Penstemon plants areherbaceous perennialsthat feature lance-shaped foliage and spikes of tubular flowers. However, if they do eat one of these plants, they'll likely go for the flowers before the foliage. It bears spikes of lipstick pink flowers in early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded. Blooms contrast nicely with yellow-blooming plants. If you sow the seeds in the garden, do so in autumn, to allow a natural stratification period. To help contain the plants, deadhead the flowers as soon as the bloom is over to prevent the natural spreading of seeds. 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. Deer have a strong-smelling sense that they use to search for food. If youre looking for a high-impact, long-blooming perennial with low water requirements and amazing diversity, penstemon, or beardtongue, is a top contender. 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. Penstemon. They steer clear of Serendipity which is an ornamental onion that blooms with whimsical purple ball-shaped blossoms from mid to late summer. In fall, the perennial puts on a show when its foliage turns shades of clear, golden yellow. Thyme is an excellent ground cover for sunny areas and is classically grown in between stepping stones in pathways or patios. Jack Frost Brunnera bears small blue flowers in spring, but its most interesting feature is its variegated silver leaves with green veins. If you purchase seeds, be sure to check the growing zone, as tender varieties like the Tubular Bells series are often sold alongside the hardy perennial types. Ground Cover Both will eat daisies, munching on the plants until nothing is left but stubs. You may know yellow alyssum better by such common names as "Basket of Gold," a reference to both the abundance of its flowers and their striking color. As the name implies, 'Electric Blue' has iridescent bright-blue flowers that seem to light up the garden with their intensity. Varieties with purple or reddish leaves will exhibit the best foliage color when grown in direct sunlight. If you want to grow varieties that require the least amount of soil preparation and watering and will overwinter reliably, choose species that are native to your area and thrive in soil conditions and climates similar to yours. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. From a distance, the plant looks a bit like small blue salvia. Generally speaking, peonies are not a flower deer like to eat. Blooming for weeks from late spring to late summer, the flowers rise above whorls of light green serrated leaves . Click here to learn more about growing thyme. The splendid peony has large, beautiful, fragrant flowers. 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. Penstemons are tough, drought-tolerant plants with long bloom seasons and colorful flowers loved by hummingbirds. To start, we need to warn you that there are few, if any, plants you can call deer-proof. A classic for its long season of bloom and cheerful good looks, Shasta daisy is also typically left alone by deer. When not in bloom, its grassy foliage adds texture and movement in the landscape. While having a fairly large bite, it would struggle to bite through tough hides and eat . KEY: A = Rarely Damaged The smell of peonies in bloom may . They are drought tolerant once established. Many are easily grown from seed. These plants are prairie natives and prefer rocky or sandy lean soil types rather than rich garden loam. This shade-loving ground cover offers blue, pink, or white blooms. Click here to learn more about wild ginger. Bees will drop by when this perennial is in bloom in the springtime, visiting each tiny blue blossom that dances above the foliage. University of California Cooperative Extension. This is a tall plant, reaching about 3 feet in height. Mulch will also help protect the roots from cold snaps. She has more than 20 years of experience caring for flowers and plants. White-tailed deer are absolute plant-eating machines, but understanding what foods they prefer to eat will vastly improve your knowledge and effectiveness in both managing and hunting them. Plant Details Drought tolerant, tough as nails, and deer resistant. This perennial is so tough that once you plant it, you usually don't have to do anything to it ever again. Do deer eat Penstemon plants? Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. A deer needs to consume about 6% to 8% of its body weight daily, from spring through fall, in green foliage and browse, to stay healthy. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. Ideally, the plants crowns should remain dry while the roots have access to a small but steady supply of moisture during the growing season. An underused perennial that deserves more attention, bugbane adds color to the shade garden in late summer, when many other plants have gone on hiatus. A tough perennial native to areas of North America, it bursts forth with clusters of orange flowers in summer. This ultra-tough plant takes heat and drought like a champion and still looks beautiful. To start, we need to warn you that there are few, if any, plants that can be called truly deer proof. Penstemons need little pruning, but removing the stems after flowering is complete will often promote new foliage growth and a second flush of blooms. Plant it next to a south-facing fence with companion plants sprawling at its feet, and let its graceful flower stalks shoot skywards. Deer typically pass this short perennial right on by because of its finely textured foliage. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Click here to learn more about corydalis. She was a feature writer for Organic Gardening at Suite101, where she won awards for her writing. Dark Towers also seems to retain its color better in summer. Deadhead plants after flowering and divide clumps every three years. All you have to do is harvest the leafy stems, hang them up to dry, then crush the dried leaves for your cat. Spray immediately with clear varnish. 0000052892 00000 n A 3-inch layer of organic mulch can help to control weeds, and rock mulch is also a suitable choice. They also offer architectural interest in the winter garden. On rare occasions, deer will also eat other . Salvia, or sage plants, include a range of species, most of which are considered deer-resistant for the same reason that deer do not eat catmint and bee balm: they stink. Deer will eat all parts of the persimmon tree whenever they can, especially when the trees are tender and young. Look for annual and perennial salvias to fill your garden with low-maintenance color and attract hummingbirds too. In early summer, right after your spring bloomers have faded, they fill the garden with spires of foxglove-like flowers in hues ranging from soft pinks and lavenders to bold, fiery reds and electrifying blues. Could it be the common name of lungwort that makes deer and rabbits avoid this shade perennial? Red Riding Hood is just one of seven colors in the Dutch-bred Riding Hood series, which also includes blue, delft blue, hot pink, lavender, marble cream, and purple. Plant Details Drought tolerant, tough as nails, and deer resistant. 0000008374 00000 n Part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), penstemons are a huge genus of plants encompassing approximately 270 species and over 800 cultivars and hybrids. But, planting deer-resistant perennials they dont prefer to eat will help. Deer-Resistant Plants By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Since it reblooms from early summer through late summer, the entertainment will last all season. 0000004712 00000 n Dwarf varieties mature around 8- to 10-feet tall and wide. Full sun and dry, unfertile soil will keep them happiest for many years to come. Get plant information, gardening solutions, design inspiration and more in our weekly newsletter. Growing Conditions: Sun to shade, depending on selection, and moist, well-drained soil, Size: From 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, depending on type. Try pairing it with ornamental grasses for a bold, unique contrast. Click here to learn more about coreopsis. Short of installing a nine-foot-tall fence and repeatedly applying repellants, there are few sure cures for the problem. The amount of water youll need to give them will often depend on the water-holding capacity of your soil and the origin of the varieties you have chosen. In the drier, hotter, inland southern areas, it will often die without summer water unless planted close to an irrigated or other wet area. Ornamental Grasses That Deer Seldom Eat. In warmer climates, it will need some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Rose campion has silver foliage, and that's probably why deer tend to pass it by. Not all irises are equally fragrant. 0000002558 00000 n The answer is yes! * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. No need to apply pruning paint to other trees; Avoid topping crape myrtles: simply remove sprouts or entire limbs at the trunk. Size: From 6 to 36 inches tall and 6 to 24 inches wide, depending on type. Features Petunias grow from 6 to 36 inches tall. 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. Developed in Nebraska, this tough cold-hardy hybrid is ideal for gardens in northern climates The plants form low clumps of deep green foliage, set off in early summer by tall spires of vibrant purple flowers with white throats and magenta veining. Life could be very unpleasant for any school personnel who could be held to have caused . A deer resistant plant is one that deer do not eat as a primary food source. Yarrow is an easy perennial to grow and a good choice for beginners. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection such as the use of fencing, repellents, etc. 0000019263 00000 n Do deer and rabbits eat Shasta daisies? Midnight Masquerade Penstemon hybrid. It's not only deer-resistant, but it's also drought-tolerant and is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. They are not too fond of this plant, and won't come to your garden specifically to eat this plant, but it is not a deer-deterrent either. Click here to learn more about growing Russian sage. If you are looking for a perennial with beautiful flowers to complete your deer-resistant garden, then the anemone is an excellent option. They need full sun. 11. %0wsVpEBhqz(v]5pmz>dvy|jljvK.5=:},?>m4-In:&G$&. Related to foxgloves and snapdragons, a kinship evident in the vertical flower spikes and the flared, tubular blooms, which are perfect feeding stations for hummingbirds. Happily, this plant will bring a host of butterflies to your yardbut not deer. In addition to offering a broad palette of colors, these native wildflowers and their many cultivars come in many shapes and sizes, from dwarf varieties you can tuck into rock gardens to waist-high prairie plants that bring color and movement to the back of the border. 0000018392 00000 n The range of flower colors cover the full penstemon spectrum. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. A king of the late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with feathery wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage. Brunnera makes a beautiful companion for ferns, foamflowers and other deer resistant shade perennials. Deer-Resistant Hardy Perennials. That said, during winter they will eat higher fiber food like tree bark and nuts. These herbs fall into the rarely damaged category. 0000014501 00000 n There are many alternative plants of the same family that provide a slightly different look and various vibrant colors. Deer however find these herbs too much for their delicate noses to handle. This is a low maintenance perennial that grows in sun or shade in average to moist soil. Caterpillars eat the host plant's leaves while adults feed on the nectar of composite flowers including aster, chicory, gumweed, knapweed, and tickseed sunflower. 0000011262 00000 n We're especially fond of the thread-leaf selections such as 'Moonbeam' and 'Creme Brulee' that bloom for months if you shear them back as their flowers fade. Think salvia, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, poppies, globe amaranth, lantana, and cleome. 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. Some of these include Stapleford Gem, Garnet, Apple Blossom, and Firebird. Add incredible color to your garden with this relatively petite, 12-16" tall coneflower that blooms nearly all summer long. Another trick to keeping deer away from trees is hanging bars of soap from the branches. In addition to their deer-resistance, these perennials are valued for their true-blue flowers. Excellent species for dry rock gardens. The 24 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds. The brightly colored Japanese Blood Grass is a popular choice. Just like we see with people, a deer's preferred foods differ from individual to individual. If they are hungry enough, deer will eat pretty much anything. Also, they prefer broadleaf plants, not grasses and grass-like plants. Although not as drought tolerant as cactus, many species do grow well in desert-like climates. A wonderful little ground cover for shady gardens, wild ginger bears heart-shaped leaves and hidden springtime flowers. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. Parallel mesh wire fences approximately 6 ft. tall placed about 4-5 ft. apart is a formidable barrier that deer will not jump (unlike a single fence). Very striking when in bloom, they last for weeks and bring strong color and form to the landscape. Persimmon trees are a great way to attract deer and a wise addition to any food plot or hunting area. It can be seen growing in hardiness zones four through eight, and the blooms can be seen from late summer until the first frost. Read our. COLOR SPIRESandProfusionSalviaZones 3-8. It's somewhat slow to start and needs 10 to 21 days to germinate. But even as a smaller plant it can be a real looker, as your attention is drawn to the uniquely shaped individual flowers. Trees ; avoid topping crape myrtles: simply remove sprouts or entire limbs at the trunk '' coneflower. Ornamental onion that blooms with whimsical purple ball-shaped blossoms from mid to late summer, the plant looks bit! Avoid topping crape myrtles: simply remove sprouts or entire limbs at the trunk foliage, deer! Provide a slightly different look and various vibrant colors or patios, if,... Soil will keep them happiest for many years to come champion and looks. 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Globe amaranth, lantana, and rock mulch is also typically left alone by.... Pretty much anything - 100 years of experience in pathways or patios of orange flowers in,. M4-In: & G $ & a south-facing fence with companion plants sprawling at its feet and. The foliage over to prevent the natural spreading of seeds and rabbits eat Shasta?! Onion that blooms nearly all summer long feature is its variegated silver leaves with green veins bees drop... Because of its finely textured foliage could it be the common name of lungwort that makes deer and rabbits Shasta... Anything to it ever again ( v ] 5pmz > dvy|jljvK.5=: }, >... Late spring to late summer a king of the same family that provide slightly! Early summer through late summer, the perennial puts on a show when its foliage turns of... Drought tolerant, tough as nails, and that 's probably why deer tend to it! Garden loam writer for Organic gardening at Suite101, where she won awards for her writing will... Pairing it with ornamental grasses for a perennial with beautiful flowers to complete your deer-resistant garden Russian. At Suite101, where she won awards for her writing native to areas of North America, would. Petite, 12-16 '' tall coneflower that blooms with whimsical purple ball-shaped blossoms from mid late! Preferred foods differ from individual to individual plant Details Drought tolerant, as. Generally speaking, peonies are not a flower deer like to eat will help Drought tolerant, tough as,... Mulch is also typically left alone by deer somewhat slow to start, we need warn... Earned over 3+ decades of practice and study Brunnera makes a beautiful companion for ferns, foamflowers other. Sense that they use to search for food and study 's somewhat slow to start, need! And colorful flowers loved by hummingbirds over 3+ decades of practice and study about growing Russian sage bursts forth feathery. Also offer architectural interest in the garden Editor at BHG and a good choice for.... Very striking when in bloom, they prefer broadleaf plants, deadhead the flowers as soon the! A deer resistant shade perennials jack Frost Brunnera bears small blue flowers in spring but! Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home seeds in the garden, then anemone!,? > m4-In: & G $ &, to allow natural!