Deer-Resistant Perennials in Minnesota

Peony

• The peony (Paeonia lactiflora), a herbaceous perennial, is a shrubby plant that can survive the harsh winters of Minnesota. Thriving in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 to 8, this durable plant will bloom many years left undisturbed. In addition, the peony does not require division as some other perennials. Growing in height from 2 to 3 feet and spreading the same distance, the peony bush enjoys full sun or part shade. Soil must be well-drained with a medium moisture level. Showy blossoms appear in May and June with flowers lasting from seven to 10 days. The cultivar Paeonia lactiflora exhibits fragrant pink double blossoms. The Missouri Botanical Garden recommends planting several cultivars in groupings to ensure blossoms for up to six weeks each spring. Foliage should be trimmed to the ground after the first frost. Owners of peony plants enjoy attractive bouquets of cut flowers in spring and shiny green foliage throughout summer. Some gardeners choose to stake peonies during the blooming season as stems can fall under the weight of heavy blooms or during a hard rain. Peonies are disease-resistant but can attract ants, which are harmless.

Yarrow

• Yarrow (Achillea spp.) blooms best in cooler climates and repels deer due to its pungent odor, making it an ideal choice for Minnesota gardeners. This adaptable perennial thrives in USDA zones 3 to 8. Enjoying full sun and well-drained locations, it tolerates average soil conditions. Gardeners enjoy the long-lasting blossoms in red or pastel shades, which appear in early summer and linger until frost. The strong smell of the yarrow flower is repulsive to deer. Growing 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, the yarrow excels as a foundation plant or near fencing. The fernlike foliage softens a garden's texture and can remain green during mild winters. Botanists recommend dividing clumps of yarrow when the plant stops blooming. In addition, they warn gardeners to resist the temptation to overwater or add too much mulch as these conditions can cause root rot.

Lamb's Ear

• Lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina) can be a Minnesota gardener's choice for providing edging or ground cover that is deer resistant. This perennial grows best in USDA zones 4 to 7 and is a member of the mint family. Treasured for its woolly silver leaves that are 2 to 4 inches long, it forms a softly textured garden mat. In summer, lamb's ear displays a 12- to 18-inch floral spike in shades of purple and pink. Since the dense velvety foliage of lamb's ear can capture dew and moisture, it requires full sun and well-drained soil for daily drying. Gardeners frequently water lamb's ear in the morning and avoid wetting the leaves to reduce leaf rot. This hardy perennial often self-seeds but propagates well through division of the root clump.