What Plants Are Deer Resistant?
- A lone deer is beautiful in a field, but not in the yard!Brow-antlered Deer - Grazing image by Daniel Mortell from Fotolia.com
Though having deer in the garden may seem picturesque, most gardeners regard deer as major pests. Gardeners can take action against deer by cultivating plants that deer find distasteful or even repellent. Though no plant is guaranteed to be completely deer-proof, there are many types of plants that have proven themselves more or less unappetizing to the furry foe. - Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) is a low-growing flowering shrub that is remarkably trouble-free. Largely pest- and disease-free, catmint is an attractive plant that boasts a mounding habit and a size of about one to three feet, according to Fine Gardening. The plant sports small, aromatic leaves and dense clusters of lavender blooms. The aroma of the plant is pleasing to humans, butterflies and hummingbirds, and it will almost certainly ward off grazing deer. Catmint has a wide range and will grow in USDA zones three to 10. The summer flowering plant requires full sunlight and well-draining soil. Water the soil when dry, and prune lightly to keep the plant looking neat.
- Obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) is a perennial member of the mint family that can be found throughout Southern Canada and through the United States into Texas and Louisiana. The plant is quite upright, growing to be about two to three feet tall, according to Floridata. The plant bears columns of small lavender, pink or white blooms, which are showcased nicely against its lance-shaped leaves. Obedient plant does best when grown in either sun or light shade in USDA zones three to nine. An acidic, sandy loam is ideal for this plant, as is frequent watering. Obedient plant may become invasive when given too much water, but you can easily remedy this problem by withholding excess water and fertilizer.
- South African foxglove (Ceratotheca triloba) is a flowering plant that may be grown as an annual in just about any climate zone. The vertical plant may reach heights of up to six feet, though it will usually be closer to three or four. South African foxglove is notable for its long green leaves and attractive tubular flowers, which may be in a range of pastel colors. The summer and fall blooming plant will attract hummingbirds to the garden, while repelling deer with the strong aroma of its leaves. Fine Gardening notes that South African foxglove should be grown in well-drained soil in either sun or partial shade. The plant requires only occasional supplemental watering during summer droughts.
