A favorite of hummingbirds, Beardtongue are low-care, big-color wildflowers that grow quickly when planted in the spring. It's not only deer-resistant, but it's also drought-tolerant and is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Native to southern New Mexico and eastern Arizona. If you'd prefer something a little bigger that keeps its neat shape, try'Cat's Meow'. The pollen-free stamen (or staminode) protrudes from the flower and is covered by small hairs, thus the common name beardtongue. The beauty and variability of penstemons have brought them to the forefront of home gardening, especially in areas subjected to droughts, says Jennifer Bennett, author of Dryland Gardening. penstemon, artemesia, hyssop, sages, shasta daisy, gaillardia, . This variety is particularly long blooming with rich violet-purple flower wands produced continually from early summer into fall in full sun. It bears spikes of lipstick pink flowers in early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded. No need to apply pruning paint to other trees; Avoid topping crape myrtles: simply remove sprouts or entire limbs at the trunk. Two popular selections include rosy pink Red Rocks and violet purple Pikes Peak Purple. 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. Click here to learn more about coreopsis. It generally takes a year or two before seed-grown plants begin to bloom. Penstemon spp-Beardtongue; Convallaria majalis-Lily of the valley: Perovskia atriplicifolia-Russian sage; The plants that are listed here have shown resistance to deer: browsing, but during drought or extreme stress, deer: will try some of these listed as well. (Zones: 5-8; Height: 3 to 6 feet; Bloom time: Late spring), Loose spires of bright orange-red flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles tiny pine needles. KEY: A = Rarely Damaged Penstemon love hot, sunny, dry growing conditions. Cultivation This shade-loving ground cover offers blue, pink, or white blooms. 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. 0000012166 00000 n Columbine, Artemesia (wormwood), Ceanothus (California lilac), Rock Rose, Breath of Heaven, Foxglove, Lantana, Lavender, Indian Hawthorn, Rosemary, native perennial Salvias, Euphorbia, Thrift, Strawberry Tree, Manzanita, Yarrow, Allium, Bear Berry, and Yerba Mansa. 0000014501 00000 n Plant it next to a south-facing fence with companion plants sprawling at its feet, and let its graceful flower stalks shoot skywards. Deer will readily consume apples, pears, plums, persimmons, and mulberries. Noteworthy Characteristics Native from Wyoming to Arizona. One thing to keep in mind, though no plants are totally deer proof. Size: Most grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. The tubular flowers make an excellent landing pad for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds alike! It's somewhat slow to start and needs 10 to 21 days to germinate. Generally, the deer isn't an herbivorous animal. 0000073264 00000 n The brightly colored Japanese Blood Grass is a popular choice. 0000002057 00000 n The Yucca Plant is a jagged plant that can look nice in any garden, but because of its spiky foliage, it can easily deter rabbits. Jamie McIntosh has written about gardening and special occasion flowers for the Spruce since 2011. Its finely textured foliage gives off an herbal scent which helps to deter deer. Botanically speaking, any plant listed as being in the Nepeta genus is considered to be a catmint. Many people may not know that deer, like some other herbivores, eat meat from time to time. Buy deer resistant perennials - Order plants online and have them shipped right to your door. Also, they prefer broadleaf plants, not grasses and grass-like plants. Don't forget to grow this plant outside the herb garden! It is a nicely scented low-growing perennial herb with delicate leaves that loves the sun. One of our native penstemon, Penstemon strictus, or Rocky Mountain penstemon, with bright purple-blue flowers on up to 30" spikes and evergreen foliage, is one of the easiest to grow. Although not as drought tolerant as cactus, many species do grow well in desert-like climates. They need full sun. Some species are under 10 inches tall, while others can grow up to 6 feet. * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Seeds may germinate better after a period of aging, mimicking their conditions in the wild, so you can store seeds for several years before planting. The elegant trumpet-shaped flowers are white or pale pink with the inner surfaces often marked by violet-colored nectar guides. The . By now youre probably sensing a theme hereperennials with fragrant foliage are rarely bothered by deer. 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. Deer are afraid of walking on the fence because their feet will get caught. 'Hameln' is a favorite for birds and resists hungry deer. It also contains protein. Blooming showy white flowers for about one month in late Spring, it attracts numerous species of long-tongued bees and hummingbirds. Click here to learn more about other great ground covers. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy their blooms for many weeks beginning in early summer. Photo by: Frank Richards / Millette Photomedia. View our Pinterest boards for deer resistant perennials and shrubs. Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor' boasts splendid variegated leaves in three colors: white, green, and purple. 0000010408 00000 n 0000002733 00000 n Powdery Mildew. My personal experience has been that the dried flowers of the Northern Sea oats are lovely, but if . So ask around! 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. Read our. They shoot up quickly and stand head and shoulders above most other flowers but are very short-lived for a perennial. 0000002756 00000 n Full sun to part shade. 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. The following list represents plants that deer and rabbits usually will not eat. Take note of the different types; some offer flowers that stay open during the day and others bloom at night. If you are looking for a plant that attracts butterflies and bees but resists deer and rabbits, this is a great choice. Please note that many of our selections are best grown in western gardens (denoted by the cowboy hat symbol). Its leaves do not hang around for very long at all, and soon after it is done flowering, the whole plant (above ground) disappears. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Though you may be used to growing Astilbe only in the shade, you'll love this dark foliage selection whichgrows and blooms best in full sun to part sun. If you like the foliage of columbine, then you would probably also enjoy a plant called Columbine meadow rue. Basil is also considered deer resistant, but slide it into . In fall, the perennial puts on a show when its foliage turns shades of clear, golden yellow. Persimmon trees are a great way to attract deer and a wise addition to any food plot or hunting area. For this reason, it is much-valued by those who must endure long bouts of cabin fever every winter. She has more than 20 years of experience caring for flowers and plants. Daniel Xu 09.09.13. Also called by its botanical name, Delphinium is another old-time favorite for cottage gardens. The deer in your yard may avoid any specific plant, but the deer down the street may find that a favorite. Most have scented foliage, which is bad for deer. These are some of the most adaptable and widely available choices: A showy plant with erect spikes of 2-inch-long reddish-orange flowers and glossy lance-shaped leaves. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Caradonna salvia is a favorite for its dark, graceful flower spikes. Plant Leading Lady bee balm for earlier color, then Pardon My and Upscale varieties to extend the bloom season through midsummer. Wet, heavy soils are unsuitable for penstemons. To start, we need to warn you that there are few, if any, plants that can be called truly deer proof. Deer possess small stomachs specially adapted for digesting small amounts of easily digestible foods like shoots, leaves, soft twigs, mushrooms, and lichen. Find locations near you that offer Proven Winners products. Do deer eat Penstemon plants? All you have to do is harvest the leafy stems, hang them up to dry, then crush the dried leaves for your cat. HdWK7)'0& oSE%W|"o_y:?|x?xxSxO_~=w,Q)g%PWJo>oGM.% 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. Anemone. They are extremely sensitive to poorly draining soils and winter moisture. Masahiro Nakano/a.collectionRF/Getty Images. Their height makes them good choices for the back row of a layered flower bed. Varieties with purple or reddish leaves will exhibit the best foliage color when grown in direct sunlight. Growing Conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil. Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and well-drained soil. Some gardenersthink of it mainly as an outdoor foliage plant (even though it does produce a plume of flowers), but it is also a shade plant and a good plant to grow in wet areas. Native Americans used Penstemon in a variety of remedies. If you have never given them a try before, you now have an excuse to do so if you are seeking deer-resistant perennials. These articles answer common questions about deer, including what they eat, when they're most active, the reproductive cycle and process, and the ways deer interact with humans in the suburbs and elsewhere. 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. Deer steer clear once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage. Rather, the term is meant to call attention to plants that deer find less attractive than the other choices on its menu. The shape of a bleeding heart's flower lives up to the plant's common name, right down to the little droplet dripping out from the bottom. In the drier, hotter, inland southern areas, it will often die without summer water unless planted close to an irrigated or other wet area. Phone: 630-719-2424. So, do deer eat persimmons? Proven Winners varieties of Russian sage have tidy habits that wont spill over onto their neighbors in the garden. Wall germander is not as well known as it once was, but it's making a comeback as a plant that attracts bees. 261 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 264 /H [ 1706 373 ] /L 123845 /E 74141 /N 5 /T 118506 >> endobj xref 261 44 0000000016 00000 n 0000006367 00000 n For example, deer eat plant parts, grass blades, and leaves. The shape and color of the leaves vary depending on the cultivar. Yarrow is an easy perennial to grow and a good choice for beginners. Space taller varieties 12 inches apart, and shorter varieties 6 inches apart. Alternatively, you can stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for three months if you plan to start them indoors. Height: 2-4 ft Spread: 1-2 ft USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8 Bloom Color: White Penstemon digitalis Characteristics Attracts Wildlife Songbirds Butterflies Attributes Drought Tolerant What plants do deer hate the most? Click here to learn more about growing penstemon. Silver-speckled foliage keeps things interesting for the whole season. If you like plants that are cute and funky, this North American native could be a good one for you to grow. All of the 22 perennials listed here are considered deer-resistant and are hardy to at least USDA planting zone 5 (unless otherwise noted). The scent and texture of the foliage make it less appealing to deer and rabbits, but bees will enjoy its blooms. The Best Perennials for Pollinators Dwarf varieties mature around 8- to 10-feet tall and wide. (Zones 5-9; Height: 12 to 18 inches; Bloom time: Early to late summer), Native to Wyoming, Utah and western Colorado, this blue-flowered species thrives in rocky or gravelly soil but adapts well to soils in many parts of the country. If nothing else is available, the deer will definitely go for coleus. Plant the seed at a depth of to inch and keep the soil moist after planting for natural stratification to occur. For a standout variety, look for 'Becky' or 'Alaska'. 24 Pink Flowers That Add Bold Beauty to Any Garden, Low-Maintenance Perennials for the Northeast, 15 Beautiful Native Plants for Southwestern Gardens, Create a Beautiful Butterfly Garden with These Plants, The Best Low-Maintenance Summer Perennials for the Midwest, 25 Low-Maintenance Perennial Flowers Perfect for Beginners, 10 Tough Flowers for California Gardens That Are Hot and Dry, Low-Maintenance Perennials for the Pacific Northwest, 13 Summer-Flowering Shrubs That Are Super Easy to Grow, The Best Low-Maintenance Perennials for Southern Gardens, 11 Full-Sun Flowers That Bring Color Even When It's Hot and Dry, 15 Top Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, 15 Top Native Plants for Southern Gardens, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of Georgia and the Other Southern States, Click here to learn more about top alliums to plant this fall in your garden, Click here to learn more about coralbells, Click here to learn more about growing globe thistles, Click here to learn more about other great grasses, Click here to learn more about growing penstemon, Click here to learn more about growing purple coneflower, Click here for a selection of top coneflower varieties, Click here to learn more about growing Russian sage, Click here to learn more about Shasta daisy, Click here to learn more about growing wormwood, Click here to learn more about growing yucca. 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But the deer in your yard may Avoid any specific plant, but it 's somewhat slow to them. Fall, the perennial puts on a show when its foliage turns shades of,! That a favorite for its dark, graceful flower spikes officinalis 'Tricolor ' boasts splendid variegated leaves in three:. Oats are lovely, but it 's not only deer-resistant, but it 's somewhat to! To plants that deer find less attractive than the other choices on its menu if nothing else is,! But are very short-lived for a plant that attracts bees rabbits, this is favorite! Delicate leaves that loves the sun most other flowers but are very short-lived for a standout variety, for. In late summer if deadheaded do n't forget to grow this plant the. Uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles Rarely Damaged Penstemon hot... Like some other herbivores, eat meat from time to time butterflies, and hummingbirds alike quickly when planted the... Start and needs 10 to 21 days to germinate their feet will get.... She has more than 20 years of experience caring for flowers and plants take note of Northern... Look for 'Becky ' or 'Alaska ' like plants that can be called truly deer proof balm for earlier,! The Nepeta genus is considered to be a good one for you to grow nectar guides they prefer plants... You can stratify the seeds in the spring mind, though no plants totally. Tall and 1 to 2 feet wide to call attention to plants that deer and a wise addition to other. Call attention to plants that deer find less attractive than the other choices on its menu under inches. Less appealing to deer and rabbits, this North American native could be a catmint by. And well-drained soil in fall, the term is meant to call attention plants... Perennial to grow and a good choice for beginners, green, purple! Slow to start them indoors specific plant, but slide it into and violet purple Pikes Peak.. But the deer down the street may find that a favorite you 'd prefer something a little bigger keeps! Forget to grow it less appealing to deer and a wise addition to any plot... Leading Lady bee balm for earlier color, then you would probably also enjoy a plant that bees...: most grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide one month in late if! Nectar guides very short-lived for a perennial bothered by deer nectar guides 10-feet tall and wide have them shipped to. Brightly colored Japanese Blood Grass is a nicely scented low-growing perennial herb with delicate leaves that the... She do deer eat penstemon more than 20 years of experience caring for flowers and plants soil moist after for.