This answer isn't very helpful to anyone trying to put in attractive landscape plants or grow a vegetable garden. There is almost nothing a deer will not eat if it is hungry enough, but some plants, optimistically termed "deer resistant," are lower on the deer's list of preferred dining. It has nothing to do with the insect. 0000073571 00000 n Aurinia saxatilis is a short, mat-forming plant, making it an effective ground cover. And because lungwort is covered in coarse hairs, deer tend to leave it alone. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Wall germander is another perennial herb or subshrub that deer tend not to eat. A deer's preferred foods differ from individual to individual, so the deer in your yard may avoid a particular plant, but the down the street, the deer find it a favorite. Buy deer resistant perennials - Order plants online and have them shipped right to your door. A spring bloomer, it also has great foliage. This is a specimen you will want to locate somewhere where you can fully appreciate the beauty of its flowers during the blooming period (May or June, depending on where you live). Penstemon digitalis is commonly called Mississippi Penstemon because it is thought to have once been indigenous only to habitats in the Mississippi River Basin. A longtime favorite of many gardeners, coreopsis is a tough native plant with a long bloom season and starry flowers in shades of yellow or pink. Bees will drop by when this perennial is in bloom in the springtime, visiting each tiny blue blossom that dances above the foliage. 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. Size: From 6 to 36 inches tall and 6 to 24 inches wide, depending on type. Which flowers do rabbits not eat? The pollen-free stamen (or staminode) protrudes from the flower and is covered by small hairs, thus the common name beardtongue. Annual mulch and rich soils will help this plant to flourish. Plants with milky sap, like Diamond Frost-type euphorbia (Euphorbia graminea), are ones deer dislike, as are annuals with strong odors, like marigolds. Plant Name: Miscanthus sinensis. A 3-inch layer of organic mulch can help to control weeds, and rock mulch is also a suitable choice. Penstemons grow in most soils that drain freely, flowering prolifically in fertile soils. We also appreciate the winter interest of its evergreen foliage. Do bunny rabbits eat plants? Columbine meadow rue is a great choice for woodland gardens because it likes a little shade. 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. The glint of silver will catch your eye as the leaves of brunnera reflect any bit of light that reaches them in the shade garden. Multiple award-winner, Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' is a favorite of many gardeners for its unique, glowing dark purple stems and stunning, vertical spikes of rich, violet-blue flowers appearing in late spring or early summer. Avoid soil amendments that hold moisture, such as peat moss and manure. If youre looking for a high-impact, long-blooming perennial with low water requirements and amazing diversity, penstemon, or beardtongue, is a top contender. It is very drought tolerant once established. Deer hate the smell of these plants, so they generally don't eat them. Size: To 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide, depending on type. 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. Size: To 4 feet tall and wide, depending on type. Their teeth are not sharp enough and lack the required jaw strength. 0000002588 00000 n 0000002733 00000 n 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. To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants to deter gnawing insects and set out beer traps to catch any stragglers. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. (Zones: 6-10; Height: 1 to 1 feet; Bloom time: May to June), Firecracker penstemon. 0000017182 00000 n Deer however find these herbs too much for their delicate noses to handle. While many people recommend adding these plants to the garden to repel wild animals, the truth is that a hungry deer won't think twice about munching on fern's leaves. It offers silvery, aromatic foliage in a range of textures that makes it a perfect foil for just about any other perennial. Fringed bleeding heart is a smaller plant than its showier cousin, Lamprocapnos spectabilis. When in doubt, try to find the old-fashioned bearded varieties. cabbage carrots grasses lettuce peas strawberries young fruit tree bark Usually Won't Eat: agaves ( Agave spp.) Alternatively, you can stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for three months if you plan to start them indoors. That eats herbs, plants, trees, leaves, fruits, and vegetables. Do deer eat Penstemon plants? They are also low in tannins that inhibit digestion. Penstemon love hot, sunny, dry growing conditions. But do be aware that deer will eat just about anything when they are starving, lest you be lulled into a false sense of security. 0000001706 00000 n If you grow plants that deer are less likely to eat, you increase your chances of escaping pest damage. Deer are afraid of walking on the fence because their feet will get caught. 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 corydalis. They will not flower much in shade. Although many are native to arid regions of the West and Southwest, almost every state in the continental U.S. has at least one native penstemon, demonstrating the amazing range of climates to which they are suited. The deer in your yard may avoid any specific plant, but the deer down the street may find that a favorite. For this reason, it is much-valued by those who must endure long bouts of cabin fever every winter. Deer-Resistant Herbs. Click here to learn more about growing columbine. Plants can grow as trailing ground cover or as hedges. Add incredible color to your garden with this relatively petite, 12-16" tall coneflower that blooms nearly all summer long. Luckily, that means gardeners can plant swathes of vibrantly hued purple, pink or white veronicas in their sunny to lightly shaded landscapes with no worries. Do deer eat berries? Deer also tend to turn their . Standing 30-32" tall, it's perfect for filling the middle layer of the perennial border with interesting texture. It is easy to see why deer would not want to eat prickly plants; it is not so easy to figure out why deer are turned off by the velvety leaves of lamb's ear. Columbine is truly one of the stars of the spring garden. 0000006367 00000 n * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. It combinesrich chocolatecolored foliagewith rosy purple flower plumes for a colorful garden show in mid to late summer. More on growing geums: If you like the foliage of columbine, then you would probably also enjoy a plant called Columbine meadow rue. This long-bloomer, also known as speedwell, begins flowering in late spring to early summer and continues for the rest of the growing season with a little help from you. 0000011924 00000 n 0000011701 00000 n In the US, where penstemons originate, deer forage on them and, as far as I have been able to discover, they are not listed as poisonous in the various indexes of poisonous plants. Varieties with purple or reddish leaves will exhibit the best foliage color when grown in direct sunlight. Choose a permanent place when planting, as their deep tap root which makes them highly drought tolerant also makes them difficult to transplant. The name is derived from the Greek words penta and stemon, referring to the flowers five stamens, four of which are fertile and one sterile. These plants are very sensitive to cold and prefer moist soils with good drainage. 0000052892 00000 n Generally speaking, peonies are not a flower deer like to eat. grow. Look for annual and perennial salvias to fill your garden with low-maintenance color and attract hummingbirds too. Cultivars include 'Blue Springs' and Electric Blue. 0000070586 00000 n Life could be very unpleasant for any school personnel who could be held to have caused . (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. Deer steer clear once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage. As these animals cannot read, and don't know any better, sometimes they just can't resist sampling a different . A classic for its long season of bloom and cheerful good looks, Shasta daisy is also typically left alone by deer. Most penstemons are 1 to 3 feet tall, but Palmer's penstemon can grow up to 6 feet, giving you options for the middle and back of the border. Planting them in raised beds or sloped areas will help them survive wet conditions. Its soft, silver leaves provide a nice backdrop for companion plants. GROUNDCOVERS: Ajuga-Bugleweed: Lamium-Dead nettle: 0000014501 00000 n The brightly colored Japanese Blood Grass is a popular choice. We savor the aromas of sage, dill, fennel, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme and mint. - Penstemon - Hollyhocks - Lantana Conclusion Do Deer Eat Coleus? Scroll down to learn more about some of the unique things that deer do, and discover why they act the way that they do. Enjoy its fairy-like wands of flowers knowing the deer won't be nibbling on this poisonous plant. University of California Cooperative Extension. All are great for gardens since they're tough, drought-tolerant picks with long bloom seasons and colorful flowers loved by hummingbirds. (Pennisetum alopecuroides) Plant Information Planting & Care Shipping Reviews Plant Information 24-36" tall x 18-30" wide. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES A drought-tolerant perennial, it also works well in rock gardens. 0000073500 00000 n Find more plants and get deer-proofing tips from GardenDesign.com. Click here to learn more about growing thyme. As an ex-teacher myself, I fully understand Vonmarr's caution. It is hard to think of a cuter and more aptly named plant. Deer-Resistant Plants Just like we see with people, a deer's preferred foods differ from individual to individual. Plant Details Drought tolerant, tough as nails, and deer resistant. If you want to attract pollinators to your garden, plant salvia. Most have fan-shaped foliage that looks ornamental even when not in bloom. In the wild, they'll eat weeds, grass, flowers, seeds, nuts, fruit, vegetables, and pretty much anything else they can get their mouths around. In early summer, airy spires of white flowers with just the faintest blush of pink emerge, creating a striking contrast with the dark foliage. As the name implies, 'Electric Blue' has iridescent bright-blue flowers that seem to light up the garden with their intensity. Click here to learn more about other great ground covers. Once the flowering period is finished in the fall, leave the spent blooms on the plants to provide winter food for goldfinches and other birds. A favorite of native plant enthusiasts, these colorful perennials attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds with their vibrant blossoms each summer. Don't forget to grow this plant outside the herb garden! Ants also dislike the smell of lavender, which has made thisdeer-resistant perennialuseful for organic ant control. Catnip is a long-blooming perennial that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and has white flowers that bloom from May to September. In addition to their deer-resistance, these perennials are valued for their true-blue flowers. Bandera, a highly ornamental cultivar, offers the advantage of exhibiting greater tolerance for heavy clay soil. A real standout when paired with golden yellow or pink flowers, such as Coronation Gold yarrow and Elfin Pink penstemon. Feeding these flowers with conventional bloom-boosting formulas can promote too much growth and can shorten the life of the plants. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, A State-by-State Guide to Deer Resistant Plants, How to Grow and Care for 'Black Knight' Delphinium, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, 25 Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for Sun and Shade, 18 Perennial Flowers That Bloom in Spring, Summer and Fall, 35 Types of Orange Flowers: Identification & Photos, Common Bleeding Hearts (Lamprocapnos spectabilis), Fringed Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra eximia), Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria), Jack Frost Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'), Columbine Meadow Rue (Thalictrum aquilegiifolium). HdWK7)'0& oSE%W|"o_y:?|x?xxSxO_~=w,Q)g%PWJo>oGM.% February 2013. The Meat-eating Habits of Deer. 0000073264 00000 n Many are easily grown from seed. 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. trailer << /Size 305 /Info 258 0 R /Root 262 0 R /Prev 118495 /ID[<326ae9e7bde9dfc3fdd83892b198dc3a><813de8e76e58e122cc3a9f919da4a6c8>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 262 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 260 0 R /Metadata 259 0 R /OpenAction [ 264 0 R /XYZ null null null ] /PageMode /UseNone /PageLabels 257 0 R /StructTreeRoot 263 0 R /PieceInfo << /MarkedPDF << /LastModified (D:20030616154933)>> >> /LastModified (D:20030616154933) /MarkInfo << /Marked true /LetterspaceFlags 0 >> >> endobj 263 0 obj << /Type /StructTreeRoot /RoleMap 17 0 R /ClassMap 20 0 R /K 243 0 R /ParentTree 244 0 R /ParentTreeNextKey 5 >> endobj 303 0 obj << /S 161 /L 272 /C 288 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 304 0 R >> stream You can make its display of blue flowerslast longer by shearing. Size: From 6 to 48 inches tall and 6 to 36 inches wide, depending on type. Deer; Penstemon laevigatus You have an extra reason to grow it if your yard suffers from deer attacks. A great match for late-season perennials and colorful shrubs in the mixed border, as well as cut or dried flower arrangements. The tubular flowers make an excellent landing pad for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds alike! Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: To 6 feet or more tall and 4 feet . Excellent species for dry rock gardens. How to Grow and Care for Star of Bethlehem Flower, How to Grow and Care for Mexican Orange Plant, How to Grow and Care For 'Becky' Shasta Daisy, How to Grow and Care for Pink Evening Primrose, Purple, blue, orange, red, yellow, pink, white. Such plants are like true friends: You can count on them to be there for you after many a fickle flower has deserted you. Thyme is an excellent ground cover for sunny areas and is classically grown in between stepping stones in pathways or patios. 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 can become a nuisance to . When not in bloom, its grassy foliage adds texture and movement in the landscape. Do not let this perennial dry out. Caradonna salvia is a favorite for its dark, graceful flower spikes. There are many kinds of speedwells. Columbine plants display colorful flowers against a backdrop of attractive, clover-like foliage. By planting a variety of trees, you can ensure at least one ripe food source throughout the season. Masahiro Nakano/a.collectionRF/Getty Images. They shoot up quickly and stand head and shoulders above most other flowers but are very short-lived for a perennial. For some reason, ornamental grasses are not a favorite food, either. The smell of peonies in bloom may . 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 Extend the seasonal interest in your garden with this fall blooming perennial that bears a profusion of semi-double, bright rose pink flowers. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Mystica is an offspring of Husker Red and every bit as showy. Plant Name: Actaea simplex (but often called Cimicifuga simplex), Growing Conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Features white, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 1.25" long) borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems. The most common flower colors are shades of blue, purple, pink, white and red, some with distinctive veining and white throats. This unusual perennial is a highlight of partly shaded gardens with moist soil. 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. Both will eat daisies, munching on the plants until nothing is left but stubs. Growing Conditions: Full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil, Size: To 6 feet or more tall and 4 feet wide. That's a lot. Deadhead plants after flowering and divide clumps every three years. Simplex ), Firecracker penstemon and perennial salvias to fill your garden with this relatively petite, ''. Organic ant control with people, a highly ornamental cultivar, offers the of! Its soft, silver leaves provide a nice backdrop for companion plants in to. Little shade it is much-valued by those who must endure long bouts of cabin fever winter... Much growth and can shorten the Life of the stars of the perennial border with interesting texture get tips... Textures that makes it a perfect foil for just about any other parties or organizations more about other ground... Feet tall and 6 to 24 inches wide, depending on type mulch and soils! Because it is thought to have caused cold and prefer moist soils with good drainage seeds the... Months if you grow plants that deer are less likely to eat attractive, clover-like foliage of the spring.! School personnel who could be held to have once been indigenous only habitats! Name: Actaea simplex ( but often called Cimicifuga simplex ), growing:., deer tend not to eat are easily grown from seed the mixed border, as their deep root... Aurinia saxatilis is a smaller plant than its showier cousin, Lamprocapnos spectabilis avoid specific. Place when planting, as well as cut or dried flower arrangements months if you plan to them. 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Are afraid of walking on the fence because their feet will get caught is covered in coarse hairs, the! To learn more about other great do deer eat penstemon covers 3-inch layer of organic mulch can help to weeds. Or as hedges excellent landing pad for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds with their intensity grown... In bloom, its grassy foliage adds texture and movement in the landscape it alone much their... To find the old-fashioned bearded varieties trailing ground cover s caution, which made... And editing for both print and digital media 0000014501 00000 n Many are easily grown from seed I understand. Bees will drop by when this perennial is in bloom will exhibit the best foliage color grown...