If you’re a fellow gardener with a deer problem, you know the struggle is real.
One season, I poured my heart into caring for my garden, only to find nothing but sad, chewed-up remains after the deer had their feast.
Depending on where you live, you might know this all too well. Deer love munching on leafy plants, veggies, and flowers (and they’re not picky). New plant types may help, but few are truly “deer-proof”.
To keep your garden safe, the first step is avoiding plants that attract them. Deer especially love herbaceous plants, seeds, and even berries in the summer, and as the season changes, they shift to evergreens in winter.
It feels like deer will munch on anything in sight, but they seem especially fond of:
1. Dahlias, Pretty Flowers With Juicy Petals That Deer Find Irresistible
Although they come with a list of needs, gardeners absolutely love dahlias because of their lovely and abundant flowers. However, what most gardeners don’t know is that deer love them, too!
With their tender leaves and large, juicy petals, dahlias are an irresistible snack for deer. Imagine putting all that time and care into keeping your dahlias happy, only for them to end up as dinner (tragic story, I know).
Therefore, it’s best to avoid dahlias altogether. But if you do decide to grow them, here’s an interesting hack that might help them thrive: This Simple Coffee Ground Hack Will Make Your Dahlias Thrive And Produce More Blooms
2. Daylilies Are Known For Their Delicious-Looking Leaves
Unlike the high-maintenance dahlias, daylilies are among the easiest flowers to grow!
In the growing season, they produce beautiful, lily-like blooms and prominent green leaves that really make those colors pop (which can hardly go unnoticed by any garden visitors, especially deer).
Their bright blooms and delicious-looking leaves make daylilies a deer favorite. They’re also easy for them to chomp through, so if they spot them in the garden, they’ll definitely try to take a bite!
3. Deer Love Snacking On Blueberries
Deer just can’t resist the sweet berries on blueberry bushes, especially in the summer!
Birds, bugs, and even us humans love these little treats, so don’t be surprised if you’re not the only one snacking on them. Blueberry bushes are still a great choice for a garden shrub (they are both pretty and tasty).
Just keep in mind that you might have some competition for those juicy berries!
Related: If You Believed These Blueberry Facts Were True, Prepared To Be Shocked
4. Floribunda Roses Are Better Admired In Someone Else’s Garden
Floribunda roses are showy bloomers that can light up any garden from spring through fall.
Their dense flowers and foliage not only attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds but also tend to lure the deer in. As stunning as they are, if deer often roam through your yard, these roses might be better admired in someone else’s garden!
5. Pansies Will Bring Your Garden Cheer And Deer
Ahh, pansies… these are colorful annuals or perennials (depending on where you live) that bloom all season long. I love them so much because they just add cheer wherever they grow!
But since they brought deer along with cheer, I decided it’s best to keep them in hanging containers (just for safety precautions).
Please keep in mind that pansies might often attract pests like slugs, aphids, snails, and violet gall midges – but only if you don’t take good care of them!
Related: Are Pansies Perennials That Will Return After Winter?
6. Deer Can’t Resist Coleus Big, Bold Leaves
Coleus are known for their big, bold leaves in colors ranging from green and purple to pink, white, and yellow (a real feast for the eyes).
Outdoors, they’re fairly low-maintenance as long as they stay in warm temperatures above 60°F (these heat-loving plants don’t tolerate cold at all).
And watch out for deer because they sometimes go after coleus with gusto, leaving your plants looking a little less charming!
7. Hardy Hibiscus Produce Fresh Stems And Yummy Leaves
Hardy hibiscus can become a tasty treat for hungry deer since they often munch on these beautiful plants. With their gorgeous flowers, these perennials are hard for us humans to resist, too!
Unfortunately, it’s usually the younger plants that catch the attention of our four-legged friends, as they love snacking on the fresh green stems and delicious leaves.
So, if you’re growing hibiscus, keep an eye out for those hungry visitors!
Related: Use These 8 Care Tips To Deal With A Hibiscus Not Blooming
8. Yews Are Toxic, But Deer Just Don’t Care
Yew shrubs might be toxic to us and our little pets, but that doesn’t stop deer from munching on them!
These shrubs show off their needle-like leaves and can even produce bright red berries in the fall. While the berries draw in birds without damaging the plant, deer can completely destroy it with just a few bites.
If you want to keep deer out of your garden, steer clear of yew and all the plants mentioned above. This way, your garden plants will stay nice and safe!
For more ideas, be sure to check out: 34 Beautiful Perennial Plants That Keep Deer Away