Choosing Deer Resistant Plants

While many of the following plants are “Deer Resistant plants,” that does not mean the deer will never eat them. In different locations some plants will be susceptible, especially during times of drought and if the plants are irrigated. This is a list of commonly used landscape plants. There are many more unusual shrubs and perennials less appealing to deer and you may find them listed on the many books and websites devoted to Gardening.

During times of drought deer will be much less discriminating. If you garden is irrigated – producing and abundance of succulent tips – the deer may be encouraged to graze on the new growth.

Plants marked (*) with an asterisk should be considered deer resistant only when they reach maturity. Until they do, they need to be protected. It should also be understood that many larger, more mature trees and shrubs – while not necessarily subject to chewing and grazing – are often subject to rutting.

Trees and Shrubs

• Abelia x grandiflora. – Evergreen to semi-evergreen Shrub, to 8ft. tall x 5ft, wide. Sun to Part-Shade and Regular water.
• Abies (Fir)- Coniferous Trees – Evergreen. Many species which vary in size and shape from large to dwarf. Generally require full sun to light shade and Moderate water once established.
• *Acer palmatum (Japanese Maple)- Deciduous Tree or Shrub. Slow growing to 20ft. tall, equally as wide. Multiple sterns are common. Delicate leaves come in range of colours, Prefers filtered light and Moisture retentive soil, but well draining.
• *Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree) – Evergreen Tree. Slow to moderate growth, 10- 1 5ft. high and wide in gardens. Full sun and Good drainage.
• Azalea – Evergreen shrubs- Many hybrids and cultivars available. Generally grow as wide as tall, some varieties can reach 5ft. Most prefer Filtered sunlight; acid soil and good drainage.
• Bamboos- Giant Grasses- includes both Clumping types and Running types- many varieties available which tolerate a range of conditions from Sun to Part Shade. Size varies from Large to Dwarf
• Berberis-Shrubs which can be Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen or Deciduous. Most are very Hardy and tolerate a range of soil conditions. Require Sun to Light Shade.
• Buxus (Boxwood)- Evergreen Shrubs commonly used for Hedging, Will tolerate a range of conditions from. Full Sun to Shade. Prefer regular water. Height and Width vary according to species and cultivar but generally grow from 3-6 ft. tall and wide.
• Callistemon citrinus (Bottlebrush)- Evergreen Shrub or small Tree- Vigorous grower can reach 10-15ft tall and wide. Can be pruned to tree form. Needs Full sun and Regular water. Colorful ‘bottlebrush’ are attractive to Hummingbirds. Frost Hardy to 20 F.to –7 C.
• Calluna vulgaris (Summer Blooming Heather)-Evergreen Shrub, numerous cultivars that range in height from a few inches to 3ft. Most require Full Sun, good Drainage and consistent Water.
• Camellia- All species are Evergreen Shrubs or small Trees, Range of Height and Spread depending on type, but most sold in Nurseries will be in the 6 to 8ft range by as wide. Prefer Part Shade with protection from wind, and acidic soil with good Drainage.
• *Ceanothus (California Lilac)- Evergreen and Deciduous Shrubs which can vary from prostrate to tree- like. Generally all Ceanothus prefer Full Sun and little to no Water once established.
• *Cedars (Cedars)- Evergreen Conifer Trees. There are 4 species and all can reach 60ft. or better. Need Full Sun and Well-drained Soil. Regular Water.
• Chamaecyparis (False Cypress)- Evergreen Shrubs and Trees. 8 species from which are derived many garden cultivars. These conifers can feature fastigiated, columnar or dwarf size and needle-like or coloured foliage. Most prefer Full Sun to Part Shade and Regular water.
• Choisya ternata ( Mexican Mock Orange)- Evergreen Shrub, fast growing and reaches 6 to 8ft. tall and wide. Good for hedging but does require light trimming to keep foliage dense. Best in Sun or Part Shade and acid soil. Likes Good drainage and moderate water once established.
• Cistus ( Rockrose)- Evergreen Shrubs from the Mediterranean. Most verities are in the 3 to 5ft. range, although a few can reach up to 6R. Must have Full Sun and Excellent drainage. Very drought tolerant once established.
• Corpus sericea/stolonifera (Red or Yellow Twig Dogwood)- Deciduous Shrub which can grow 7 to 9ft. tall and wide. Grows well in moist, acidic soil and Full Sun to Part Shade. *Cotinus coggryia (Smokebush) – Deciduous Shrub

Perennials

Ground covers & Vines