“There’s no such thing as a truly “deer-proof” plant — only deer-resistant ones. When they’re hungry enough, deer will eat almost anything, even plants they normally avoid. Deer resistance just means they’re less likely to snack on it, not that it’s safe forever.”
Bushes
Boxwood – Buxus sempervirens (Common Boxwood)
- Dense, evergreen shrub with small leaves; great for hedges and formal gardens.
- Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil. Protect from harsh winter winds.
Butterfly Bush – Buddleja davidii
- Fast-growing flowering shrub that attracts butterflies with fragrant, cone-shaped blooms.
- Full sun; well-drained soil. Cut back in early spring for best blooms.
Spirea – Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea) or Spiraea × vanhouttei (Vanhoutte Spirea) depending on variety
- Low-maintenance shrub with clusters of tiny flowers in spring or summer.
- Full sun to light shade; adaptable to many soils.
Viburnum – Viburnum spp. (many species — e.g., Viburnum dentatum, Viburnum opulus)
- Versatile shrub with attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and colorful berries.
- Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil.
False Cypress – Chamaecyparis pisifera (Sawara False Cypress)
- Soft-textured evergreen with feathery foliage; adds year-round color.
- Full sun; well-drained soil. Avoid overly wet conditions.
Juniper – Juniperus spp. (e.g., Juniperus chinensis, Juniperus horizontalis)
- Hardy evergreen with needle-like foliage; comes in groundcover, shrub, or tree forms.
- Full sun; well-drained soil. Very drought-tolerant once established.
Elderberry – Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry) or Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry)
- Fast-growing shrub with white flowers and edible dark berries.
- Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil.
Lilac – Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac)
- Deciduous shrub prized for its fragrant spring flowers.
- Full sun; well-drained, slightly alkaline soil.
Weigela – Weigela florida
- Flowering shrub with trumpet-shaped blooms that attract hummingbirds.
- Full sun for best flowering; well-drained soil.
Barberry – Berberis thunbergii (Japanese Barberry)
- Colorful foliage shrub with thorns; great for adding contrast.
- Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil. Very tolerant of poor conditions.
Beautybush – Kolkwitzia amabilis
- Large shrub with arching branches and pink spring flowers.
- Full sun to partial shade; average, well-drained soil.
American Holly – Ilex opaca
- Evergreen tree/shrub with spiny leaves and bright red berries.
- Full sun to partial shade; moist, acidic, well-drained soil.
Perennials
Bee Balm – Monarda didyma
- Fragrant, colorful flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Full sun; moist, well-drained soil.
Catmint – Nepeta × faassenii
- Aromatic, drought-tolerant perennial with lavender-blue
- Full sun; well-drained soil. Tolerates drought once established.
Salvia – Salvia nemorosa (Meadow Sage) or Salvia splendens depending on type
- Long-blooming plant with spikes of vibrant flowers.
- Full sun; well-drained soil.
Lavender – Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
- Fragrant herb with purple flowers; loved by pollinators.
- Planting: Full sun; very well-drained soil. Prefers drier conditions.
Russian Sage – Perovskia atriplicifolia
- Tall perennial with airy, silvery foliage and lavender-blue blooms.
- Planting: Full sun; well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant.
Spike Speedwell – Veronica spicata
- Upright flower spikes in shades of blue, pink, or white.
- Planting: Full sun; well-drained soil.
Brunnera – Brunnera macrophylla
- Shade-loving plant with heart-shaped leaves and tiny blue flowers.
- Planting: Partial to full shade; moist, rich, well-drained soil.
Coneflower – Echinacea purpurea (Common Purple Coneflower) — other species exist in Echinacea genus
- Hardy perennial with daisy-like flowers; attracts pollinators.
- Planting: Full sun; well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established.
Astilbe – Astilbe spp. (e.g., Astilbe × arendsii)
- Shade-tolerant plant with feathery plumes of flowers.
- Partial to full shade; moist, rich, well-drained soil.
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