Deer Proof Perennials

Lily of the Valley

• Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) is an old-fashioned favorite but not with deer. This spreading perennial ground cover has large green leaves that surround stems of nodding, bell-shaped flowers. The white spring flowers are fragrant and make good cut flowers. Lilies of the valley grow in sun or shade and tolerate both dry and moist soil as long as it's well-drained. Rosea has pink flowers while Flore Pleno has doubled white bells. Convallaria is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 2 through 7, in the Northern states, the Midwest and Deep South.

Lungwort

• Lungworts (Pulmonaria spp.) are grown for their interesting foliage and good shade tolerance. The spotted leaves are somewhat hairy, which discourages deer grazing. Lungworts have red, lavender, blue, pink or white flowers; sometimes there are several shades on a plant at one time. Lungworts, also called Bethlehem sage, grow best in rich, moist but well-drained soil in Zones 4 and warmer.

Joe Pye Weed

• Joe Pye weed (Eupatorium maculatum) is a North American native often seen growing wild along roadsides throughout the South and Midwest. Hardy to zone 5, this big plant can reach more than 6 feet tall and wide when it blooms in late summer and early fall. The cultivar Gateway is a little more restrained, topping out at 4 to 5 feet. Joe Pye weed has large, airy heads of purple-pink blooms that last for weeks. Grow Joe Pye weed in full sun or partial shade.

Purple Coneflowers

• Another American native wildflower that deer avoid is purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), one of the easiest, toughest perennials available to gardeners. These adaptable plants bloom well in full sun or partial shade and bloom profusely even during the hottest part of summer. The daisy-like flowers have prominent central cones that draw birds and butterflies to the garden. Echinacea is hardy throughout zones 3 to 8.

Herbs

• Deer dislike highly-scented plants, so they usually leave herbs alone. Mints (Mentha), yarrows (Achillea) and lavender (Lavandula) are all unappealing to deer, as are catmint (Nepeta), rosemary (Rosmarinus) and oregano (Origanum). Surrounding desirable plants with aromatic herbs can help to discourage deer from grazing on them.