Deer Resistant Plants
by Happy Gardener | Mar 11, 2018 | Annuals & Perennials, Native/Xeriscape/Wildflowers, Pests & Diseases, Trees & Shrubs | 16 comments
16 Comments
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Do deer eat variegated aztec grass?
Hi Lori,
Yes, Variegated Aztec Grass is considered a deer resistant specimen. Keep in mind that it depends on the herd, and how hungry they are, meaning they may take a nibble to try it and then move along.
We planted a whole back wall of sweet potato vines, which lasted 3 days. On the fourth day we walked out to a wall of stems sticking up without a single leaf!
Yikes! That’s no good. Yes, unfortunately even plants on these lists could be subjected to damage depending on the weather, drought conditions, the herd, and how hungry they are. That’s why there no such thing as a deer-proof plant. But in general, they tend to avoid or move on from the plants on these lists in favor of something they prefer. There is always an exception that happens with just about any of these plants. Those deer can be real stinkers!
Deer eat potato vines! At least in Texas they do!
Hi Lisa,
Although the deer may nibble and taste, we have found that that the foliage is tolerant of deer, meaning the plant comes back quickly. Have you found yours to be decimated by deer? We are always curious of the experience of every gardener when it comes to deer “resistant” plants. It would be great if that meant deer proof, but alas it doesn’t. Sweet potato vine has recently been added to the Texas Superstar list. Check out this article.
I have tried to establish a ground cover of sweet potato vine in one of my front yard flower beds (San Antonio, TX) and it was repeatedly pillaged by the local herd of deer. This is also the summer of 2021, when drought wasn’t an issue due to all the rain we got and food supply was plentiful for the deer. The vines did rebound quickly, but we had to put in protection around it after their third raid to preserve what was left.
Hmmm….I’ve had a couple of people alert me to deer ravaging the sweet potato vines. Although they are considered deer resistant and they do bounce back after being nibbled on, it might be time to take them off our list. I appreciate your feedback!
Same! I feel like I am growing a container of deer food! I only planted the dark purple variety so am wondering if the bright green is more deer resistant.
Argh! It can be frustrating when they go after plants they aren’t “suppose” to. Remember that it always depends on the herd, and the weather (rain) conditions too. Have you found that your plants bounce back? Or only to be devoured again?
What flower plant is a deer resistant, perennial that’ will grow in the shade?
Off of our deer resistant list the following perennials tolerate full shade: bears’ breeches, cast iron plant, cedar sage, columbine, coral bells, rock rose, turks cap.
I am also attaching our shade plant handout so you can define exactly what type of shade you have. If you have more of a dappled shade or partial shade instead of full, you may find you have more choices for perennial options that are also deer resistant. You can cross reference the plants on the shade handout with the deer resistant list. https://www.rainbowgardens.biz/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/FULL-SHADE-TOLERANT-PLANTS.pdf
Hope this helps.
Purple Coneflower is not deer resistant in my Georgetown, Tx garden. I planted 6 fully flowering plants in my fenced back yard. 3 days later I could tell a few tastes were taken. I woke up the 4 day to 6 – 2 inch stems sticking out of the ground. I think they had a party. 🙁
Hi Holly,
Unfortunately like we always say, no plant is completely deer proof, and it all depends on the herd, how hungry or thirsty they are, and other factors. We’ve found purple coneflower to generally be overlooked by deer for other species of plants they prefer. Also, deer sometimes get a bad rap when it might be a rabbit or other critter doing the munching. Sorry you lost your coneflowers!
I am wanting a deer resistant red, white and blue garden in dappled sun. What would you suggest for a 2 foot border bed in the Houston area? Thanks!
You might want to look at some of the sages. Off the top of my head for your color scheme I’m thinking tropical sages that you can find in red or white and meadow sages that come in a purple/blue color. Most of these will tolerate and still bloom in dappled sun. I am attaching a link to our shade and part shade plant list that you can use to cross reference the deer resistant plant list and hope that you will find something that works with your area. You can also check out the Plantfinder tool on our website to research plants.