Gardening is a source of joy, relaxation, and creativity for many, but it can quickly turn into a challenge when deer wreak havoc on your hard work. Watching your carefully planted blooms disappear overnight can be disheartening. Thankfully, there are beautiful deer-resistant flowers that add vibrant colors to your garden and also keep deer at bay.
This article will explore a wide range of deer-resistant plants with colorful flowers, fragrant foliage, and unique features. You’ll learn about their growing conditions, care tips, and how to create a stunning deer-resistant garden that thrives throughout the seasons. So, if you’re seeking long-blooming perennials, shrubs, or other plants for hanging baskets, we’ve got you covered!
Best Deer Resistant Flowers
1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a member of the Asteraceae family and is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Yarrow is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that deer tend to avoid.
The feathery foliage of this flower adds texture to any summer garden, and its resilience makes it a deer-resistant perennial worth considering. Besides its aesthetic appeal, yarrow is drought-tolerant and attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Zone: Yarrow thrives in USDA zones 3-9.
- Size: It typically grows 2-3 feet tall and spreads about 2 feet wide.
- Tolerance: This plant is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soil conditions.
Care Tips
Plant yarrow in full sun and well-drained soil. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
Additional Notes
Yarrow’s medicinal properties make it a valuable herb for traditional remedies, further enhancing its appeal in your landscape. Its long bloom season adds beauty to perennial borders.
2. Ornamental Onion (Allium giganteum)

Ornamental Onion (Allium giganteum), part of the Amaryllidaceae family, is native to Central Asia. Ornamental Onion produces stunning eye-catching blooms in shades of white flowers, purple, and pink. Its strong scent deters deer while adding a whimsical touch to your garden. Plant them in sunny spots for the best results.
- Zone: Allium grows best in USDA zones 3-8.
- Size: These flowers can reach 1-4 feet tall, depending on the variety.
- Tolerance: Ornamental onions are drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Care Tips
Plant bulbs in late fall in well-drained soil and full sun. Ensure they receive full sun for optimal growth. Divide bulbs every few years to prevent overcrowding.
3. Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)

Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is from the Lamiaceae family and is native to North America. Anise Hyssop is a long-blooming perennial that adds vertical interest with its upright stems and blue flowers. With its fragrant foliage and blue flowers, Anise Hyssop thrives in partial shade to full sun.
It’s a long-blooming perennial that deer hate and self-seeds. It ensures its presence year after year. Deer may not like this plant, but pollinators sure do, becoming a favorite for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Zone: Suitable for USDA zones 4-9.
- Size: Anise Hyssop grows 2-4 feet tall and about 1-2 feet wide.
- Tolerance: It is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant.
Care Tips
Plant in full sun and water sparingly once established. Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture.
Additional Notes
Anise Hyssop is an excellent choice for herb gardens and can be used to make herbal teas or flavor dishes. Its long blooming season ensures vibrant color throughout summer. These are ideal for part shade gardens and attract pollinators.
4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee Balm (Monarda didyma) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to North America. Bee Balm is a vibrant, aromatic perennial that attracts hummingbirds and bees while keeping deer at bay. Its colorful flowers, ranging from red to pink and purple, create a striking display in any landscape. Bee Balm prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full sun.
- Zone: Grows best in USDA zones 3-9.
- Size: Bee Balm typically reaches 2-4 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide.
- Tolerance: Moderately drought-tolerant but thrives in dappled shade and well-drained soil.
Care Tips
Water regularly, as these flowers require deadheading to promote continuous blooms. Divide plants every few years to prevent overcrowding. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of powdery mildew.
Additional Notes
Bee Balm’s fragrant leaves can be used to make teas, adding another layer of utility to this stunning plant. It blooms from early summer to early fall, providing a long bloom season.
5. Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)

Catmint (Nepeta faassenii) is part of the Lamiaceae family and is native to Europe and Asia. Catmint is a robust, deer-resistant perennial known for its silvery foliage, lavender-blue flowers, and fragrant nature. Its low-growing, spreading habit makes it perfect for borders or ground cover. Catmint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, which adds a calming vibe to your garden.
- Zone: Thrives in USDA zones 3-8.
- Size: It grows 1-2 feet tall and spreads up to 3 feet wide.
- Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant and heat-resistant.
Care Tips
Prune after flowering to encourage a second bloom. Plant in well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can reduce flowering.
6. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is part of the Asteraceae family and is native to North America. Coneflowers or Echinacea are beloved for their daisy-like appearance and ability to thrive in various conditions.
Coneflowers bloom better in mid-summer with their bold flower colors and heart-shaped leaves. Their rough texture is unappealing to deer. Their bold, vibrant colors attract pollinators, while their slightly rough texture deters deer. These perennials are drought-tolerant and ideal for sunny spots.
- Zone: Coneflowers thrive in USDA zones 3-9.
- Size: They grow 2-4 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
- Tolerance: Drought-tolerant and heat-resistant.
Care Tips
Leave seed heads in late summer to feed birds. Mulch in winter to protect roots.
7. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to Central Asia. Russian Sage’s lance-shaped leaves and silvery foliage make it a standout in any woodland garden. Deer steer clear due to its strong scent.
- Zone: Grows best in USDA zones 4-9.
- Size: Reaches 3-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
- Tolerance: Highly drought-tolerant and thrives in poor soils.
Care Tips
Plant in full sun and prune in early spring to encourage new growth. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers dry conditions.
8. Salvia (Salvia spp.)

Salvia belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is native to North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Salvia is a deer-resistant perennial known for long blooming and spikes of colorful flowers that bloom throughout the summer.
Its strong scent and vibrant blooms help repel deer while attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. Salvia thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, which makes it an excellent choice for perennial borders or mixed borders.
- Zone: Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, depending on the variety.
- Size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
- Tolerance: Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Care Tips:
Plant in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Water moderately, as overwatering may lead to powdery mildew. Remove spent blooms for continuous flowering.
9. Verbena (Verbena hybrida)

Verbena (Verbena hybrida) is part of the Verbenaceae family and is native to the Americas. Verbena is a colorful, deer-resistant plant known for its bright, eye-catching flowers that bloom from spring until late summer.
Its vibrant flower colors, including shades of red, purple, pink, and white, make it a favorite for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their garden. Verbena offers vibrant pink flowers and thrives in cooler weather. This deer-resistant annual is perfect for hanging baskets or mixed borders.
- Zone: Suitable for USDA zones 8-11.
- Size: 1-2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
- Tolerance: Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Care Tips:
Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, but avoid excessive watering, as Verbena is prone to root rot. Deadhead regularly to promote more blooms.
10. Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia angustifolia)

Summer Snapdragon (Angelonia angustifolia) is also known as angel flower which belongs to the Plantaginaceae family and is native to the Americas. The Summer Snapdragon is a deer-resistant annual that produces spikes of colorful flowers, typically in shades of purple, pink, white, or blue.
Summer Snapdragon adds a vertical element with upright stems and shaped flowers. Its deer resistance and adaptability make it an excellent choice for part-sun or full-sun gardens. Summer Snapdragon thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, which makes it ideal for containers, perennial borders, and mixed borders.
- Zone: Suitable for USDA zones 9-11, often grown as an annual in cooler climates.
- Size: 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
- Tolerance: Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
Care Tips:
Plant in full sun and ensure the soil is well drained. Water regularly, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Remove spent blooms to promote more flowers throughout the growing season.
Conclusion
Creating a deer-resistant garden doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or diversity. By choosing the best deer-resistant flowers like Yarrow, Ornamental Onion, and Anise Hyssop, you can design a vibrant landscape filled with long-blooming perennials, fragrant foliage, and colorful flowers. These plants are not only low-maintenance but also a delight for hummingbirds, pollinators, and other beneficial wildlife.
Incorporate proven winners like Russian Sage, Bee Balm, and Salvia to enhance your garden’s appeal. Remember to prioritize full sun and well-drained soil, drought tolerance, and compatibility with your USDA zone for thriving results. With thoughtful planning and the right deer-resistant plants, your garden will flourish, and stay joyful and tranquil while keeping deer and rabbits at bay.
Whether you’re planting for early spring, late summer, or early fall, your deer-proof sanctuary will remain a captivating and resilient outdoor retreat.