Collection

Plants That the Herbivores Will Avoid in Your Region

Fine Gardening – Issue 214
Photos (left to right): Blackfoot daisy, Bill Johnson; Whale's tongue agave, millettephotomedia.com, and Jerusalem sage, Jennifer Benner

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, the expert-selected plants below are the closest you’ll get to deer-proof.