25 Outdoor Plants That Deer and Other Critters Won’t Destroy

Gardening can be a joyful and rewarding experience, but dealing with deer and other critters can turn it into a frustrating challenge. Many gardeners face the disappointment of waking up to find their carefully nurtured plants nibbled down to the stems. Fortunately, there are numerous plants that deer and other animals tend to avoid, allowing you to create a beautiful and resilient garden without constant worry. These deer-resistant plants come in a variety of colors, textures, and scents, providing endless options for any garden design.

From the velvety leaves of lamb’s ear to the vibrant blooms of oriental poppies, each plant offers unique benefits while deterring hungry visitors. By incorporating these hardy and attractive plants into your garden, you can enjoy the beauty of your outdoor space all season long, free from the damage caused by deer and other wildlife.

Pampas Grass

Pampas grass is ideal for adding both privacy and height to your garden. This ornamental grass forms large, fluffy plumes that stand tall and look stunning throughout the seasons. It’s a visual delight and a practical choice for those looking to avoid damage from deer and other critters. These animals find pampas grass’s texture and sharp edges unappealing, making it a perfect addition to a resistant garden.

In colder weather, pampas grass dries out and dies, providing a unique look even in winter. To ensure a fresh start each spring, it’s essential to cut back the dead stalks before the new growing season begins. With its resilience and low maintenance, pampas grass is an excellent choice for any garden looking to keep animals at bay.

Garden Sage

Garden sage, a fragrant herb, is a fantastic addition to any garden or vegetable patch. Known for its aromatic leaves and culinary uses, sage also acts as a natural deterrent. Animals tend to avoid plants with strong scents, making sage an excellent companion plant to protect other, more vulnerable species.

Planting sage near other plants that deer and other critters typically enjoy can help keep your entire garden safe. Its robust growth and minimal care requirements make it a practical and beneficial choice for gardeners looking to deter animals while enjoying the benefits of fresh, homegrown herbs.

Forget-Me-Not

Forget-me-nots are dainty, sweet flowers that add a bold hue to your flower beds. Known for being among the few true blue flowers, they bring vibrant color to your garden, especially since they are among the first to bloom each spring. This early blooming can brighten your garden right after winter, providing a refreshing burst of color.

Animals tend to leave forget-me-nots alone because they don’t favor the taste of their foliage. This makes them a reliable choice for gardeners looking to add color without worrying about their plants being eaten. With minimal care, forget-me-nots can thrive and keep your garden looking lively.

Buttercups

Despite their alluring name, buttercups are not favored by many animals. These wildflowers are excellent for natural and rewilding landscape ideas, adding a splash of yellow to your garden. Their bright, cheerful appearance in the spring makes them a delightful addition to any outdoor space.

Planting buttercups in the fall ensures a gorgeous yellow wash when spring arrives. Their resilience and unattractiveness to critters make them an ideal choice for gardeners seeking to create a beautiful, natural garden without worrying about animal damage.