Fencingis an option but comes at a price and can detract from the appearance of your landscaping.
Experts know enough not to use the term “deer-proof” lightly since deer will eat most anything.
There are only a few bulbs that can truly be called “deer-proof.”
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There are, however, a good number of bulbs that can be accurately considered “deer-resistant.”
These are bulbs that deer generally leave alone unless they are desperate for food.
Powerful fragrance seems to be one of the best protections that plants have against deer incursions.
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Don’t confuse these hyacinths (Hyacinthus orientalis) with grape hyacinths (described below).
Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
They can be planted in formal garden beds but are also frequently naturalized in lawns and woodland controls.
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Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa spp.)
Another plant that won’t interest local deer is the early-blooming glory-of-the-snow.
Glory-of-the-snow(Chionodoxa; the GreekChionmeans “snow”) should be planted in fall.
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As with all plants bearing small flowers, it needs to be grownen masseto produce an appreciable visual effect.
Crocus (Crocus spp.)
When food is in very short supply, deer might eat crocus foliage.
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Rabbits and squirrels, however, will quite happily dig up the bulbs.
Once a crocus has been thoroughly munched, it’s gone for the year.
A favorite cultivar, ‘Spring Beauty,’ is more robust in all ways than the species plant.
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Grape Hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum)
Grape hyacinths are quite distinct from true hyacinths.
Grape hyacinths bear smaller flowers that are bell-shaped, whereas true hyacinths have flowersshaped like little starfish.
The “grape” in the name derives from the fact that the flower clusters resemble bunches of grapes.
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Grape hyacinths are an early spring bloomer, appearing well before the regular hyacinths,H.
Allium (Allium spp.)
While the flowers are beautiful, they can be dangerous for pets.
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They are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
The name of this iris derives from the pattern evident on the dry bulbs.
There are good and bad aspects to this iris.
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This bulbous iris blooms about the same time as snow-drops, glory-of-the-snow, and the early crocuses.
It is best planted in masses in sunny areas and works well in rock gardens.
Hyacinthus orientalis.North Carolina State Extension.
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Narcissus.North Carolina State Extension.
Galanthus nivalis.North Carolina State Extension.
Small Animal Toxins.Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
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Convallaria majalis.North Carolina State Extension.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
