Fionuala Campion says in her article, Dazzling Deer-Resistant Perennials, “Though very graceful and delightful to behold in their native habitat, deer are a voracious force to reckon with in many Northern California gardens, particularly in summer and fall.” But these majestic creatures are not just an issue for gardeners on the west coast. There are populations of deer in all 50 states, and all are munching on the many different plants we’re growing across the country.

There are a vast array of deterrents that can offer various levels of success, but sometimes the best method to deter pests is growing plants they won’t bother with. While results can always vary, these four expert-selected plants for the Southwest are the closest you’ll get to deer-proof.

1. Blackfoot Daisy

Name: Melampodium leucanthum

Zones: 5–11

Size: 8 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 24 inches wide

Conditions: Full sun; well-drained soil

Native range: South-central and southwestern United States; northern Mexico

This tough perennial grows in red rock soils across the Southwest, where it looks like white polka dots in the landscape. It can typically be found growing between 2,000 to 5,000 feet of elevation. This hearty species is fine with heat and likes rocky locations. It looks good among boulders and next to succulents such as Parry’s agave (Agave parryi, Zones 7–10), or mixed with taller native perennials such as Palmer’s penstemon (Penstemon palmeri, Zones 4–9). The white flowers are produced sporadically from spring through fall, with the biggest display coming in late spring or early summer, depending on elevation. Blackfoot daisy grows quickly into a mounded form, maturing in one to two seasons. It benefits from an annual shearing.

2. ‘Sierra Gold’ Lemon Dalea

Name: Dalea capitata ‘Sierra Gold’

Zones: 6–11

Size: 8 to 12 inches tall and 3 to 4 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, gravelly soil

Native range: Coahuila, Mexico

‘Sierra Gold’ lemon dalea is something rare: a ground cover for the desert. Its bright green foliage features sunny yellow flowers in fall and spring. This low, spreading perennial is an excellent choice for planting around the base of hesperaloes (Hesperaloe spp. and cvs., Zones 5–11). It also looks good rambling among boulders in a rock garden setting. ‘Sierra Gold’ lemon dalea can be combined with other purple-flowering shrub-forming daleas, such as indigo bush (Dalea pulchra, Zones 8–11). To keep plants looking lush and full, prune back the stems 4 to 6 inches above the ground in early spring. While this perennial prefers lean, rocky soil, it will also grow in amended soil.

3. Cleveland Sage

Name: Salvia clevelandii

Zones: 8b–11

Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained, sandy soil

Native range: California; northern Baja California

Cleveland sage’s lovely silver foliage is among the most fragrant of any salvia, so much so that its dried leaves are often bundled together and used as incense. It’s a cool-season grower, using winter rains to produce whorls of light blue to purple flowers in late spring. This plant needs fast-draining soil to endure the high monsoon humidity and low night temperatures of low desert areas. Mix it with plants such as blackfoot daisy or ‘Sierra Gold’ lemon dalea. It benefits from a semi-annual pruning in fall and should be grown in full sun, but it needs some afternoon shade in lower desert locations. In colder, high-elevation areas such as Santa Fe and Albuquerque, try rose sage (Salvia pachyphylla, Zones 5–9), which is also deer resistant, instead.

4. Turpentine Bush

Name: Ericameria laricifolia

Zones: 6b–11

Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; well-drained, highly mineralized soil

Native range: Southwestern United States; northern Mexico

Turpentine bush is a tough-as-nails compact evergreen shrub sporting masses of small, yellow, daisy-shaped flowers that attract butterflies when they bloom in fall. Mix it with tough, spiky desert succulents such as desert spoon (Dasylirion spp. and cvs., Zones 5–11) or yucca (Yucca spp. and cvs., Zones 4–11). This shrub is appropriate for rock gardens and also works well on the fringe of a tree canopy. It can take reflected heat also. Turpentine bush is deer resistant due to its small needle-like leaves that indeed smell like turpentine. Native to both the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, it is typically cold hardy up to 7,000 feet of elevation.

Scott Calhoun is a landscape designer in Tucson, Arizona. He is the author of The Hot Garden: Landscape Design for the Desert Southwest.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.

Buy at Amazon

Felco Pruning Shears (F 9) - High Performance Swiss Made One-Hand Left-Handed Garden Pruners

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

The premium pruning clippers are constructed of forged aluminum handles and hardened steel blades. Rotating handle and ergonomic shock absorbers for increased comfort. This high-performance pruner features a wire cutter for small wires and a sap groove to minimize the blade sticking. Hardened steel blade and screw-mounted anvil blade ensure reliably clean, precise cuts. 8.3-inch (210mm) length, 0.98-inch (25mm) cutter diameter, and has a 0.54 lb (245 gram) weight. Ideal tool for left-handed pruners. Features a cushion stop, sap-groove, wire-cutting notch, and fine blade adjustment.

Buy at Amazon

isYoung Birdlook® Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Upgraded Dual Granary Bird Feeder. G11 Smart Bird Feeder with Camera – The upgraded dual granary design allows for separate food dispensing, giving birds the freedom to choose while preserving the food’s original taste. With a 2L extra-large capacity, it reduces the need for frequent refills. The drainage design ensures the food stays dry and prevents spoilage from rain. Ideal as a camera bird feeder for birdwatching enthusiasts. 2K HD Camera & Close-Up Bird Watching. Experience clear bird watching with the G11 smart bird feeder. This bird feeder with camera features a 170-degree wide-angle lens and a 1296P HD camera, ensuring vibrant images and videos. With AI-powered recognition, it can identify over 16,000 bird species (subscription required, first month free) and provides extensive birding knowledge. Its unique design helps attract more birds to your backyard. App Alerts & Super Night Vision. The smart bird feeder camera detects motion within 0.5 seconds and sends instant notifications through the "VicoHome" app. With a 2.4G Wi-Fi connection, you can view real-time updates on bird activity right from your app. The video bird feeder also features night vision, ensuring vibrant images and videos even in low light conditions. Ideal for wild bird feeders, this advanced functionality enhances your bird-watching experience day and night.

Buy at Amazon