0000004648 00000 n They may chew a few buds and occasionally pull off a leaf or two, but the plant is allowed to reach maturity with little molestation. The nickname "beardtongue" refers to the pollen-free stamen that protrudes from the flower, resembling abearded irisin this aspect. (Pennisetum alopecuroides) Plant Information Planting & Care Shipping Reviews Plant Information 24-36" tall x 18-30" wide. A favorite of native plant enthusiasts, these colorful perennials attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds with their vibrant blossoms each summer. This tactic in deer control simply allows you to play the odds through smart plant selection. One of our native penstemon, Penstemon strictus, or Rocky Mountain penstemon, with bright purple-blue flowers on up to 30" spikes and evergreen foliage, is one of the easiest to grow. Two popular selections include rosy pink Red Rocks and violet purple Pikes Peak Purple. They are clump-forming varieties that return reliably every year and are exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew. Both will eat daisies, munching on the plants until nothing is left but stubs. Plants tend to get straggly after flowering by late fall or early winter. These plants have earned a reputation as being most passed up by deer in your region. Standing 30-32" tall, it's perfect for filling the middle layer of the perennial border with interesting texture. In the drier, hotter, inland southern areas, it will often die without summer water unless planted close to an irrigated or other wet area. A purple blush at the base of each floral light bulb only enhances the brilliant display, as does the attractive narrow evergreen foliage. But do be aware that deer will eat just about anything when they are starving, lest you be lulled into a false sense of security. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. 0000070586 00000 n In addition to hummingbirds, the flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. And because lungwort is covered in coarse hairs, deer tend to leave it alone. Dressed in purple from head to toe, this stunning hybrid flaunts lavender purple flowers rising on dark purple stems above full clumps of lush eggplant-purple foliage. This perennial for zones 5 to 9 does wonders in the knot gardens of traditional formal landscapes since you can grow it in rows to form "living edging." (Zones: 4-9; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: Early summer). Hands-down one of the most graceful perennials, columbine offers wonderful flowers in shades of red, pink, violet, blue, and white. Scientifically known as Penstemon digitalis, it grows up to 3 tall in full sun and moist to medium-moist soil that drains well. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. If you are growing species native to your area, you will rarely have to give them supplemental water after they become well established. 0000015862 00000 n Cats, on the other hand, famously love the leaves of this perennial herb. Do bunny rabbits eat plants? The deer in your yard may avoid any specific plant, but the deer down the street may find that a favorite. Caradonna salvia is a favorite for its dark, graceful flower spikes. Copyright 2023. Its also one of the longest-lived and one of the easiest to grow from seed. On this page: Basics | Types | Growing Guide | Penstemon Pictures | Design Ideas. Don't let its common name fool you: Wormwood is a great garden plant. The main difference is that Mysticas bronzy red foliage is longer lasting and stays attractive until frost, with the leaves turning an even richer red in fall and often persisting into early winter. Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and well-drained soil. Penstemon does not require watering, except in dry desert areas, so it's an ideal choice if you want a xeriscape or reduced-water garden. Beardtongue is of the genus Penstemon, while foxglove is of the genus Digitalis. Since urban spread has taken over much of the areas that used to be available for deer graze, they can become garden pests, foraging your veggies and flowers. All feature a compact growth habit, prolific flowering, a super-long bloom season, and excellent winter hardiness. They are extremely sensitive to poorly draining soils and winter moisture. These fuzzy, mustard-yellow flower spikes will gladly brighten up the shady side of your house. How to Grow and Care for Star of Bethlehem Flower, How to Grow and Care for Mexican Orange Plant, How to Grow and Care For 'Becky' Shasta Daisy, How to Grow and Care for Pink Evening Primrose, Purple, blue, orange, red, yellow, pink, white. As an ex-teacher myself, I fully understand Vonmarr's caution. You can cut the spent flower stems back after blooming to help plants look tidy. Beardtongue and foxglove look quite similar. Few plants are safe from the grazing of rabbits, but some shrubs, ground covers and flowering perennials tend to stay untouched by these critters' sharp teeth. A deer needs to consume about 6% to 8% of its body weight daily, from spring through fall, in green foliage and browse, to stay healthy. Similar in appearance to astilbe but much larger, thisshowy perennial produces beautiful sprays of lacy, cream-colored flowers atop deep green fern-like foliage in early to midsummer. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. A drought-tolerant perennial, it also works well in rock gardens. KEY: A = Rarely Damaged Do deer eat berries? Generally speaking, peonies are not a flower deer like to eat. 0000004712 00000 n Catnip is a long-blooming perennial that grows 2 to 3 feet tall and has white flowers that bloom from May to September. Unlike many other bleeding hearts which require shade, this alpine variety thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil. This deer-resistant perennial can become quite large under the right growing conditions. The answer is yes. Find more plants and get deer-proofing tips from GardenDesign.com. A king of the late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with feathery wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage. (Zones: 3-8; Height: 3 to 5 feet; Bloom time: May to June), A California native with glossy blue-green leaves and blue flowers on slender spikes. For more growing tips, including advice on purchasing nursery-grown plants and suggested varieties for beginners, read Growing Penstemons: Species, Cultivars and Hybrids, published by the American Penstemon Society. Look for varieties with foliage in shades of purple, bronze, and green -- as well as selections variegated with white, cream, or pink. You will not see it again until the next spring. Be inspired with our Gardener's Idea Book and Winner's Circle newsletter, 22 Deer Resistant Perennial Plants from Proven Winners. Its springtime blue flowers are a nice plus! Although there are no serious threats, watch for root rot in poorly draining soils. Basil is also considered deer resistant, but slide it into . Deer aren't picky animals. The scent and texture of the foliage make it less appealing to deer and rabbits, but bees will enjoy its blooms. Click here to learn more about coreopsis. Note that when other food sources are extremely scarce, rabbits may feed on plants that are otherwise considered rabbit-proof. These are some of the most adaptable and widely available choices: A showy plant with erect spikes of 2-inch-long reddish-orange flowers and glossy lance-shaped leaves. Choose a permanent place when planting, as their deep tap root which makes them highly drought tolerant also makes them difficult to transplant. Deer love some types of food that are not necessarily available all the time. Plant Details Drought tolerant, tough as nails, and deer resistant. Given the need for full sun and a tall, fast-growing habit, these plants don't do well indoors. Zones: 58, but it often comes back from seed as an annual in colder zones. View our Pinterest boards for deer resistant perennials and shrubs. Globe thistle has a lot of great features: It's long blooming, it resists heat and drought, it's a wonderful cut flower, and best of all, deer and bunnies don't like it. They grow best in full sun and well-drained soil. To start, we need to warn you that there are few, if any, plants that can be called truly deer proof. Most fruit varieties are available in dwarf, semi-dwarf and standard sizes. Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their . Flower colorsincludepink, red, white, purple, and (rarely) yellow. Just like we see with people, a deer's preferred foods differ from individual to individual. Developed in Nebraska, this tough cold-hardy hybrid is ideal for gardens in northern climates The plants form low clumps of deep green foliage, set off in early summer by tall spires of vibrant purple flowers with white throats and magenta veining. Fungicide sprays treat symptoms but not the cause, so lighten your heavy soils with compost, or plant penstemons in raised beds to add air circulation for the roots. 0000002660 00000 n In addition to their deer-resistance, these perennials are valued for their true-blue flowers. Size: Most grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. One of the most popular among home gardeners is a cultivar called Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles'. 0000073571 00000 n Blooms contrast nicely with yellow-blooming plants. Top Deer-Resistant Plants of the Pacific Northwest, What to Plant Instead of Invasive Burning Bush, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of Georgia and the Other Southern States, 18 Spring-Flowering Shrubs to Add to Your Yard for Early Color, 24 Pink Flowers That Add Bold Beauty to Any Garden, Create a Beautiful Butterfly Garden with These Plants, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of the Northeast, 19 Perennial Cutting Flowers to Fill Your Vases All Season Long, 12 Tough Perennials That Grow in Dry Shade, 16 Native Year-Round Interest Plants for A Constantly Beautiful Garden, Colorful Native Plants for the Midwestern Garden, 18 Small Trees for Front Yards That Explode with Color, 22 Colorful Shrubs That Flaunt Gorgeous Foliage for Months, 8 Fall-Blooming Perennials That Keep the Show Going Until Winter, 24 Beautiful Flowering Plants That Will Grow in Wet Soil. Many species will also self-sow freely. With hundreds of varieties of this resilient native wildflower to choose from, there is a penstemon (beardtongue) ideal for almost any garden. The plant can produce white, purple, or mauve flowers. It is called that because of its columbine-like leaves, which make it attractive long after its flowers have disappeared. Deer browsing depends upon the available food source for that year, time of year, location, deer species, and simple curiosity. How to grow geums: Grow geums in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Native to the Southwest, it grows best in dry climates. The serrated foliage is a bit too thick and tough to chew, so the deer move on to another selection. Some gardeners prefer the smaller plant for not only its size also its attractive fern-like foliage lasts through the summer heat, unlike that of common bleeding hearts. This shade-loving ground cover offers blue, pink, or white blooms. Penstemon. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, this Salvia is a real magnet for . There are many kinds of speedwells. Silver-speckled foliage keeps things interesting for the whole season. Penstemons may be bothered by slugs, snails, and spider mites. For example, deer eat plant parts, grass blades, and leaves. Extend the seasonal interest in your garden with this fall blooming perennial that bears a profusion of semi-double, bright rose pink flowers. Another distinctive feature of this deer-resistant perennial is its short seasonal life. Canadian wild ginger offers fuzzy foliage and is native to North America; European ginger (shown) bears glossy evergreen leaves. Gardeners in USDA growing zones 3 to 9 have the option to try penstemons, although some varieties may only be hardy to zones 4 or 5. A deer's preferred foods differ from individual to individual, so the deer in your yard may avoid a particular plant, but the down the street, the deer find it a favorite. Rosemary Arp (Zones: 6-10; Height: 1 to 1 feet; Bloom time: May to June), Firecracker penstemon. The elegant trumpet-shaped flowers are white or pale pink with the inner surfaces often marked by violet-colored nectar guides. sWB>G8 ,!`N{JP Ha*FIi1[W57 kl\Q7_WRJ6f#{( R5 $|5 Js5iZltStI`-k4?YIFnkKtV#b10qA4 Pyromania Rockets Red Glare KniphofiaZones 6-9. - What Is the Coleus Plant? Click here to learn more about growing thyme. Annual mulch and rich soils will help this plant to flourish. Tip: Many coreopsis do best if divided every few years to keep them vigorous and floriferous. Microorganisms allow symbiotic links between the deer digestive system and the foods it needs to digest and process to use for nutrients for the animal. Very striking when in bloom, they last for weeks and bring strong color and form to the landscape. Many people may not know that deer, like some other herbivores, eat meat from time to time. 0000002733 00000 n Summersong Firefinch EchinaceaZones 4-8. Read our. Life could be very unpleasant for any school personnel who could be held to have caused . Brunnera makes a beautiful companion for ferns, foamflowers and other deer resistant shade perennials. Add in a little compost if your soil is lacking in nutrients. Ornamental Grasses That Deer Seldom Eat. Penstemons are tough, drought-tolerant plants with long bloom seasons and colorful flowers loved by hummingbirds. Some of these plants are toxic to deer, while others produce strong smells that deer avoid. Penstemon (spp.) Preventing deer damage. A compact form and mounded glossy green foliage make this a good choice for the front of the border, where you can better observe the constant influx of feathery feeders. A wonderful little ground cover for shady gardens, wild ginger bears heart-shaped leaves and hidden springtime flowers. Think salvia, sweet alyssum, snapdragons, poppies, globe amaranth, lantana, and cleome. Plants with milky sap, like Diamond Frost-type euphorbia (Euphorbia graminea), are ones deer dislike, as are annuals with strong odors, like marigolds. They come in many different colors, including bicolored varieties. Rocky Mountain penstemon is an upright perennial that forms a mat of glossy green leaves from which arise straight, 2-foot-tall stems bearing rich purple blooms. In cold areas, they appreciate the protection of growing near a sunny, warm wall. University of California Cooperative Extension. Ground Cover White-tailed deer are absolute plant-eating machines, but understanding what foods they prefer to eat will vastly improve your knowledge and effectiveness in both managing and hunting them. Cultivation Jack Frost Brunnera bears small blue flowers in spring, but its most interesting feature is its variegated silver leaves with green veins. A favorite of hummingbirds, Beardtongue are low-care, big-color wildflowers that grow quickly when planted in the spring. Take note of the different types; some offer flowers that stay open during the day and others bloom at night. If you grow plants that deer are less likely to eat, you increase your chances of escaping pest damage. Lamb's ear is another case of a deer-resistant perennial that is hard to figure. When you call certain plants deer-resistant perennials, it does not mean that Bambi never eats them. 0000030730 00000 n In addition to offering a broad palette of colors, these native wildflowers and their many cultivars come in many shapes and sizes, from dwarf varieties you can tuck into rock gardens to waist-high prairie plants that bring color and movement to the back of the border. Penstemons do best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and will even grow in soils that are mostly sand or gravel. If you have never given them a try before, you now have an excuse to do so if you are seeking deer-resistant perennials. Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirementlots of water. Gently tamp down soil around the base and water well. The answer is yes - deer will eat pansies if they can. Considering that a single deer can eat up to ten pounds of plants each day, you can see how deer eating pansies can really do some serious damage to these plants! On rare occasions, deer will also eat other . The pollen-free stamen (or staminode) protrudes from the flower and is covered by small hairs, thus the common name beardtongue. Click here to learn more about growing columbine. The fuzzy, fragrant foliage ofcatmintis detested by deer. Plant Name: Penstemon selections Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Rabbits are herbivores who feed on a wide variety of plant life. Plant yucca and forget it. Do deer and rabbits eat Shasta daisies? It's not only deer-resistant, but it's also drought-tolerant and is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. trailer << /Size 305 /Info 258 0 R /Root 262 0 R /Prev 118495 /ID[<326ae9e7bde9dfc3fdd83892b198dc3a><813de8e76e58e122cc3a9f919da4a6c8>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 262 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 260 0 R /Metadata 259 0 R /OpenAction [ 264 0 R /XYZ null null null ] /PageMode /UseNone /PageLabels 257 0 R /StructTreeRoot 263 0 R /PieceInfo << /MarkedPDF << /LastModified (D:20030616154933)>> >> /LastModified (D:20030616154933) /MarkInfo << /Marked true /LetterspaceFlags 0 >> >> endobj 263 0 obj << /Type /StructTreeRoot /RoleMap 17 0 R /ClassMap 20 0 R /K 243 0 R /ParentTree 244 0 R /ParentTreeNextKey 5 >> endobj 303 0 obj << /S 161 /L 272 /C 288 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 304 0 R >> stream Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. 0000014478 00000 n They dislike the flavor and sap that is inside the stems, and they also don't care for the fragrance of peony blooms. It is long-lived and fuss-free. Its ferny, blue-green foliage is a delight, toobut the deer don't seem to think so. Persimmon trees are a great way to attract deer and a wise addition to any food plot or hunting area. Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor' boasts splendid variegated leaves in three colors: white, green, and purple. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds enjoy their blooms for many weeks beginning in early summer. Growing Conditions: Full sun and moist, well-drained soil. If food is scarce enough, hungry deer have been . That's a lot. The Meat-eating Habits of Deer. This is a tall plant, reaching about 3 feet in height. Read our. Hint: Many coreopsis do best if divided every few years to keep them vigorous and floriferous. Rose campion has silver foliage, and that's probably why deer tend to pass it by. Click here to learn more about growing lungwort. Features Petunias grow from 6 to 36 inches tall. A classic for its long season of bloom and cheerful good looks, Shasta daisy is also typically left alone by deer. 2023 Proven Winners North America LLC. Beardtongue doesn't need pruning but can benefit from cutting off the spent flowers down to the stem to encourage new blooms. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Fringed bleeding heart is a smaller plant than its showier cousin, Lamprocapnos spectabilis. Deer-resistant does not mean deer-proof, and even the plants on this list will get nibbled on from time to time. 0000010637 00000 n Call this feature what you like, but what is impressive is how long the plant retains it, giving you something interesting to look at in the garden for months. Some deer-resistant plants should not are toxic to humans and pets, so be wary of the following plants: The most widely grown bleeding heart is Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly known as Dicentra spectabilis). Anemone. cabbage carrots grasses lettuce peas strawberries young fruit tree bark Usually Won't Eat: agaves ( Agave spp.) More information on Penstemon. 0000011924 00000 n Plant Details Drought tolerant, tough as nails, and deer resistant. Click here to learn more about corydalis. These plants are very sensitive to cold and prefer moist soils with good drainage. To help contain the plants, deadhead the flowers as soon as the bloom is over to prevent the natural spreading of seeds. They are drought tolerant once established. A terrific edging plant or rock-garden choice, candytuft offers a flurry of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white in spring. What annuals will deer not eat? When not in bloom, its grassy foliage adds texture and movement in the landscape. Native to southern California, Arizona and Utah, it thrives in arid climates and dry, sandy soils. The tubular flowers make an excellent landing pad for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds alike! (Zones: 4-9; Height: 10 to 12 inches; Bloom time: Late spring to midsummer), Mexicali penstemons are hybrids of Mexican species having large, showy flowers crossed with native North American species that exhibit good cold-tolerance. Barely a foot tall, this petite clump-forming selection makes a big visual impact when massed in the garden or grown along walkways and borders. Just plant it and forget it (thats rightno extra water or plant food needed), and it will return the favor with bundles of bright lavender-purple blossoms beginning in early summer. Pair it with ornamental grasses and sedum for a beautiful fall border. A longtime favorite of many gardeners, coreopsis is a tough native plant with a long bloom season and starry flowers in shades of yellow or pink. Also, they prefer broadleaf plants, not grasses and grass-like plants. But, planting deer-resistant perennials they dont prefer to eat will help. Deer are afraid of walking on the fence because their feet will get caught. But many gardeners find that they have to go around the yard and pull it up from places it does not belong. A drought-tolerant succulent, hens and chicks usually needs no extra watering and it's a slow spreader so you won't have to keep it from crowding out its neighbors. schmidel. Get planting advice, garden design tips and trends, monthly checklists for your area, product specials and more in our weekly newsletter. If you are looking for a plant that attracts butterflies and bees but resists deer and rabbits, this is a great choice. Prune rosemary and oregano; Late month: prune evergreen shrubs as they start to set new growth; Divide/Move Scroll down to learn more about some of the unique things that deer do, and discover why they act the way that they do. Also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit, it is not grown for its flowers. Ideally, the plants crowns should remain dry while the roots have access to a small but steady supply of moisture during the growing season. In warmer climates, it will need some protection from the hot afternoon sun. Photo by: Detail Photography / Alamy Stock Photo. Plant your beardtongue in an area that receives full sun. Fancy foliage is the latest thing in coralbells; these versatile little perennials now offer leaves in shades from nearly red to deep blue-green or even black. They also offer architectural interest in the winter garden. Yarrow is an easy perennial to grow and a good choice for beginners. In early summer, airy spires of white flowers with just the faintest blush of pink emerge, creating a striking contrast with the dark foliage. It's hard to imagine these creatures as steak . More on growing geums: Growing Conditions: Sun to shade, depending on selection, and moist, well-drained soil, Size: From 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, depending on type. For more, see The 24 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds. Click here to learn more about growing Russian sage. Tough in low amounts. Add incredible color to your garden with this relatively petite, 12-16" tall coneflower that blooms nearly all summer long. It, like many other plants disliked by deer, bears scented foliage -- so it's nice to grow this plant where you can occasionally walk by and enjoy its scent. Mulch will also help protect the roots from cold snaps. Plant Name: Miscanthus sinensis. Plant Leading Lady bee balm for earlier color, then Pardon My and Upscale varieties to extend the bloom season through midsummer. A big group of plants, there's a salvia for every gardener. Avoid soil amendments that hold moisture, such as peat moss and manure. Plants Occasionally Severely Damaged and Frequently Severely Damaged are often preferred by deer and should only be planted with additional protection such as the use of fencing, repellents, etc. It does not need to be fussed over. All of the 22 perennials listed here are considered deer-resistant and are hardy to at least USDA planting zone 5 (unless otherwise noted). Wall germander is another perennial herb or subshrub that deer tend not to eat. Plant your herbs anywhere you like without fear of deer.