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InsightHorizon Digest

What winter flowers are deer resistant

Author

Isabella Turner

Updated on March 27, 2026

Cool-season bloomers larkspur (Consolida), sweet William (Dianthus), snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus), sweet alyssum (Lobularia maritima) and lobelia (Lobelia erinus) all are reported to be deer resistant annuals.

What winter plants will deer not eat?

Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer.

Is lavender a perennial deer resistant?

No, deer do not usually eat lavender. It is considered a deer resistant plant. Deer do not like the strong smell of the lavender or similar plants like foxgloves. If the deer are hungry enough, they may take a bite, but it is uncommon.

What flowers will deer not bother?

  • French Marigold (Tagetes) French marigolds come in an array of bright colors over a long season and are a mainstay of gardeners everywhere. …
  • Foxglove. …
  • Rosemary. …
  • Mint. …
  • Crape Myrtle. …
  • African Lily. …
  • Fountain Grass. …
  • Hens and Chicks.

What bedding plants do deer not eat?

  • Shade: Hellebores.
  • Full sun: Herbaceous peonies.
  • Vegetable: Rhubarb.
  • Shrub: Skimmia.
  • Climber: Jasmine.

Do deer eat impatiens?

Deer often target impatiens (Impatiens spp.), and they have been known to cause severe damage to these beautiful flowering annuals. … Plant flowers that deer tend to dislike near the impatiens such as the annual floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum) or the herb mint (Mentha spp., USDA zones 4 to 9).

Do deer like geraniums?

Geraniums are not a deer’s flower of choice, but they will eat them under a number of circumstances. The strong fragrance and slightly fuzzy texture will typically deter deer, but not always.

Will deer eat zinnias?

Deer can eat zinnia flowers if they cannot find other palatable sources. They will also nibble on those flowers on occasion when scouting. To ensure deer do not cause damage to your treasured flowers, use deer deterrents like repellents to keep them out.

Is Black Eyed Susan deer resistant?

Named for their dark brown centers peeking out of the gold or bronze petals, black-eyed susans thrive in the sun. Because its covered in course hair, deer and rabbits stay far away from it. These daisy-like blooms are perfect for a late summer or fall bouquet.

Are hostas deer resistant?

When it comes to hostas, only the artificial ones are deer proof! … Green (non-variegated) hostas and those with fragrant flowers are reported to be the most vulnerable. For various methods to control deer damage in the garden, see Deer-resistant Companion Plants.

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Do deer eat coneflowers?

Do deer like coneflowers? According to Rutgers University, coneflowers are rated as a “B” on their rating scale from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged. That means they are “Seldom Severely Damaged” by deer.

Are begonias deer resistant?

Begonia. Not all begonias are deer-resistant, but those with fuzzy stems/leaves or waxy/leathery leaves tend to be. Begonias have rhizomatous or tuberous stems and tremendous species and cultivar diversity, both in numbers (1,800 species worldwide) and in plant form.

Do deer eat tulips and daffodils?

Like hyacinths, daffodils are toxic and therefore fully deer-proof. … Most daffodils bloom in the early spring along with tulips but slightly after the snow-lovers such as crocus and snowdrops.

Will deer eat hydrangeas?

If hungry enough, deer will eat just about any plant. However, there are plants that deer prefer more than others. According to Rutgers University, most hydrangeas are “occasionally severely damaged”. Which means that deer prefer other plants more, but when hungry deer will eat hydrangeas.

Do deer eat cleome flowers?

It is beneficial to plant other smaller annuals in front of the taller cleome cultivars as they tend to have bare lower stalks. Cleome is deer and rabbit resistant.

Will marigolds keep deer away?

All varieties of marigolds are a turnoff for deer because of their strong, pungent scent. However, signet marigolds (pictured) have a lighter citrusy smell and flavor, making them popular for culinary use.

Do deer eat azaleas?

Azaleas are a favorite snack of deer, and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in particular. In fact, evergreen azaleas are rated as “frequently severely damaged” by deer, according to Rutgers University. Deciduous azaleas are apparently slightly less delicious.

Do deer eat roses?

Deer will eat the buds, blooms, foliage, and even the thorny canes of rose bushes. They are especially fond of the new, tender growth where the thorns are not so sharp and firm yet. Deer usually do their browsing damage at night and occasionally you may see deer eating roses during the day.

Will deer eat peonies?

Deer hate fragrant blooms from certain herbs like lavender and especially sweet-smelling flowers, like peonies. They’ll also stay away from toxic plants.

Do deer eat geraniums flowers?

tender). 5) Both perennial geraniums and Pelargoniums (annual geraniums) are extremely pest resistant. Deer, rabbits, and other furry pests leave them alone completely.

Do deer eat Sunpatiens flowers?

Their dense, bushy habits will bring some of the most colorful flowers to your garden longer than just about any other plant in your garden. … Well suited for container plantings, window boxes, garden borders, & mass plantings in beds. WILL THE CRITTERS EAT THEM? They look so yummy but deer and rabbits leave them alone.

Do deer eat pansies?

If you have planted pansies or violas for winter color beware of deer eating them. These beautiful annuals produce flowers that are edible and deer love to eat them. … Deer, like many other animals, hate the smell of cayenne pepper.

Do deer like hollyhocks?

A classic cottage garden favorite, hollyhock produces towers of gorgeous flowers from mid- to late summer. … The plants may seed themselves and will take two summers to mature enough to flower. Hollyhock is relatively deer resistant. Hardy from zones 3-8.

Do deer like daisies?

Among my most favorite perennials is the Shasta daisy, a hardy, rabbit- and deer-resistant perennial with a long bloom time and very few pest troubles.

Is crape myrtle deer resistant?

Rutgers University has categorized crape myrtles as “Seldom Severely Damaged” by deer. Likewise, the University of California’s Marin Master Gardeners list crape myrtles as “Seldom Damaged” in their deer-resistance list. Deer don’t feast on crape myrtles even occasionally, let alone by habit.

Are phlox flowers deer resistant?

Hummingbirds and butterflies will also feast on the sweet, nectar-rich blooms. Plus, garden phlox makes a terrific cut flower. Deer generally avoid garden phlox.

Do deer eat dianthus flowers?

Pinks (Dianthus plumarius) multiply easily and are deer resistant. The fragrant blossoms come in many colors and make excellent cut flowers.

Do deer eat daylilies?

Herbaceous plants deer generally eat include crocus, dahlias, daylilies, hostas, impatiens, phlox, and trillium. Some refer to the flowers of lilies and tulips as deer bon-bon candies. Some trees generally resistant to deer include spruce, pines, honey locust, river birch, and buckeyes.

Is variegated Liriope deer resistant?

Tolerates a variety of light conditions: sun, partial shade and shade. Prefers well-drained soils and is drought tolerant, once established. Variegated Liriope is a favorite for planting as edging or ground cover. Deer tend to avoid.

Do deer eat petunias?

Unfortunately, petunias are not deer resistant. As with any other succulent, deer will spot your petunias and immediately choose to devour them.

Will deer eat boxwood?

If you are planting evergreens for privacy, the last thing you want to worry about is deer damage. … Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) has long been a favorite shrub for hedges, and it is one of the most deertolerant plants for gardens.