The perennials and perennial herbs listed here are considered hardy and deer-resistant.
Some of these plants are toxic to deer, while others produce strong smells that deer avoid.
Deer hate the smell of allNepetaplants, so they generally don’t eat them.
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Most are hardy enough for gardens in zones 3 and 4.
They bloom from early summer to early fall.
Catnip isn’t grown as an ornamental.
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It’s grown by cat owners because cats are famously attracted to this perennial herb.
The flowers bloom in the late spring to early fall.
Catnip bears clusters of small blooms that are usually white with light purple markings.
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English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the most commonly grown pop in and is hardy to zone 5.
It blooms in mid-summer.
Russian Sage
Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) is not really a sage.
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It is a sub-shrub treated as a perennial flower and has a scent that the deer do not like.
It is valued for its silvery-green foliage and its lavender flowers, which bloom in late summer.
When many other plants are done flowering, Russian sage is just beginning to put on its display.
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In warm areas,deadheadingmay even result in a second blooming.
Many grow this native North American wildflower for its ability to attract birds, bees, and butterflies.
But its floral display is also interesting, giving you pink flowers and blue flowers at the same time.
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Lungwort is one of the earliest plants to bloom in spring.
There are many kinds of speedwells.
One of the most popular among home gardeners is a cultivar calledVeronica spicata’Royal Candles'.
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From a distance, the plant looks a bit like a small blue salvia.
Fortunately, for those with shaded areas, common bleeding heart thrives in partial shade.
Dutchman’s Breeches
Yet another spring-blooming plant in theDicentragenus is Dutchman’s breeches (Dicentra cucullaria).
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One look at this plant’s unique flowers tells you where it gets its common name.
Another distinctive feature of this deer-resistant perennial is its short seasonal life.
You will not see it again until the next spring.
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Aurinia saxatilisis a short, mat-forming plant, making it an effective ground cover.
Foxglove
There is a good reason why deer leave this spring bloomer alone: it’s poisonous.
Their height makes them good choices for the back row of a layeredflower bed.
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Salvia
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The hardy perennial salvia plants are known for their blue/purple flowers.
They are ornamental “sage” plants and related to the herb of the same name.
If you deadhead them, perennial salvias will bloom from late spring until the first fall frosts.
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Not all irises are equally fragrant.
When in doubt, have a go at find the old-fashioned bearded iris (Iris germanica).
Bloom time depends on variety (spring or summer).
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In addition to deterring deer, lamb’s ear spreads easily, making it an effectiveground cover.
Adrought-tolerant perennial, it also works well inrock gardens.
Its soft, silver leaves provide a nice backdrop for companion plants.
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For this reason, it is much-valued by those who must endure long bouts of cabin fever every winter.
The sepals come in purple, red, yellow, green, blue, lavender, and pink.
Peony
The splendid peony (Paeonia lactiflora) has large, beautiful, fragrant, spring-blooming flowers.
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It does not need to be fussed over.
These flowers live a long life; your peonies may outlive you!
Like some of the other deer-resistant perennials, this classiccottage garden plantis toxic.
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Orientalpoppiesput on a spectacular, although brief, floral show.
Dry the pods left over after the blooming period for craft projects.
Columbine
Columbine plants (Aquilegia spp.
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)display colorful flowersagainst a backdrop of attractive, clover-like foliage.
Columbine is truly one of the stars of the spring garden.
It has columbine-like leaves, which make it attractive long after its flowers have disappeared.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
The plant can produce white, purple, or mauve flowers, which bloom in spring.
Columbine meadow rue is a great choice forwoodland gardensbecause it likes a little shade.
Rose Campion
Rose campion (Lychnis coronaria) has silvery foliage.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
It blooms in late spring with vibrant rose-magenta flowers that last for a long time.
This perennial isan invasive plant, so do not make a snap decision about growing it.
Larkspur
Delphiniumis another old-time favorite for cottage gardens.
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Larkspurs are a “live fast, die young” kind of plant.
The daffodil is not only deer-resistant but also resistant to most other pests.
But the daffodil is one bulb that squirrels won’t touch.
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Besides the classic yellow, it also comes in white, orange, apricot, and pink.
Some daffodils have bi-colored flowers.
Depending on the variety and the conditions, they bloom in spring or summer.
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These perennials with tiny but numerous blossoms are fast growers, so they’re perfect for impatient gardeners.
Tickseed
A long-blooming perennial with daisy-like flowers, tickseed (Coreopsis spp.)
comes in a few colors (yellow, orange, pink, red, maroon).
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A bushy plant, it begins flowering in early summer and blooms through September if you deadhead it.
Coneflower
Coneflower(Echinacea spp.)
is a long-blooming perennial known for attracting birds and butterflies and for bearing attractive, daisy-like flowers in summer.
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The best-known species is the purple-floweredpurpurea, but there are many others.
Some of the more popular types now are cultivars such as ‘Firebird,’ which has orange flowers.
Other colors include yellow, white, pink, lavender, and red.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Flower colors include purple, white, yellow, pink, orange, red, and bi-colored.
A butterfly magnet, this long-blooming perennial sports fragrant, feathery foliage and flattened flower clusters.
The “pulpit” is a hood-like structure that sits atop this perennial.
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“Jack” is the little spike that stands up within this hood and contains the flowers.
David Beaulieu
David Beaulieu
David Beaulieu
David Beaulieu
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