8 Deer-Resistant Perennials That Grow Back Bigger and Better Every Year

Marigold

Marigolds (Tagetes) are garden heroes. They attract beneficial pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, keep out garden pests, and naturally repel deer. Marigolds have sesquiterpene lactones and sticky trichomes, which make them bitter and more aromatic, which is why deer find them undesirable, says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University.

However, she cautions against signet marigolds, as they have less of these deer-repelling substances and a sweeter smell. Marigolds prefer at least six hours of full sun and well-draining soil. These long-blooming flowers will fill your garden with color from late spring until frost.

Russian Sage

Russian sage (Salvia yangii) is unappealing to deer because of its rough texture, Langelo notes, adding that deer typically prefer nutrient-rich, young succulent growth. Russian sage contains camphor, an aromatic compound that gives the plant a strong scent deer don't like. Grow Russian sage in an area that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. This plant is drought-tolerant once established and produces whimsical purple blooms from summer to fall.

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula) has a strong fragrance that is off-putting to curious deer. "They avoid the intensity of flavor from the high essential oil content in the leaves and flowers of this Mediterranean gardening favorite," says Megan Foster, perennial and bulb expert at American Meadows. She recommends the Phenomenal Lavender, Sensational Lavender, and the new white Exceptional Lavender hybrids for big, bold size and adaptability to cold, damp weather. For best results, plant lavender in an area with well-draining soil and full sun.

Catmint

Catmint (Nepeta) is a reliable, deer-resistant perennial with aromatic foliage and fuzzy leaves. "The minty, herbal scent is unappealing to browsing deer, while pollinators absolutely adore it," says Foster. "Long-blooming and easygoing, Nepeta forms soft mounds of silvery-green foliage topped with clouds of lavender-blue flowers." She especially likes 'Walker’s Low' and 'Junior Walker' for their extended bloom time and neat habit. For best performance, plant in an area with full sun and well-draining soil. "They are quite drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance beyond a light shearing to encourage rebloom," Foster adds.

Black-Eyed Susan

A popular native pollinator plant, black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) also deters deer due to the unpalatable fuzzy surface of the leaves and stems. "Unlike juicy smooth hosta leaves, the leaves of this short-lived perennial are covered with tiny hairs, making them unpleasant to munch on," says Foster. "With a delightful palette of rusty reds, amber, and the classic golden yellow, this group of plants has very high utility in gardens and pots, loves full sun, and tolerates a bit of shade quite well."

Yarrow

Yarrow (Achillea) has finely textured, aromatic foliage that deer typically avoid. "The leaves have a slightly bitter taste and strong scent, making them far less appealing than softer garden favorites," says Foster. "Yarrow brings a cheerful palette of colors—from sunny yellows to soft pinks and bold reds—and its flat-topped flower clusters are magnets for beneficial insects." This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and can even tolerate poor soil and dry conditions.

Coneflower

With its coarse, slightly prickly foliage and stems, coneflower (Echinacea) is a staple in deer-resistant plantings. "While no plant is completely immune, the texture and fibrous nature of coneflowers make them less appealing than more tender options," says Foster. "Beloved by pollinators and birds alike, Echinacea offers a wide range of colors beyond the classic purple—think coral, white, and vibrant orange." These hardy perennials thrive in full sun and well-draining soil, and are drought-tolerant once established.

Artemesia

Artemisia is a diverse genus of hardy herbaceous plants belonging to the daisy family. Certain varieties, such as Artemisia versicolor 'Seafoam,' Artemisia 'Powis Castle', and Artemisia frigida (pictured above), are all highly resistant to browsing deer, says Lauren Carvalho, horticulturist with High Country Gardens. "Their fragrant and textured foliage makes them less appealing to hungry deer, plus they’re relatively carefree and offer several seasons of textural interest," she says.