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Blooms of Steel: 10 Deer Proof Flowers to a Thriving Garden – Ken Lain

Deer are a common nuisance for gardeners, especially those in suburban or rural areas. These hungry herbivores are notorious for their indiscriminate browsing habits, often leaving behind a trail of devastated flower beds and vegetable gardens. Not all hope is lost! By strategically selecting plants deer find unappetizing, you create a beautiful garden that remains untouched by these four-legged intruders. In this article, we will explore ten flowering plants deer typically avoid, ensuring your garden remains a haven for you and your floral companions.

Bleeding Heart, Lamprocapnos spectabilis, with its delicate, heart-shaped flowers dangling gracefully from arching stems, the bleeding heart might seem like an easy target for deer. This charming perennial is surprisingly deer-resistant, thanks to its toxic sap. Bleeding heart thrives in shady areas and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Their unique beauty and resilience make them an excellent addition to any woodland garden.

Coneflowers, Echinacea purpurea, are not only visually appealing but also a powerhouse of benefits. They attract pollinators like butterflies and bees, provide bird food, and are known for their medicinal properties. Deer avoid these hardy perennials due to their rough texture and pungent aroma. With various colors and cultivars available, coneflowers offer endless possibilities for adding a splash of vibrancy to your August garden.

Corydalis is a true gem for gardeners seeking shade-loving plants the deer resist. Corydalis boasts delicate, fern-like foliage and long-lasting blooms in shades of blue, yellow, and purple. Their ability to tolerate dry shade and self-seed readily makes them a low-maintenance choice for adding color and interest to the shady corners of your garden.

Coreopsis – Lanceleaf and thread-leaf coreopsis are both excellent choices for deer-resistant gardens. These cheerful daisy flowers come in various colors, including yellow, orange, pink, and red. Coreopsis is drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun, making it a perfect addition to sunny borders and wildflower meadows.

Daffodils, Narcissus, unlike their tulip counterparts, are often devoured by deer, and daffodils are left mainly untouched. These vibrant spring bloomers contain a toxic alkaloid that deters deer and other pests. With their cheerful yellow and white hues, daffodils are a classic choice for adding a burst of sunshine to your garden as winter fades away.

Lavender, Lavandula, is a human delight but a deterrent for deer. This fragrant herb not only adds beauty to your garden but also attracts beneficial pollinators. Lavender thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a versatile choice for borders, herb gardens, or container gardening.

Lungwort, Pulmonaria officinalis, is an unsung hero of the shade garden. This low-maintenance perennial features attractive, spotted leaves and delicate flowers in shades of blue, pink, and white. Deer tend to avoid lungwort due to its hairy leaves and bitter taste.

Poppy, Papaver rhoeas, is a classic garden favorite. Its vibrant colors and delicate petals make it a stunning addition to any landscape. While some poppy varieties are susceptible to deer browsing, the common poppy (Papaver rhoeas) is generally deer-resistant. These cheerful annuals self-seed readily, ensuring a colorful display year after year.

Vinca, Cartharanthus, or Madagascar periwinkle, is a versatile and low-maintenance annual that deer rarely bothers. This heat-tolerant plant features glossy green leaves and vibrant flowers in white, pink, red, and purple shades. Vinca is an excellent choice for colorizing sunny beds, borders, and containers.

Winter Aconite, Eranthis hyemalis, is a true harbinger of spring. It often pushes through the snow to bloom in late winter or early spring. Its bright yellow flowers and deer-resistant properties make it a valuable addition to any garden. Winter aconite thrives in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

By incorporating these deer-resistant flowering plants into your garden design, you create a beautiful and thriving landscape that remains untouched by hungry herbivores. Remember to consider each plant’s specific growing requirements, such as sunlight and soil preferences, to ensure its optimal health and growth. With a bit of planning and the right plant choices, you can enjoy a stunning deer-resistant and visually appealing garden.

RELATED: 7 Rabbit-Resistant Plants for Your Home Landscape

Free Garden Classes are offered @ Watters Garden Center

We go deep into growing better. Check out this Summer’s class selection offered every Saturday @ 9:30 am.

August 10 – Growing a Beautiful Garden Pest Free

August 17 – Fabulous 15 of the Evergreen Garden

August 24 – Gardening for Newcomers

 

Until next week, I’ll be helping gardeners here at Watters Garden Center.

 

Ken Lain can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contacted through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.

Like To Write? Contact editor@enewsaz.com
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