In early June, I attended the Festival of Flowers Garden Symposium in Greenwood. I heard an interesting lecture by Katie Dickson, Director of Horticulture at Boone Hall Plantation in Charleston. Katie discussed how her team of horticulturists cultivates stunning floral displays despite deer visiting often. Over the years, they have discovered plants that are least likely to be eaten by deer.
Katie discussed three groups of plants that were usually not palatable to deer. While no plant is deer-proof, many are considered resistant. The term deer-resistant is used in horticulture to signify plants that deer seldom eat. Adding these plants to your garden can minimize the damage done by deer.
Deer-Resistant Plants with Strong Aromas and Flavors
Katie recommended plants that have a pungent aroma or a bitter taste.
Her go-to plants include members of the onion family, Amaryllidaceae.
Plants in the Onion Family (Amaryllidaceae)
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum sp.)
Alliums (Allium sp.)
Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus sp.)
Society Garlic (Tulbaghia violacea)
Aromatic Herbs Deer Avoid
Rosemary
Sage
Lavender
Thyme
Fragrant Annuals that Can Repel Deer
Marigolds
Calendula
Heliotrope
Salvia (Annual and Perennial Species)
Miami Allium (Allium ‘Miami’) is not appealing to deer due to its onion-like odor.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson University
Annuals and Perennials With Toxic Compounds That Deter Deer
Another group of plants Katie discussed is plants that have toxic compounds.
Perennials with Toxic Compounds
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Delphinium (Delphinium x hybridus)
Annual Larkspur (Delphinium sp.)
Poppies (Papaver sp.)
Toxic Spring Bulbs
Daffodils
Hyacinths
Spring bulbs contain toxic compounds throughout the whole plant, with the bulbs being the most toxic. For more information on deer-resistant bulbs, see Planting Deer-Resistant Bulbs.
Arctic Fox™ Rose Foxglove (Digitalis x ‘Balroxose’) is a perennial foxglove that contains toxic compounds that deter deer.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2025 HGIC, Clemson University
Textured Plants That Are Unappealing to Deer
The texture of the leaves of a plant can make it less palatable to deer.
Fuzzy-Leaved Plants That Deer Dislike
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantia)
Plants with Sharp Teeth or Prickly Leaves
Coneflowers (Echinacea sp.)
Lenten roses (Helleborus x hybridus)
Japanese silver-painted fern (Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’)
Prickly Shrubs That Can Discourage Deer
Hollies
Tea Olives
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) has a foliage texture that is unappealing to deer. Hot Lips Sage (Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’) is also deer resistant due to the odor of its foliage.
Barbara H. Smith, ©2020 HGIC, Clemson University
Final Tips for a Deer-Resistant Garden
Another tip that Katie shared was to use low-growing prickly plants to create a border around plants that are not deer-resistant.
For more information about deer-resistant plants, see Deer Resistant Plants for the Landscape – Annuals & Perennials.
Click here for more information about Boone Hall Plantation and Gardens.
