The Best Deer-Resistant Plants to Add to Your Landscape

Plan Now for a More Deer-Smart Garden This Spring

If deer regularly treat your landscape like an all-you-can-eat buffet, winter is the perfect time to plan smarter plant choices. While no plant is truly “deer-proof,” certain plants are far less appealing due to texture, scent, or taste. Thoughtful planning now can help reduce damage, save money, and create a garden that’s both beautiful and resilient come spring.

What Makes a Plant Deer-Resistant?

Deer tend to avoid plants that are fuzzy, leathery, fragrant, or toxic. Strong scents, tough leaves, and bitter flavors are all natural deterrents. By designing with these characteristics in mind, you can build garden beds that are less attractive to browsing deer—especially important here in Southeastern Massachusetts where deer pressure is high.

Top Deer-Resistant Plants to Consider

As you plan your spring garden, keep these reliable deer-resistant favorites in mind:

Lavender
With its silvery foliage and strong fragrance, lavender is a classic deer deterrent. It’s ideal for borders, walkways, and sunny foundation plantings—and it adds a calming scent for humans, too.

Boxwood
A staple for structure and year-round interest, boxwood’s leathery leaves are unappealing to deer. Use it for hedging, edging, or to anchor perennial beds.

Catmint (Nepeta)
This Proven Winners favorite offers long-lasting blooms and aromatic foliage that deer tend to ignore. It’s an excellent planning choice for pollinator gardens and low-maintenance landscapes.

Russian Sage (Salvia yangii)
Airy, drought-tolerant, and fragrant, Russian sage is another plant deer typically pass by. It works beautifully in larger landscape designs and mixed borders.

Ornamental Grasses
Most grasses—such as switchgrass or feather reed grass—are not preferred by deer. They add movement, winter interest, and texture while helping reduce browsing pressure.

Alliums
Members of the onion family are a natural deterrent thanks to their strong scent. Planning alliums into beds can help protect more vulnerable neighboring plants.

Design Tip: Layer for Success

When planning deer-resistant landscapes, think in layers. Use less-appealing plants around the perimeter of beds and mix them throughout your design. This creates a natural barrier and makes your garden less inviting overall.

Plan Now, Plant Smarter Later

Winter planning gives you time to explore deer-resistant options, refine your garden design, and reserve popular plants early. Our team at Redwood Nursery in Swansea, MA can help you choose plants that fit your style, conditions, and deer challenges.

When spring arrives, you’ll be ready—with a plan that works.

Visit Redwood Nursery to explore deer-resistant plants, landscape design services, and seasonal inspiration. Don’t forget to download our app for app-only deals and Grow Campaign updates.

FAQ: Deer-Resistant Gardening

Are deer-resistant plants completely safe from deer?
No plant is 100% deer-proof, especially when food is scarce. Deer-resistant plants are simply less preferred.

Do deer-resistant plants work better together?
Yes. Using a variety of resistant plants throughout your landscape reduces overall browsing.

Should I still use deer repellent?
Repellents can be helpful, especially on young plants, but smart plant selection is your first line of defense.

Can Redwood Nursery help with deer-resistant landscape planning?
Absolutely. Our experts can help you plan beds, choose plants, and design a landscape that works with local deer pressure.