerant nature allow it to blend easily with ornamental grasses and flowering companions while creating a light, layered presence in the landscape. Together, these characteristics provide lasting structure, seasonal interest, and a refined presence in the garden.
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2 to 4 ft tall
1 to 2 ft wide
Full sun to partial shade
Deciduous
Moderate growth
Moderate resistance
Not aromatic
Flowers
CONEFLOWER (Echinacea)
03
Coneflowers combine sturdy growth and coarse foliage with qualities that make them a dependable choice for deer-resistant perennial plantings. Echinacea purpurea (shown here) is grown for its upright habit and daisy-like flowers with rosy-purple petals surrounding prominent central cones. Its textured foliage and slightly rough leaves help maintain seasonal interest while making it less appealing to browsing deer.
A reliable addition to borders, prairie-style gardens, or deer-resistant plantings, these perennials provide structure and color throughout the growing season. Echinacea ‘Kismet Raspberry’ offers rich raspberry-pink blooms, while Echinacea Fresco ‘Apricot’ adds soft apricot flowers with warm peach tones for stronger contrast in the landscape. Together, these selections provide lasting color, seasonal interest, and a refined presence in the garden.
Related: See All Coneflowers ➔
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12 to 18 in tall
12 to 15 in wide
Full sun
Deciduous
Moderate growth
High resistance
Aromatic foliage
Flowers
SAGE (Salvia)
03
Sages combine aromatic foliage and textured leaves with qualities that make them dependable choices for deer-resistant perennial plantings. Salvia Hybrid ‘Amistad’ is grown for its deep green foliage and long spikes of rich violet-purple flowers held above dark stems that create extended seasonal color. Its fragrant leaves and slightly coarse texture help make it less appealing to browsing deer in mixed plantings.
A dependable addition to borders, cottage gardens, or deer-resistant plantings, these perennials provide structure and color throughout the growing season. Salvia microphylla ‘Heatwave Glow’ offers soft peach flowers, while Salvia nemorosa ‘New Dimension Rose’ (shown here) adds rosy-pink flower spikes with a compact habit for stronger contrast in the landscape. Together, these selections provide lasting color, seasonal interest, and a refined presence in the garden.
Related: See All Sage ➔
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18 to 24 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Partial shade to full shade
Deciduous
Moderate growth
Moderate resistance
Not aromatic
Flowers
ASTILBE
03
Astilbes bring finely textured foliage and soft plume-like flowers to shaded spaces while remaining among the more dependable deer-resistant perennial choices. Astilbe x rosea ‘Peach Blossom’ (shown here) is grown for its fern-like green foliage and airy peach-pink flower plumes. Its textured foliage and dense growth help maintain seasonal interest while making it less appealing to browsing deer in mixed plantings.
A dependable addition to woodland gardens, borders, or deer-resistant plantings, these perennials provide texture and color throughout the growing season. Astilbe chinensis ‘Vision in Pink’ offers fuller rosy-pink flower plumes with sturdy stems, while Astilbe simplicifolia ‘Hennie Graafland’ adds soft pink flowers with a lighter, airy appearance for stronger contrast in shaded landscapes. Together, these selections provide lasting texture, seasonal interest, and a refined presence in the garden.
Related: Explore All Astilbes ➔
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18 to 24 in tall
18 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Evergreen
Moderate growth
High resistance
Not aromatic
Flowers
LENTEN ROSE (Helleborus)
03
Lenten roses combine leathery evergreen foliage and early flowering with qualities that make them dependable choices for deer-resistant perennial plantings. Helleborus x g. HGC ‘Ice N’ Roses Purple Sunrise’ (shown here) is grown for its dark green foliage and large purple-rose flowers that create long-lasting color during the cooler months. Its thick leaves and coarse texture help make it less appealing to browsing deer.
A reliable addition to woodland gardens, borders, or deer-resistant plantings, these perennials provide texture and color throughout the growing season. Helleborus x ericsmithii HGC ‘Shooting Star’ offers creamy white flowers flushed with pink tones, while Helleborus x ballardiae HGC ‘Pink Frost’ adds rosy pink blooms. Together, these selections provide lasting texture, seasonal interest, and a refined presence in the garden.
Related: Explore All Lenten Roses ➔
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4 to 8 in tall
12 to 24 in wide
Part to full shade
Evergreen
Slow growth
High resistance
Not aromatic
No flowers
FERN (Blechnum)
03
Ferns offer layered foliage and soft texture while remaining among the more dependable deer-resistant perennial choices for shaded garden spaces. Blechnum penna-marina (shown here) is grown for its low evergreen fronds that gradually form spreading carpets of finely textured foliage. Its leathery foliage and dense growth help maintain seasonal interest while making it less appealing to browsing deer in mixed plantings.
A dependable addition to woodland gardens, borders, or deer-resistant plantings, these perennials provide texture and structure throughout the growing season. Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Regal Red’ offers silvery foliage brushed with burgundy and purple tones, while Asplenium scolopendrium adds glossy strap-like evergreen fronds for stronger contrast in shaded landscapes. Together, these selections provide lasting texture, seasonal interest, and a refined presence in the garden.
Related: Explore All Ferns ➔
CINQUEFOIL (Potentilla)
06
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2 to 4 ft tall
2 to 4 ft wide
Full sun
Deciduous
Moderate growth
Moderate resistance
Flowers
Ferns offer layered foliage and soft texture while remaining among the more dependable deer-resistant perennial choices for shaded garden spaces. Blechnum penna-marina (shown here) is grown for its low evergreen fronds that gradually form spreading carpets of finely textured foliage. Its leathery foliage and dense growth help maintain seasonal interest while making it less appealing to browsing deer in mixed plantings.
A dependable addition to woodland gardens, borders, or deer-resistant plantings, these perennials provide texture and structure throughout the growing season. Athyrium niponicum var. pictum ‘Regal Red’ offers silvery foliage brushed with burgundy and purple tones, while Asplenium scolopendrium adds glossy strap-like evergreen fronds for stronger contrast in shaded landscapes. Together, these selections provide lasting texture, seasonal interest, and a refined presence in the garden.
BUTTERFLY BUSH (Buddleia)
07
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4 to 8 ft tall
4 to 8 ft wide
Full sun
Deciduous
Fast growth
Moderate resistance
Flowers
Butterfly bush offers bright summer color and a growth habit that is generally avoided by deer, making it a reliable choice in gardens with browsing pressure. Buddleia davidii ‘Miss Molly’ (shown here) is grown for its rich red flower spikes that appear from mid-summer into early fall, creating a bold display against gray-green foliage. Its slightly coarse leaves and aromatic qualities help reduce deer interest while still supporting pollinators throughout the season.
A natural fit for borders, open plantings, or wildlife-friendly areas, this shrub maintains strong performance with minimal interference from deer. Its upright, arching habit fills in quickly, forming a loose, flowering screen that adds both height and movement. Together, these qualities provide long-lasting bloom, dependable structure, and consistent performance in deer-resistant landscapes.
JUNIPER (Juniperus)
08
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2 to 10 ft tall
3 to 12 ft wide
Full sun
Evergreen
Moderate growth
High deer resistance
Subtle flowers
Junipers provide tough, evergreen structure with prickly, aromatic foliage that naturally discourages deer browsing, even in exposed or drought-prone landscapes. Juniperus squamata ‘Blue Star’ is grown for its dense, mounded form and silvery-blue needles that provide year-round color. Its sharp, aromatic foliage is typically avoided by deer while maintaining a compact, consistent presence.
A natural choice for slopes, borders, or groundcover plantings, these shrubs maintain their shape and coverage with minimal impact from wildlife. Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Blue Pacific’ (shown here) adds a spreading habit with green and gold-toned foliage, while Juniperus horizontalis ‘Copper Harbor’ offers a low, trailing form that develops coppery tones in cooler weather. Together, these selections provide dependable structure, varied color, and reliable performance in deer-resistant landscapes.
BLUEBEARD (Caryopteris)
09
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2 to 4 ft tall
2 to 4 ft wide
Full sun
Deciduous
Moderate growth
Moderate resistance
Aromatic foliage
Flowers
Bluebeard brings late-season color and fine texture to the garden, with aromatic foliage that is typically avoided by deer. Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Dark Knight’ is grown for its deep blue flowers that appear from mid to late summer, creating a strong contrast against silvery-green foliage. Its compact, mounded habit maintains a full appearance while the scent and texture of the leaves help reduce browsing.
A valuable addition to borders, dry plantings, or sunny garden spaces, these shrubs hold their shape with minimal interference from wildlife. Caryopteris x clandonensis ‘Gold Crest’ adds golden foliage that brightens the planting, while Caryopteris divaricata ‘Snow Fairy’ (shown here) introduces variegated leaves and a softer, more relaxed form. Together, these selections provide dependable bloom, contrasting foliage, and consistent performance in deer-resistant landscapes.
PIERIS
10
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4 to 8 ft tall
4 to 8 ft wide
Partial shade
Evergreen
Slow growth
High deer resistance
Flowers
Pieris provides early-season interest and evergreen structure, with qualities that make it less appealing to deer in many garden settings. Pieris japonica ‘Valley Valentine’ (shown here) is grown for its deep pink, urn-shaped flowers that appear from late winter into early spring, creating a rich display against glossy foliage. Its dense, compact habit maintains a full, consistent form while contributing reliable year-round presence.
A natural choice for woodland borders, foundation plantings, or shaded beds, these shrubs maintain their shape with minimal browsing. Pieris japonica ‘Cavatine’ offers a smaller, tidy form with white flowers, while Pieris japonica ‘Flaming Silver’ adds variegated foliage with pink-flushed new growth that brightens the planting. Together, these selections provide early bloom, layered foliage interest, and steady performance in deer-resistant landscapes.
Related: Explore All Pieris ➔
JAPANESE HOLLY (Ilex crenata)
11
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4 to 10 ft tall
4 to 8 ft wide
Full sun
Evergreen
Slow growth
Moderate resistance
Subtle flowers
Japanese holly provides a boxwood-like evergreen structure with foliage that is often less appealing to deer, making it a useful option in landscapes with browsing concerns. Ilex crenata is grown for its small, glossy leaves and dense branching, forming a refined, consistent presence throughout the year. It is important to note that not all hollies share this trait, and deer resistance can vary across the genus. Ilex crenata ‘Compacta’ (shown here) offers a naturally rounded habit that fills in well, creating a full, uniform look with minimal pruning.
A versatile choice for hedges, borders, or foundation plantings, this shrub maintains its shape with relatively little impact from wildlife. Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ adds a narrow, upright form that introduces vertical structure and contrast within the planting. Together, these selections provide dependable coverage, clean evergreen lines, and reliable performance in deer-resistant garden settings.
LAVENDER COTTON (Santolina)
12
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1 to 2 ft tall
2 to 3 ft wide
Full sun
Evergreen
Moderate growth
High deer resistance
Aromatic foliage
Flowers
Lavender cotton offers aromatic foliage and a dry, finely textured presence that deer tend to avoid, making it especially useful in exposed, low-water gardens and sunny planting areas. Santolina chamaecyparissus ‘Pretty Carroll’ (shown here) is grown for its compact, mounded habit and silvery foliage, with small yellow button-like flowers appearing in early to mid-summer. Its aromatic leaves and dry, somewhat woody texture help deter deer while maintaining a neat, consistent form.
Well suited to borders, edging, or gravel gardens, these shrubs perform reliably with minimal damage from wildlife. Santolina chamaecyparissus ‘Lemon Queen’ adds a lighter tone with pale yellow blooms that brighten the planting while retaining the same deer-resistant qualities. Together, these selections provide durable structure, subtle seasonal color, and dependable performance in deer-resistant plantings.
WEIGELA
13
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4 to 8 ft tall
4 to 8 ft wide
Full sun
Deciduous
Moderate growth
Moderate resistance
Flowers
Weigela brings dependable spring color and a growth habit that is generally less appealing to deer, making it a useful option in landscapes with moderate browsing pressure. Weigela florida ‘Verweig’ (shown here) is grown for its compact form and variegated foliage edged in cream and pink, paired with soft pink blooms that appear in late spring. Its fine branching and dense habit allow it to maintain a full appearance while its foliage texture helps reduce deer interest.
An excellent addition to borders, low hedges, or mixed plantings, these shrubs provide consistent coverage with minimal browsing damage. Weigela florida ‘Tango’ offers a compact, mounded form with bright pink flowers and yellow throats, while Weigela ‘Looymansii Aurea’ adds golden foliage that brings contrast and brightness to the planting. Together, these selections provide layered color, seasonal bloom, and reliable performance in deer-resistant garden settings.
BOXWOOD (Buxus)
14
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2 to 6 ft tall
2 to 5 ft wide
Partial shade
Evergreen
Slow growth
Moderate resistance
Subtle flowers
Boxwoods provide classic evergreen structure with foliage that is often avoided by deer, making them a dependable choice where browsing can be an issue. Buxus microphylla var. japonica ‘Green Beauty’ is grown for its dense, rounded habit and rich green leaves that hold their color well throughout the year. Buxus microphylla var. japonica ‘Winter Gem’ (shown here) offers a similar compact form with good winter color retention, maintaining a full, consistent appearance with minimal pruning.
A natural fit for hedges, borders, or foundation plantings, these shrubs maintain clean lines and structure with relatively little impact from wildlife. Buxus sempervirens ‘Variegata’ adds green leaves edged in creamy white, introducing brightness and contrast while retaining the same dependable form. Together, these selections provide strong evergreen presence, refined texture, and reliable performance in deer-resistant garden settings.