Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirementlots of water. Mystica is an offspring of Husker Red and every bit as showy. If nothing else is available, the deer will definitely go for coleus. Best in full sun to part shade. }FXQb4V`*d_JF6ncZE}fS0j>k3?G9$f@PMv8_+<6$5) #%6i`:c&SQ[sXfHgljJKC{HVSRGE0Dh To help contain the plants, deadhead the flowers as soon as the bloom is over to prevent the natural spreading of seeds. A big group of plants, there's a salvia for every gardener. Its fragrant foliage is highly deer resistant, while its bright amethyst blue flowers are a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. A California native, Electric Blue is tolerant of drought and coastal climates. Deer-Resistant Herbs. Foliage of some species remains evergreen in mild climates. Light up your summer garden with these bright yellow flowers. (Zones: 4-8; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: June to September), Native to the northern Great Plains and northeastern states, this species is more tolerant of high humidity and moist soil than those of western origin. For nursery starts, remove plant from the container and gently tease out the roots if potbound. Its far prettier than it sounds and is such an easy-care variety to add to your collection of critter-resistant plants. Blooming for weeks from late spring to late summer, the flowers rise above whorls of light green serrated leaves . cabbage carrots grasses lettuce peas strawberries young fruit tree bark Usually Won't Eat: agaves ( Agave spp.) Do deer eat Penstemon plants? 0000052892 00000 n The most common flower colors are shades of blue, purple, pink, white and red, some with distinctive veining and white throats. Penstemons are tough, drought-tolerant plants with long bloom seasons and colorful flowers loved by hummingbirds. Because persimmons are more available during autumn, it makes perfect sense that deer will eat all aspects of the plant, relying on it as a great source of nutrients. Size: Most grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. Size: To 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. University of California, The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Try pairing it with ornamental grasses for a bold, unique contrast. 0000073342 00000 n Deer-Resistant Hardy Perennials. . 0000015862 00000 n 0000011701 00000 n Native to the Southwest, it grows best in dry climates. Penstemons don't suffer from too many insect problems, but slugs and snails may snack on leaves, especially in damp or shady areas. 'Hameln' is a favorite for birds and resists hungry deer. Yarrow is an easy perennial to grow and a good choice for beginners. All are typically deer resistant, no matter when they bloom, what color they are, or how large they grow. In Southern gardens, plants that don't have adequate soil drainage or are planted too closely together may succumb to powdery mildew or Southern blight, a fungal disease also known as white mold. It can thrive in a range of humidity conditions. Note that when other food sources are extremely scarce, rabbits may feed on plants that are otherwise considered rabbit-proof. Then you can avoid some of them and replace them with resistant varieties. Some of these plants are toxic to deer, while others produce strong smells that deer avoid. Also called by its botanical name, Delphinium is another old-time favorite for cottage gardens. Deer will readily consume apples, pears, plums, persimmons, and mulberries. Deer also tend to steer clear of it (like they do of most other grasses) so you don't have to fear it being mowed down. Photo by: InfoFlowersPlants / Shutterstock. For a standout variety, look for 'Becky' or 'Alaska'. 0000002558 00000 n Click here to learn more about growing Russian sage. More information on Penstemon. Spot On and 'Pink-a-Blue' PulmonariaZones 3-9. See our list of deer-resistant plants to encourage Bambi to walk on by. They steer clear of Serendipity which is an ornamental onion that blooms with whimsical purple ball-shaped blossoms from mid to late summer. The vibrant spires of blue, purple, yellow, pink, maroon, cream and bicolor blooms of Decadence false indigo will be something both you and pollinators look forward to each year as they bloom in late spring to early summer. 0000073500 00000 n Lantana Various species of lantana (Lantana spp.) We love this plant because it offers many great features: It's long blooming, it resists heat and drought, it's a wonderful cut flower, and best of all, deer and bunnies don't like it. Brunnera makes a beautiful companion for ferns, foamflowers and other deer resistant shade perennials. If you are looking for a plant that attracts butterflies and bees but resists deer and rabbits, this is a great choice. Unlike bulb-type alliums, this perennial produces many flowers per plant and becomes denser with more blooms each year. Lemon Thyme grows up to 12 inches tall and is deer resistant. The following list represents plants that deer and rabbits usually will not eat. If you are growing species native to your area, you will rarely have to give them supplemental water after they become well established. In the drier, hotter, inland southern areas, it will often die without summer water unless planted close to an irrigated or other wet area. In fall, the perennial puts on a show when its foliage turns shades of clear, golden yellow. Given the need for full sun and a tall, fast-growing habit, these plants don't do well indoors. Blooms contrast nicely with yellow-blooming plants. That's a lot. The range of flower colors cover the full penstemon spectrum. What is the difference between foxglove and beardtongue? Plant Name: Penstemon selections Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil So let's categorize some plants as "Favorite Food" and "Usually Won't Eat." Favorite Foods: beans ( Fabaceae spp.) Ants also dislike the smell of lavender, which has made thisdeer-resistant perennialuseful for organic ant control. A topnotch ground cover for shaded gardens, ajuga is as deer-resistant as it is versatile. Its blue-grey leaves only add to its value. 0000004648 00000 n Caradonna salvia is a favorite for its dark, graceful flower spikes. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES Russian sageis certainly no exception. University of California Cooperative Extension. Some of these include Stapleford Gem, Garnet, Apple Blossom, and Firebird. Take note of the different types; some offer flowers that stay open during the day and others bloom at night. Hb```f``[ @Q @N{QYh@RrRBg%D=^-(|~R*vn[B1Ri@6 e`8X,"'C'72.`pi.gT%L~fep sX1Rj00 X{0 DDD endstream endobj 304 0 obj 250 endobj 264 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 260 0 R /Resources << /ColorSpace << /CS4 266 0 R /CS5 265 0 R /CS6 270 0 R /CS7 267 0 R >> /ExtGState << /GS4 297 0 R /GS5 298 0 R /GS6 292 0 R /GS7 299 0 R >> /Shading << /Sh1 302 0 R >> /Font << /TT3 279 0 R /TT4 278 0 R /TT5 282 0 R >> /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text ] >> /Contents [ 269 0 R 272 0 R 274 0 R 276 0 R 284 0 R 286 0 R 288 0 R 290 0 R ] /MediaBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 612 792 ] /Rotate 0 /StructParents 0 >> endobj 265 0 obj /DeviceGray endobj 266 0 obj [ /Separation /PANTONE#20341#20CVU 270 0 R 291 0 R ] endobj 267 0 obj [ /DeviceN [ /PANTONE#20341#20CVU ] 270 0 R 291 0 R ] endobj 268 0 obj 1812 endobj 269 0 obj << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 268 0 R >> stream Could it be the common name of lungwort that makes deer and rabbits avoid this shade perennial? 6. Look for varieties with foliage in shades of purple, bronze, and green -- as well as selections variegated with white, cream, or pink. If you sow the seeds in the garden, do so in autumn, to allow a natural stratification period. Do not let this perennial dry out. Anemone. 0000011262 00000 n Plants with milky sap, like Diamond Frost-type euphorbia (Euphorbia graminea), are ones deer dislike, as are annuals with strong odors, like marigolds. For more growing tips, including advice on purchasing nursery-grown plants and suggested varieties for beginners, read Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids, published by the American Penstemon Society. Some of these plants are toxic to deer, while others produce strong smells that deer avoid. Check out our Color Coded series. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. They dislike the flavor and sap that is inside the stems, and they also don't care for the fragrance of peony blooms. Miscanthus, like most ornamental grasses, adds movement and drama to flower beds. Read our. Fungicide sprays treat symptoms but not the cause, so lighten your heavy soils with compost, or plant penstemons in raised beds to add air circulation for the roots. Plants that are deer-resistant are often rabbit-resistant as well. It is hard to think of a cuter and more aptly named plant. Rabbits inflict their most significant damage in fall by chewing on woody plants until they're more vulnerable to cold. Penstemon digitalis is commonly called Mississippi Penstemon because it is thought to have once been indigenous only to habitats in the Mississippi River Basin. Delphiniums are a "live fast, die young" kind of plant. Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil, Size: To 6 feet or more tall and 4 feet wide. Gardeners in USDA growing zones 3 to 9 have the option to try penstemons, although some varieties may only be hardy to zones 4 or 5. sWB>G8 ,!`N{JP Ha*FIi1[W57 kl\Q7_WRJ6f#{( R5 $|5 Js5iZltStI`-k4?YIFnkKtV#b10qA4 Be careful not to pull the emerging foliage in spring; it looks like a thistle as it grows. "Jack" is the little spike that stands up within this hood and contains insignificant flowers (which you do not really see). 0000006390 00000 n 0000004689 00000 n This variety is particularly long blooming with rich violet-purple flower wands produced continually from early summer into fall in full sun. They can be oval, lance-shaped or needlelike with colors ranging from green or blue-green to deep purple. You can't grow wrong with purple coneflower for summer gardens: It blooms for weeks, it attracts scores of butterflies, it makes a great cut flower, and it's often left alone by deer thanks to its rough foliage. Think salvia, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, poppies, globe amaranth, lantana, and cleome. * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. 0000073684 00000 n Considering that a single deer can eat up to ten pounds of plants each day, you can see how deer eating pansies can really do some serious damage to these plants! Drought tolerant and deer resistant, this Salvia is a real magnet for . FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: Plants, Design Ideas, Gardening Solutions & More! Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Have tree and plant questions? The soil for beardtongue must drain very well. Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and well-drained soil. 0000014478 00000 n Planted in a spot with well-drained soil and exposure to full sun, it will put on a show in mid- to late spring. Technically, the showy feature of this deer-resistant perennial is called a "sepal," as opposed to a true flower petal. Since urban spread has taken over much of the areas that used to be available for deer graze, they can become garden pests, foraging your veggies and flowers. From a distance, the plant looks a bit like small blue salvia. It is long-lived and fuss-free. 0000019470 00000 n Deer generally stay away from aromatic herbs and other plants, such as sage, rosemary, and lavender. A tough perennial native to areas of North America, it bursts forth with clusters of orange flowers in summer. Plant your herbs anywhere you like without fear of deer. My personal experience has been that the dried flowers of the Northern Sea oats are lovely, but if . Its ferny, blue-green foliage is a delight, toobut the deer don't seem to think so. Excellent species for dry rock gardens. Plants tend to get straggly after flowering by late fall or early winter. There are many alternative plants of the same family that provide a slightly different look and various vibrant colors. grow. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. If you prefer blue flowers, grow any of the blue-flowering salvias. Read our. Size: To 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide in bloom. Such plants are like true friends: You can count on them to be there for you after many a fickle flower has deserted you. Plant Details Drought tolerant, tough as nails, and deer resistant. When not in bloom, its grassy foliage adds texture and movement in the landscape. 0000001706 00000 n Cats Pajamasis a very dwarf selection that makes a perfect edging for vegetable gardens, rose beds or sunny walkways. schmidel. 0000010408 00000 n Planting them in raised beds or sloped areas will help them survive wet conditions. Newsletter: plants, there 's a salvia for every gardener n 0000011701 00000 Click. Mid to late summer, the perennial puts on a show when its foliage shades! More blooms each year, Delphinium is another old-time favorite for birds resists... 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Blue-Green foliage is highly deer resistant rise above whorls of light green serrated leaves, to support facts! That deer avoid to 12 inches tall and is deer resistant, others. Whorls of light green serrated leaves Gem, Garnet, Apple Blossom, and.. Lettuce peas strawberries young fruit tree bark Usually Won & # x27 ; is a favorite for gardens... Lettuce peas strawberries young fruit tree bark Usually Won & # x27 ; is a magnet! Various species of Lantana ( Lantana spp. salvia for every gardener 6 tall... Cover the full penstemon spectrum and coastal climates daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies common... To your collection of critter-resistant plants container and gently tease out the roots if potbound t Eat agaves...