Deer eat an estimated several pounds of plants a day, and they learn fast. In suburbs across the country they've become the top garden pest. Here's what really reduces the damage.
Plants deer usually avoid
Deer tend to skip plants that are:
- Strongly scented: lavender, rosemary, sage, catmint, Russian sage.
- Fuzzy or rough: lamb's ear, many salvias.
- Toxic or bitter: daffodils, Lenten roses, alliums, Texas mountain laurel.
- Tough or spiny: agarita, yuccas, ornamental grasses.
Hungry deer will try almost anything, especially young, well-watered plants and new growth. "Deer resistant" means less preferred, not immune.
Plants that attract deer
Hostas, daylilies, tulips, roses, arborvitae and most fruit trees are favorites. Grow them inside a fence or close to the house where deer are less comfortable.
Fencing
A fence is the only reliable solution. Deer can clear about 8 feet, so that's the standard height for open areas. Two shorter fences spaced a few feet apart, or a fence they can't see over, also discourages them because deer avoid jumping into tight spaces.
Repellents
Spray repellents based on egg, garlic or capsaicin work for a while. Rotate between types so deer don't get used to one, and reapply after rain and on new growth.
Rabbits too
Many of the same aromatic plants deter rabbits. For vegetables, a 2-foot fence of small-mesh wire, buried a few inches deep, keeps rabbits out.
Turn on "Deer resistant" or "Rabbit resistant" in the plant explorer's filters to see well-suited plants for your area.