Deer are beautiful animals, gracefully wandering through yards and woodlands. However, they can be quite destructive to landscaped properties. As browsing animals, deer do not stay in one place to eat; instead, they move from plant to plant, selecting their meals. This feeding habit can damage a large number of plants in a short period of time.

To protect your landscape, it is essential to know which plants deer prefer and avoid planting them. The most significant plant destruction occurs in the fall and winter months when deer are constantly searching for food. They consume a variety of evergreen and deciduous plants, including Yews, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Roses, most Arborvitae, Hydrangeas, Hollies, and Hemlocks. During heavy snow cover, deer will eat almost any plant they can find.

Deer also feed on annual flowers and perennials, favoring Tulips, Hosta, perennial Geraniums, Phlox, Day Lilies, and Iris, among others.

To enjoy your property and safeguard your plant investment, Showcase Landscape Services recommends you consider planting deer-resistant flowers and shrubs. Some excellent shrub choices include Abelia, Butterfly Bush, Boxwoods, Blue Mist Shrubs, Cedars, Summersweet, Smokebush, Scotch Broom, Deutzia, Bottlebrush, Deciduous Hollies, Crape Myrtles, Siberian Cypress, Spirea, and Viburnums. Each of these shrub families offers a variety of selections to suit different landscapes.

Spring flowering bulbs can provide a reliable source of early color, and deer tend to avoid daffodils because they are inedible. Extending the flower display for several weeks is possible, as most garden centers offer a range of daffodil sizes and colors, including pure white, pure yellow, and varieties with orange-tinged throats.

Minor bulbs are another excellent choice that deer typically avoid. Some great options include Snowdrops, Grape Hyacinths, Fragrant Hyacinths, Wood Hyacinths, and Chionodoxa (Glory of the Snow).

This is just a brief list of interesting plants to incorporate into your garden. There are many more options that provide added color, style, and fragrance. By expanding your plant palette, you can create a unique and thriving garden while avoiding the challenges posed by hungry deer.

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