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.