Deer browse is a common challenge for homeowners, creating a conflict between wildlife appreciation and gardening goals. Deer are selective eaters when food is abundant, but their preferences can shift dramatically based on local population density, regional food availability, and the season. Understanding which flowers are most palatable and which possess natural deterrents is the first step toward successful gardening in areas frequented by these animals. Choosing wisely can significantly reduce the likelihood of damage, though plant-based protection is never guaranteed.
Highly Preferred Flowers (Deer Delicacies)
Deer are drawn to plants that offer high nutritional value, soft texture, and high moisture content, which translates to the most tender garden flowers. These preferred plants, sometimes called “deer candy,” are easily digested and represent a quick source of energy and hydration. The broad, succulent leaves of hostas, for example, are a favorite target and can be stripped down to bare stems overnight.
Many popular spring-blooming bulbs are consumed, most notably the entire plant of tulips, which contain high levels of carbohydrates that deer find irresistible. Daylilies are another perennial favorite, where deer often target the unopened flower buds before they bloom, eliminating the season’s color display. Common annuals like pansies and violas are frequently browsed due to their delicate texture and slightly sweet scent.
Roses are not immune to damage despite their thorns; deer often bypass the prickly stems to consume the tender new growth and soft flower petals, especially in winter when other food is scarce. Moisture-rich annuals such as impatiens and petunias are also frequently sought out due to their soft leaves and fragrant blooms, making them highly vulnerable to browsing. Any plant with a smooth, non-aromatic, and lush appearance is likely to be considered a prime food source.
Flowers Deer Typically Ignore (Resistant Choices)
Flowers that deer ignore possess characteristics unappealing to their senses of taste and smell. Many deer-resistant plants achieve this status through strong, pungent aromas that are distasteful to the deer’s sensitive nose. Garden staples like lavender and Russian sage, both possessing a powerful, herbal scent, are reliably avoided by deer.
A plant’s physical texture is another effective deterrent, as deer avoid foliage that is fuzzy, coarse, or prickly. The woolly leaves of Lamb’s Ear and the rough texture of floss flower and verbena are generally left alone. Coneflowers (Echinacea) also fall into this category, as their spiny centers and coarse texture make them less palatable than softer alternatives.
Toxicity is a third natural defense mechanism, as plants like the beautiful bleeding heart contain compounds that are unappetizing or harmful to deer. Poppies and hellebores are also ignored due to their inherent unpalatability. Choosing varieties with strong odors, coarse foliage, or natural toxicity significantly increases the chance of a garden remaining untouched, though no plant is completely deer-proof.
Non-Plant Methods for Reducing Deer Damage
Protecting vulnerable flowers often requires physical or chemical intervention, independent of the plant species chosen. The most reliable method of exclusion is a physical barrier, though a fence must be at least eight feet tall to prevent a deer from simply jumping over it. For smaller areas, a low-cost solution involves running heavy-duty fishing line or wire at heights of two and a half and five feet.
This simple wire barrier works by creating a confusing, nearly invisible obstacle that deer are reluctant to push through, prompting them to seek easier access to food elsewhere. For individual, high-value plants, temporary physical netting can be draped over the foliage to create a direct barrier during periods of high feeding pressure.
Chemical repellents work by either taste or smell, making the treated plants unattractive. Commercial products are available, but a highly effective, low-cost solution can be made at home using three eggs blended into one gallon of water. This mixture relies on a sulfurous odor and should be sprayed onto new growth and reapplied every two weeks or after heavy rain to maintain its effectiveness. Rotating this repellent with other strong-smelling options, such as garlic or hot pepper, prevents the deer from becoming accustomed to a single scent.