50 Deer resistant flowers, plants and herbs

Are deer treating your landscaping plants like a buffet line? One easy remedy is to plant flowers and plants that deer tend to avoid, either because they are toxic, smell bad to them or have textures that they find unpleasant.

Here's a round-up of 50 flowers, plants and herbs that deer tend to dislike. All are suitable for Minnesota's zone 4 and 5 gardens, either as perennials or annuals.

1. Yarrow
2. Columbine
3. Daffodil
4. Dahlia
5. Allium
6. Wax Begonia
7. Coneflower
8. Sweet Alyssum
9. Shasta Daisy
10. Lily of the Valley
11. Poppy
12. Iris
13. Peony
14. Dusty Miller
15. Lamb's Ear
16. Marigold
17. Geranium
18. Russian Sage
19. Hens and Chicks
20. Blue Salvia
21. Heliotrope
22. English Ivy
23. Foxglove
24. Hyssop
25. Snapdragon
26. Snow-on-the-mountain
27. Snowdrops
28. Bleeding Heart
29. Anemone
30. Astilbe
31. Liatris
32. Bee Balm
33. Trillium
34. Baby's Breath
35. Marjoram
36. Lavender
37. Catmint
38. Lemon Balm
39. Mint
40. Oregano
41. Rosemary
42. Tarragon
43. Thyme
44. Basil
45. Parsley
46. St. John's Wort
47. Tansy
48. Horseradish
49. Fennel
50. Rhubarb

Note that some, such as foxglove, are quite poisonous. Use care when planting poisonous plants around pets and children.

Deer tend to dislike strong flavors and scents, prickly plants (other than roses, which they'll often nibble to the ground), plants with gray foliage, and poisonous plants.

Also keep in mind that if deer are hungry enough, they'll eat almost anything. These varieties tend to be their last choices, though.

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