Here are some popular deer-resistant shrubs and flowers that tend to do well in gardens across regions like New Brunswick. No plant is completely deer-proof when food is scarce, but these are less appealing to deer because of scent, texture, or taste.
Deer-Resistant Shrubs
- Boxwood — evergreen, great for hedges
- Lilac — fragrant spring blooms
- Juniper — hardy and low maintenance
- Barberry — thorny branches help deter deer
- Spirea — colorful and easy to grow
- Potentilla — blooms all summer
- Russian Sage — aromatic foliage
- Butterfly Bush — attracts pollinators more than deer
- Weigela — trumpet-shaped flowers
- Rhododendron — somewhat deer resistant once established
Deer-Resistant Flowers & Perennials
- Lavender — strong scent deer dislike
- Marigold — pungent smell
- Peony — beautiful spring blooms
- Daffodil — toxic to deer
- Allium — onion scent deters browsing
- Yarrow — drought tolerant
- Coneflower — attracts bees and butterflies
- Bee Balm — aromatic leaves
- Foxglove — toxic to deer
- Salvia — strong fragrance
- Lamb’s Ear — fuzzy texture discourages deer
Best Strategies for Deer Resistance
- Plant strongly scented herbs and flowers near vulnerable plants.
- Mix textures: fuzzy, thorny, and aromatic plants help.
- Use motion lights or fencing during peak browsing seasons.
- Young plants may still need protection until established.
Good Deer-Resistant Garden Combination
A hardy Atlantic Canada mix could include:
- Lilac
- Juniper
- Lavender
- Coneflower
- Daffodil
That combination gives spring through fall color while helping reduce deer damage.
