Deer Proof Garden: Perennials That Whitetails Naturally Avoid

The adorability of these limpid-eyed epitomes of grace unfortunately dissipates in the human-whitetail interaction that occurs as a result of habitat destruction and diminishing food sources. Rural and suburban development impels whitetails that normally are satisfied with woodland shelters and meadowy grazings to resort to garden and crop invasions. Many counter measures are available for discouraging whitetails especially from garden forages. These measures range from over 9-foot-high fences to chemical repellents.

The method that has been most successful for me -- as well as for countless others interested in the organic, natural path -- is to surround my treasured vegetables and ornamentals with plants that are deer-resistant. In other words, deer have a distaste for a variety of ornamentals and wildflowers, and only seriously famished whitetails even consider indulging in these undesirables. Even so, marigolds, despite their sunny beauty for humans and nectarous attraction for butterflies and hummingbirds, unequivocally repel whitetails.

Perennials (Latin: per, "through" + annus, "year") are plants that live for at least two years and encompass popular garden ornamentals. Not all perennials are desirable to whitetails. The below-listed perennials are effective in deer-proofing gardens. The simple strategy of surrounding vegetables and ornamentals with these plantings serves as an effective, natural deterrent.

In the rural-suburban area where I live, whitetails frequently visit edges, as, for example, between lawns, gardens, and meadows. My treasured plantings are never disturbed by whitetails. Vegetables and ornamentals are encircled by deer-resistant perennials. Additionally, at a respectable distance is an uncultivated area that is overgrown with grass, saplings and wildflowers. These appear to be all items whitetails love. My garden flourishes, and the meadow receives contented, undisturbed visitors.

Aster novi-belgii, commonly known as Michaelmas daisy or New York aster, reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) with a spread of 24 to 32 inches (60 to 80 centimeters).

Flowers, primarily white or shades of pink or purple, open in late summer or early autumn.

Although disfavored by whitetails, Michaelmas daisies are nectariferous magnets for butterflies, including painted ladies (Cynthia subgenus) and monarchs (Danaus plexippus).

In 2004 the Royal Horticultural Society honored a Michaelmas daisy cultivar, Aster novi-belgii 'Fellowship,' with the prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Aconitum lycoctonum, commonly known as badger's bane or wolfsbane, reaches a height of 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) with a spread of 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters).

Flowers open as downy purple, white, or yellow in summer.

Aconitum lycoctonum also discourages rabbits as garden nibblers.

Caution should be exercised with wolfsbane. As an Aconite:

• it may cause skin irritation from contact with its foliage;
• it must not be ingested because all of its parts are highly toxic.

Amsonia tabernaemontana, commonly known as blue dogbane or blue star, reaches a height of 36 inches (90 centimeters) with a spread of 36 to 48 inchees (90 to 120 centimeters).

Pale blue flowers open from mid-spring to late summer.

Caution should be exercised as contact with Amsonia's milky sap may cause skin irritations.

Drought-tolerant Dictamnus albus, commonly known as dittany or gas plant, reaches a height of 16 to 36 inches (40 to 90 centimeters) with a spread of 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 centimeters).

Spikes of white flowers open in summer.

In 1993 the Royal Horticultural Society recognized two varieties of gas plant, Dictamnus albus var. albus and Dictamnus albus var. purpureus, with Awards of Garden Merit (AGM).

Caution should be exercised as contact with Dictamnus foliage may provoke photodermatitis, in which sunlight activates allergens. Also, mild stomach upset may ensue from ingestion of Dictamnus foliage, roots, or seeds.

Stachys byzantina, commonly known as lambs' ears or woolly betony, reaches a height of 18 inches (45 centimeters) with a spread of 24 inches (60 centimeters).

Pink to purple flowers emerge from silvery grey-green foliage of this ground hugger in late spring to early summer.

Although distasteful to whitetails, Stachys byzantina is attractive to nectar seekers, especially the Hummingbird Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum), as well as a coterie of bees, birds, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Although Stachys byzantina repels deer, it attracts slugs.

Lysimachia clethroides, commonly known as gooseneck loosestrife, reaches a height of 40 inches (100 centimeters) with a spread of 24 inches (60 centimeters).

Nodding heads of small, white flowers open during the summer.

Lysimachia clethroides received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM) in 1993.

Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Group,' commonly known as Excelsior Group foxglove, reaches a height of 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 1.8 meters) with a spread of 12 to 32 inches (30 to 80 centimeters).

A mixture of white and shades of pink or purple open in early summer.

Although distasteful to deer, Digitalis purpurea is attractive to such nectar lovers as Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris).

Digitalis purpurea 'Excelsior Group' was honored with an Award of Garden Merit (AGM) by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1993.

Caution should be exercised as:

• contact with Digitalis foliage may cause skin irritations;
• ingestion of any part of Digitalis plant may cause serious discomfort.

Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety,' commonly known as bigroot geranium, reaches a height of 20 inches (50 centimeters) with a spread of 40 inches (100 centimeters).

Bright magenta flowers open in early summer.

Geranium macrorrhizum is distasteful to slugs.

Lamium maculatum, commonly known as spotted dead-nettle, reaches a height of 6 to 20 inches (15 to 50 centimeters) with a spread of 24 to 60 inches (60 to 150 centimeters).

Pinkish red to purple or rare white flowers open dramatically against pointed, white-centered leaves in summer.

Spotted dead-nettle plants also are avoided by rabbits.

Actea pachypoda, commonly known as doll's eyes or white baneberry, reaches a height of 36 inches (90 centimeters) with a spread of 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 centimeters).

White flowers open in late spring to early summer.

Globular white berries have a black spot on the apex, or blossom end. Ripening over summer, berries remain until overcome by frost.

Not only is white baneberry repugnant to whitetails, but it also is toxic in its entirety, including berries, to humans. Nevertheless, Actaea pachypoda attracts birds, such as ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus), which enjoy the berries and are important in the plant's seed dispersal.

Actaea pachypoda received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Caution should be exercised as ingestion of Actea's berries provokes high toxicity.

Artemisia ludoviciana, commonly known as silver wormwood or western mugwort or white sage, is equiproportional with a height and a spread of around 36 inches (90 centimeters).

Tiny, grey-white flowers open in summer.

In 1993 the Royal Horticultural Society honored a white sage cultivar, Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis,' with an Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, reaches a height of 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters) with a spread of 4 feet (1.2 meters).

Deep purple spikes of flowers waft fragrantly in early summer.

Nine cultivars of Lavandula angustifolia have been honored by the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM):

• 'Beechwood Blue' in 2002,
• 'Folgate' in 2012,
• 'Hidcote' in 1993,
• 'Imperial Gem' in 2002,
• 'Ballad' [Little Lady] in 2012,
• 'Clarmo' [Little Lottie] in 2002,
• 'Miss Katherine' in 2002,
• 'Scholmis' [Miss Muffet] in 2002, and
• 'Nana Alba' in 2002.

Narcissus 'Dutch Master,' commonly known as Daffodil 'Dutch Master,' may reach a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) with a spread of 12 inches (30 centimeters).

Sunshiny trumpet flowers have an overall bright yellow coloration. 'Dutch Master' flowers blossom in solitary or in umbels throughout midspring.

The golden yellow cultivar received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit in 1995.

Caution should be exercised as Narcissus bulbs and foliage contain lycorine, a compound of high  -- even fatal -- toxicity.

Astilbe 'Deutschland,' commonly known as Deutschland false spiraea, reaches a height of 20 inches (50 centimeters).

Flowers open as white, lacy plumes, against glossy green foliage, in early summer.

'Deutschland' also is rabbit-resistant.

Centranthus ruber, commonly known as red valerian or Jupiter's beard or spur valerian, reaches a height of 32 to 40 inches (80 to 100 centimeters) with a spread of 16 to 27 inches (40 to 70 centimeters).

White or deep rose pink to red flowers fragrantly open in spring and early summer.

Santolina virens, commonly known as green lavender cotton or green santolina, reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches (30.48 to 45.72 centimeters) with an exuberant spread of 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5
meters).

Bright yellow button-like flowers open atop 6- to 10-inch (15.24 to 25.4 centimeters) stalks in mid-summer.

Another species, Santolina chamaecyparissus, commonly known as lavender cotton or cotton lavender or grey lavender cotton, also effectively disinvites whitetail visitors.

Lavender cotton reaches a height of 24 inches (60 centimeters) with a spread of 4 feet (1.2 meters).

Foliage, which may appear white on young leaves, is silvery grey.

Clusters of wide flowerheads open in a profusion of yellow in early summer.

Two cultivars of Santolina chamaecyparissus have been honored with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (AGM):

• 'Nana' in 1993, and
• 'Pretty Carroll' in 2012.

The natural method of discouraging whitetails from gardens causes the least harm to all concerned: garden, gardener, whitetails. Thus, it is the most environmentally friendly strategy. The benefit of dissuading whitetail visitors is enhanced by the beauty and oftentimes fragrance of deer-resistant perennials. Of course, whitetails are selecting plants according to personal taste, not according to beautiful flowers. Reasons for the repugnance of these perennials to whitetails are unknown, yet whitetails steadfastly avoid them and do not congregate in their vicinity.

The advantage that gardeners accrue in observing this natural, deer-proof method is spectacular visual amplification of an ornamental or vegetable garden. And gardeners derive justifiable pleasure from the sheer joy of beholding their floral handiwork.

Deer-proof gardening with deer-resistant perennials wins on all counts.

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Hidden Lake Gardens, Tipton, southeastern Michigan: F. D. Richards, CC BY SA 2.0, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/50697352@N00/10210658845/

Barrington Court, Somerset, southwestern England: Pengannel, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/pengannel/5497155323/

Kitee, North Karelia Region, southeastern Finland: Antti Bilund (AB from Finland), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aconitum_lycoctonum_flower_front_1_AB.jpg

USDA Soil Conservation Service, "Willow Amsonia Amsonia tabernaemontana Walt.", Midwest Wetland Flora (1989): Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA-National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Public Domain, via USDA PLANTS Database @ https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=AMTA2; R. Mohlenbrock, Midwestern Wetland Flora (1989), via Biodiversity Heritage Library @ https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47568930

Genoa, Liguria Region, northwest Italy: Hectonichus, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rutaceae_-_DIctamnus_albus.JPG

Stachys lanata and Stachys olympica are scientific synonyms for this drought-tolerant plant.: Jean-Pol Grandmont, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:0_Stachys_byzantina_-_Yvoire_(2).JPG

Genus name honors use of loosestrife by Thracian King Lysimachus (c360 BC–281 BC) to quell mad bull.: Hectonichus, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Myrsinaceae_-_Lysimachia_clethroides-2.JPG

'Excelsior Group' is appreciated for large trumpets with refined coloring.: Wouter Hagens (Wouterhagens), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Digitalis_purpurea_Excelsior_A.jpg

Vladimir Oblast, central Russia: Dmitriy Konstantinov, CC BY SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Geranium-macrorrhizum-'Bevan’s-Variety'.jpg

Choceň, Pardubice Region, central Czech Republic: Petr Filippov (Don Pedro28), CC BY SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lamium_maculatum2.JPG

Mount Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Rizka, CC BY SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Doll's_Eyes,_Mount_Auburn_Cemetery,_Cambridge,_Massachusetts.jpg

Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Bingham County, southeastern Idaho: Matt Lavin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Artemisia_ludoviciana_(5144352432).jpg

Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, southwestern Germany: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lavandula_angustifolia_002.JPG

Real Jardín Botánico de Madrid, central Spain: Cillas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Narcissus_'Dutch_Master'.JPG

Astilbe 'Deutschland' in Belgium: Wouter Hagens (Wouterhagens), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Astilbe_Japonica_Deutschland_B.jpg

A picturesque common name for Centranthus ruber is scarlet lightning.: Wouter Hagens (Wouterhagens), Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Centranthus_ruber_A.jpg

University of British Columbia Botanical Garden: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Santolina_virens_1.jpg

garden in France: JLPC, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Santoline_petit-cyprès_FR_2012.jpg

1972 photo by Mark St. Gil (1924-1992)/Environmental Protection Agency (US National Archives ID 412-DA- 3745): The U.S. National Archives, No known copyright restrictions, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives/3704380182/

"Deer hanging out by neighbor's garage": Melissa Gutierrez (oddharmonic), CC BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/oddharmonic/6157727530/

doe in Pennsylvania: Marc Banks (L'eau Bleue), CC BY SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/), via Flickr @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcbanksphotos/5194681267/

piebald whitetails in field, National Conservation Training Center: Brett Billings/USFWS, Public Domain, via USFWS National Digital Library @ https://digitalmedia.fws.gov/digital/collection/natdiglib/id/16822/

"Actaea pachypoda." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=4362 

"Artemisia ludoviciana 'Valerie Finnis' AGM." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=2134

"Aster novi-belgii 'Fellowship' AGM." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=5374

"Astilbe 'Deutschland' (japonica hybrid)." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=5289

Brickell, Christopher, and Judith D. Zuk, eds. The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encylcopedia of Garden Plants. New York: DK Publishing, 1996.

"Centranthus ruber." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=364

Clausen, Ruth Rogers. 50 Beautiful Deer-Resistant Plants: The Prettiest Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, and Shrubs That Deer Don't Eat. Portland OR: Timber Press, 2011.

"Dictamnus albus." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=4447

"Digitalis purpurea Excelsior Group (Suttons; Unwins) AGM." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=660

Flora: A Gardener’s Encyclopedia. Volumes I-II. Portland OR: Timber Press, 2003.

"Geranium macrorrhizum 'Bevan's Variety.'" Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=5444

"Lamium maculatum." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=1109

Lancaster, Roy. Perfect Plant Perfect Place. London-New York-Sydney-Moscow: Dorling Kindersley, 2002.

"Lysimachia clethroides AGM." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=1212

Mohlenbrock, Robert H. "Willow Amsonia Amsonia tabernaemontana Walt." Midwestern Wetland Flora: Field Office Guide to Plant Species. Lincoln NE: USDA Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Midwest National Technical Center, 1989.

• Available via Biodiversity Heritage Library @ https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/47568929

"Narcissus 'Dutch Master' (1) AGM." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=5221

"RHS AGM Listing May 2013 (Ornamentals)." Royal Horticultural Society > Plant Awards > List of plants with the AGM. May 2013. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/Plant-trials-and-awards/Plant-awards/AGM-plants

"Santolina chamaecyparissus." Royal Horticultural Society > Plants > Plant Selector. 2011. The Royal Horticultural Society. Web. www.rhs.org.uk

• Available at: http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=409