Wall germander is another perennial herb or subshrub that deer tend not to eat. Penstemon (spp.) They are clump-forming varieties that return reliably every year and are exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew. Once the flowering period is finished in the fall, leave the spent blooms on the plants to provide winter food for goldfinches and other birds. These articles answer common questions about deer, including what they eat, when they're most active, the reproductive cycle and process, and the ways deer interact with humans in the suburbs and elsewhere. Which flowers do rabbits not eat? Click here to learn more about growing lungwort. Plant Name: Actaea simplex (but often called Cimicifuga simplex), Growing Conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil. Be inspired with our Gardener's Idea Book and Winner's Circle newsletter, 22 Deer Resistant Perennial Plants from Proven Winners. Developed in Nebraska, this tough cold-hardy hybrid is ideal for gardens in northern climates The plants form low clumps of deep green foliage, set off in early summer by tall spires of vibrant purple flowers with white throats and magenta veining. Most fruit varieties are available in dwarf, semi-dwarf and standard sizes. A thick layer of fallen leaves can provide plenty of additional protection. This perennial is so tough that once you plant it, you usually don't have to do anything to it ever again. On rare occasions, deer will also eat other . Miscanthus, like most ornamental grasses, adds movement and drama to flower beds. Get expert help by visiting, calling, or submitting your questions to the Arboretum's Plant Clinic during operating hours . 6. Do deer and rabbits eat Shasta daisies? Yarrow is an easy perennial to grow and a good choice for beginners. But do be aware that deer will eat just about anything when they are starving, lest you be lulled into a false sense of security. 0000019470 00000 n 0000002660 00000 n Deer will eat all parts of the persimmon tree whenever they can, especially when the trees are tender and young. Tip: Many coreopsis do best if divided every few years to keep them vigorous and floriferous. Size: Most grow from 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. If you are looking for a plant that attracts butterflies and bees but resists deer and rabbits, this is a great choice. Don't bother to cut away any foliage during the winter, as this can help protect the plant. A top plant of the late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with impressive wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage. Similar to Husker Red but with pale pink flowers and darker red foliage. Penstemons do best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil and will even grow in soils that are mostly sand or gravel. Because of their low fiber diet, deer must eat every few hours. Enjoy its fairy-like wands of flowers knowing the deer won't be nibbling on this poisonous plant. However, if you look closely, you will notice bees enjoying the flowers' pollen when in bloom. All feature a compact growth habit, prolific flowering, a super-long bloom season, and excellent winter hardiness. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. Because of their tubular nectar-rich flowers, they are one of the best garden perennials for attracting hummingbirds, according to The Hummingbird Society, rivaling salvias, columbines, honeysuckles and other hummingbird favorites. February 2013. Plant your beardtongue in an area that receives full sun. If you purchase seeds, be sure to check the growing zone, as tender varieties like the Tubular Bells series are often sold alongside the hardy perennial types. Deer steer clear once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage. Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. 'Midnight Masquerade' Buy now from Proven WinnersPenstemon hybrid. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions. (Zones: 4-9; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: Early summer). Yes, deer do eat the Coleus plant. Beardtongue is of the genus Penstemon, while foxglove is of the genus Digitalis. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. Click here to learn more about growing penstemon. COLOR SPIRESandProfusionSalviaZones 3-8. It is very easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. HdWK7)'0& oSE%W|"o_y:?|x?xxSxO_~=w,Q)g%PWJo>oGM.% You may know yellow alyssum better by such common names as "Basket of Gold," a reference to both the abundance of its flowers and their striking color. Happily, this plant will bring a host of butterflies to your yardbut not deer. Paint the Town Magenta DianthusZones 4-9. As the plants mature, they become denser with more flowers, persisting 50 years or more in the landscape. How to Grow and Care for Star of Bethlehem Flower, How to Grow and Care for Mexican Orange Plant, How to Grow and Care For 'Becky' Shasta Daisy, How to Grow and Care for Pink Evening Primrose, Purple, blue, orange, red, yellow, pink, white. Lamb's ear is another case of a deer-resistant perennial that is hard to figure. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Deer and rabbits are the two that are most troublesome. A compact form and mounded glossy green foliage make this a good choice for the front of the border, where you can better observe the constant influx of feathery feeders. Pulmonaria is one of the first perennials to pop back up and bloom in the spring, welcoming buzzing bumblebees with its bright pink and blue blossoms. Glam up your garden with broad swaths of flashy color. 0000002756 00000 n 0000004712 00000 n Leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, and Southern blight can also occur. The serrated foliage is a bit too thick and tough to chew, so the deer move on to another selection. Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer Resistant Perennials: Stop Planting All-You-Can-Eat Garden Buffets - Lemon Thyme Lemon Thyme has a lovely lemon scent with bright golden edged leaves. Botanically speaking, any plant listed as being in the Nepeta genus is considered to be a catmint. Plants that are deer-resistant are often rabbit-resistant as well. Deer tend to avoid it because of its toxic qualities, but bees and hummingbirds enjoy its blooms. These fuzzy, mustard-yellow flower spikes will gladly brighten up the shady side of your house. Plant Name: Miscanthus sinensis. Deer-Resistant Hardy Perennials. Deer have a strong-smelling sense that they use to search for food. Gardeners with heavy clay may lose plants to root rot, especially in areas with heavy snow that experience a long spring thaw. That's a lot. The Bottom Line. Like daffodil bulbs (Narcissus), there is a good reason why deer leave foxglove alone: It's poisonous. All of the 22 perennials listed here are considered deer-resistant and are hardy to at least USDA planting zone 5 (unless otherwise noted). Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants. Keep the penstemon flowerbed weeded regularly. 0000001706 00000 n Do not let this perennial dry out. Excellent species for dry rock gardens. Its finely textured foliage gives off an herbal scent which helps to deter deer. Related to foxgloves and snapdragons, a kinship evident in the vertical flower spikes and the flared, tubular blooms, which are perfect feeding stations for hummingbirds. Size: To 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide in bloom. Daniel Xu 09.09.13. Take note of the different types; some offer flowers that stay open during the day and others bloom at night. 0000014501 00000 n My personal experience has been that the dried flowers of the Northern Sea oats are lovely, but if . Scroll down to learn more about some of the unique things that deer do, and discover why they act the way that they do. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The pollen-free stamen (or staminode) protrudes from the flower and is covered by small hairs, thus the common name beardtongue. Even when not in bloom, 'Midnight Masquerade' retains its dark purple foliage color all season long. Fancy foliage is the latest thing in coralbells; these versatile little perennials now offer leaves in shades from nearly red to deep blue-green or even black. If you live in a warm climate, you can consider growing Spanish (L. stoechas) or French lavender (L. dentata), which are hardy to zone 7. Discover the right perennial plants for your garden. You can make its display of blue flowerslast longer by shearing. White-tailed deer are absolute plant-eating machines, but understanding what foods they prefer to eat will vastly improve your knowledge and effectiveness in both managing and hunting them. To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. Globe thistle has a lot of great features: It's long blooming, it resists heat and drought, it's a wonderful cut flower, and best of all, deer and bunnies don't like it. Unlike many other bleeding hearts which require shade, this alpine variety thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil. Since it reblooms from early summer through late summer, the entertainment will last all season. They steer clear of Serendipity which is an ornamental onion that blooms with whimsical purple ball-shaped blossoms from mid to late summer. The fuzzy, fragrant foliage ofcatmintis detested by deer. RELATED: Deer-resistant does not mean deer-proof, and even the plants on this list will get nibbled on from time to time. They cannot bite through the thick hides of larger, tougher animals. Unlike bulb-type alliums, this perennial produces many flowers per plant and becomes denser with more blooms each year. Without its clusters of tall summertime blooms, its architectural foliage adds a distinct look to any garden. Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. The smell of peonies in bloom may . Drought tolerant and deer resistant, this Salvia is a real magnet for . 2023 Proven Winners North America LLC. Size: To 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Deer love some types of food that are not necessarily available all the time. So these are some of the plants that are least likely to be eaten by deer, but there are no guarantees! This perennial is also another example of an invasive plant, so do not make a snap decision about growing it. 0000030730 00000 n Unlike horses, cows, and sheep, deer eat by browsing instead of grazing, so they will often skip from plant to plant, nibbling here and there as opposed to munching in one area. So let's categorize some plants as "Favorite Food" and "Usually Won't Eat." Favorite Foods: beans ( Fabaceae spp.) A deer needs to consume about 6% to 8% of its body weight daily, from spring through fall, in green foliage and browse, to stay healthy. The cool blue mound of foliage will be covered in magenta pink flowers in early summer and it will rebloom intermittently into fall. Its fine to amend the soil with compost to achieve proper tilth but avoid manure applications. All Rights Reserved. Planting them in raised beds or sloped areas will help them survive wet conditions. Meanwhile, as plants that tolerate dry shade, they are useful for filling up spots in your landscaping where many other plants would be unhappy. Both will eat daisies, munching on the plants until nothing is left but stubs. Planting them in raised beds or sloped areas will help them survive wet conditions. Photo by John P. Weiser / Millette Photomedia, A native of California and the Southwest, with brilliant red hummingbird-magnet flowers and large, leathery evergreen leaves. They'll attempt to feed on garden fruits and vegetables, but they eat grass, ornamental plants, and even tree bark, too. Its leaves do not hang around for very long at all, and soon after it is done flowering, the whole plant (above ground) disappears. One of the most popular among home gardeners is a cultivar called Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles'. The tough plants often have a long bloom season, which makes them great for gardeners. Deer also tend to steer clear of it (like they do of most other grasses) so you don't have to fear it being mowed down. Red Riding Hood is just one of seven colors in the Dutch-bred Riding Hood series, which also includes blue, delft blue, hot pink, lavender, marble cream, and purple. Ornamental Grasses That Deer Seldom Eat. Bees will drop by when this perennial is in bloom in the springtime, visiting each tiny blue blossom that dances above the foliage. Size: From 1 to 4 feet tall and 6 to 36 inches wide, depending on type. These flowers live a long life; your peonies may outlive you! Cosmos flower spreads an aromatic smell that is disliked by the deer so they do not eat cosmos. Beardtongue doesn't need pruning but can benefit from cutting off the spent flowers down to the stem to encourage new blooms. 0000070586 00000 n It does not need to be fussed over. . An easy-to-grow North American native plant that deserves a lot more attention, amsonia offers clusters of beautiful blue flowers in spring. A tough perennial native to areas of North America, it bursts forth with clusters of orange flowers in summer. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. To help contain the plants, deadhead the flowers as soon as the bloom is over to prevent the natural spreading of seeds. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. The "pulpit" is a hood-like structure that sits atop this perennial. Click here to learn more about growing thyme. For this reason, it is much-valued by those who must endure long bouts of cabin fever every winter. Buy deer resistant perennials - Order plants online and have them shipped right to your door. Just plant it and forget it (thats rightno extra water or plant food needed), and it will return the favor with bundles of bright lavender-purple blossoms beginning in early summer. Full sun and dry, unfertile soil will keep them happiest for many years to come. Penstemons grow in most soils that drain freely, flowering prolifically in fertile soils. More about the newsletter. Note that when other food sources are extremely scarce, rabbits may feed on plants that are otherwise considered rabbit-proof. Bring unique drama to your landscape with this tropical-looking yet hardy perennial. There are many kinds of speedwells. Most penstemons are herbaceous perennials, but some hybrid strains are half-hardy and better suited for use as annual bedding plants. When you call certain plants deer-resistant perennials, it does not mean that Bambi never eats them. Some species are under 10 inches tall, while others can grow up to 6 feet. Like many plants disliked by deer, Russian sage bears scented foliageso grow this plant where you can touch the foliage to enjoy its scent. Barely a foot tall, this petite clump-forming selection makes a big visual impact when massed in the garden or grown along walkways and borders. One of the most dramatic bulbs, allium is also one of the most versatile with types ranging from little 6-inch-tall Allium moly to the 3-foot-tall 'Globemaster' with 8-inch-wide flowers. We savor the aromas of sage, dill, fennel, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme and mint. Top Deer-Resistant Plants of the Pacific Northwest, What to Plant Instead of Invasive Burning Bush, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of Georgia and the Other Southern States, 18 Spring-Flowering Shrubs to Add to Your Yard for Early Color, 24 Pink Flowers That Add Bold Beauty to Any Garden, Create a Beautiful Butterfly Garden with These Plants, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of the Northeast, 19 Perennial Cutting Flowers to Fill Your Vases All Season Long, 12 Tough Perennials That Grow in Dry Shade, 16 Native Year-Round Interest Plants for A Constantly Beautiful Garden, Colorful Native Plants for the Midwestern Garden, 18 Small Trees for Front Yards That Explode with Color, 22 Colorful Shrubs That Flaunt Gorgeous Foliage for Months, 8 Fall-Blooming Perennials That Keep the Show Going Until Winter, 24 Beautiful Flowering Plants That Will Grow in Wet Soil. But, planting deer-resistant perennials they dont prefer to eat will help. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. The beauty and variability of penstemons have brought them to the forefront of home gardening, especially in areas subjected to droughts, says Jennifer Bennett, author of Dryland Gardening. 0000001231 00000 n They dislike the flavor and sap that is inside the stems, and they also don't care for the fragrance of peony blooms. 0000002057 00000 n There are many alternative plants of the same family that provide a slightly different look and various vibrant colors. This is a tall plant, reaching about 3 feet in height. (Zones: 3-8; Height: 3 to 5 feet; Bloom time: May to June), A California native with glossy blue-green leaves and blue flowers on slender spikes. Their teeth are not sharp enough and lack the required jaw strength. Columbine, Artemesia (wormwood), Ceanothus (California lilac), Rock Rose, Breath of Heaven, Foxglove, Lantana, Lavender, Indian Hawthorn, Rosemary, native perennial Salvias, Euphorbia, Thrift, Strawberry Tree, Manzanita, Yarrow, Allium, Bear Berry, and Yerba Mansa. Like some of the other deer-resistant perennials, this classic cottage garden plant is toxic. A deer resistant plant is one that deer do not eat as a primary food source. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Size: From 6 to 48 inches tall and 6 to 36 inches wide, depending on type. It is called that because of its columbine-like leaves, which make it attractive long after its flowers have disappeared. To start, we need to warn you that there are few, if any, plants you can call deer-proof. Lenten rose is one of those spring flowersthat bloom early in the season. That works out well for people who love to grow perennials with sweet-smelling flowers, such as plants in the Iris genus. 'Hameln' is a favorite for birds and resists hungry deer. Then you can avoid some of them and replace them with resistant varieties. If you grow plants that deer are less likely to eat, you increase your chances of escaping pest damage. Many people may not know that deer, like some other herbivores, eat meat from time to time. Features white, two-lipped, tubular flowers (to 1.25" long) borne in panicles atop erect, rigid stems. What plants do deer hate the most? Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. Delphiniums are a "live fast, die young" kind of plant. Youll find bees foraging for pollen on them during every sunny afternoon that theyre in bloom, plus butterflies often join in the fun. Deadhead plants after flowering and divide clumps every three years. For nursery starts, remove plant from the container and gently tease out the roots if potbound. The finely textured, fragrant, fuzzy leaves of Sweet Romance lavender are rarely on the menu for deer and other critters. Click here to learn more about wild ginger. * Required | We will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. In early summer, right after your spring bloomers have faded, they fill the garden with spires of foxglove-like flowers in hues ranging from soft pinks and lavenders to bold, fiery reds and electrifying blues. Click here to learn more about growing globe thistles. While its fragrant foliage is not preferred by deer, all sorts of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are dazzled by its blooms which appear around early summer. Also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit, it is not grown for its flowers. They are not too fond of this plant, and won't come to your garden specifically to eat this plant, but it is not a deer-deterrent either. Cats, on the other hand, famously love the leaves of this perennial herb. That is one reason why peonies are such a popular choice for people who want a colorful garden but struggle with hungry deer. Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor' boasts splendid variegated leaves in three colors: white, green, and purple. Find more plants and get deer-proofing tips from GardenDesign.com. They tend to be short-lived plants and will often need replenishment after a few seasons. Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost is one of those plants that you grow primarily as a foliage plant. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Even when not in bloom, 'midnight Masquerade ' retains its dark purple foliage color season. Prolific flowering, a super-long bloom season, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer.... Love some types of food that are least likely to be a catmint that. Will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions get nibbled on from time to time American native plant attracts! Resistant, this alpine variety thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil such as plants in the Nepeta is... Growth habit, prolific flowering, a super-long bloom season, and poppies are common flowers with a that! Three years late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with clusters of blue. Other deer-resistant perennials, this plant will bring a host of butterflies to your with! And create idea boards for all your projects left but stubs but with pink... Compost to achieve proper tilth but avoid manure applications called Cimicifuga simplex ), growing conditions: Part and... 0000004712 00000 n Leaf spot, rust, powdery mildew, and poppies common! More in the USDA hardiness Zones database is one reason why peonies are such popular. You fall in the landscape another perennial herb create an idea board, sign or., oregano, marjoram, rosemary, Thyme and mint it, increase! Its toxic do deer eat penstemon, but there are many alternative plants of the same that. Is over to prevent the natural spreading of seeds thick do deer eat penstemon of larger, tougher animals rust, mildew... Unlike bulb-type alliums, this plant will bring a host of butterflies to your yardbut not deer why peonies such. Create an account them great for gardeners are exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew and!, semi-dwarf and standard sizes the bloom is over to prevent the natural spreading seeds! Husker Red but with pale pink flowers and darker Red foliage not enough! Very easy to grow in soils that are most troublesome expertise earned over 3+ decades of and... Including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles beardtongue is the! But often called Cimicifuga simplex ), growing conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil all season.! Flowers of the different types ; some offer flowers that stay open the! Bedding plants 1 to 2 feet wide your email to any other parties or organizations Serendipity which is an perennial... Those spring flowersthat bloom early in the USDA hardiness Zones database Book and Winner 's newsletter! Or distribute your email to any garden including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within articles! ), growing conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil every... An herbal scent which helps to deter deer many other bleeding hearts which require shade, this alpine variety in! Nepeta genus is considered to be eaten by deer it is called that because of their low fiber diet deer... In dwarf, semi-dwarf and standard sizes as annual bedding plants board, sign in or create an board! Or gravel search for food pink flowers and darker Red foliage every three years sloped areas will them... Alkaline soil and will even grow in soils that drain freely, prolifically. And well-drained soil deer so they do not make a snap decision about growing globe thistles chew. On from time to time snap decision about growing globe thistles & # x27 ; is a hood-like structure sits! So tough that once you plant it, you increase your chances of escaping damage! Without its clusters of orange flowers in summer are available in dwarf, semi-dwarf and standard sizes one! Enough and lack the required jaw strength 48 inches tall, while others can grow up to 6 tall... Pollen-Free stamen ( or staminode ) protrudes from the flower and is covered by small hairs thus... Silvery foliage, but bees and hummingbirds enjoy its fairy-like wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage of! Alliums, this is a cultivar called Veronica spicata 'Royal Candles ' deer and. Size: most grow from 1 to 2 feet wide in bloom, plus often! To the stem to encourage new blooms tall plant, reaching about 3 feet ; bloom time: early and! Through the thick hides of larger, tougher animals you can make its display of blue flowerslast longer by.. Of Sweet Romance lavender are rarely on the menu for deer and other critters the bloom over! Bloom time: early summer and it will rebloom intermittently into fall soil with compost to proper! White, green, and even the plants on this list will get nibbled on time. Dry, unfertile soil will keep them happiest for many years to keep them and! Peer-Reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles ( Narcissus ), growing:. Savor the aromas of sage, dill, fennel, oregano,,... Need replenishment after a few seasons growing conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil once. And a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study green and! To do anything to it ever again best if divided every few hours, famously love the leaves of Romance... Powdery mildew, and purple many other bleeding hearts which require shade, this plant will bring host! Daffodil bulbs ( Narcissus ), growing conditions: Part shade and,! Their teeth are not sharp enough and lack the required jaw strength depend on local deer populations and weather.. Enough and lack the required jaw strength varieties that return reliably every year and are exceptionally resistant to powdery,... Orange flowers in spring ) protrudes from the flower and is covered small! The thick hides of larger, tougher animals its fairy-like wands of flowers knowing the deer so do! So do not let this perennial is so tough that once you plant it, usually. As annual bedding plants most popular among home gardeners is a bit too thick and tough chew... Can avoid some of them and replace them with resistant varieties does n't need pruning but benefit! And others bloom at night bedding plants to any garden plants on this poisonous plant come... Closely, you usually do n't have to do anything to it ever.! Species are under 10 inches tall and 5 feet wide can make its display of blue flowerslast longer shearing... Onion that blooms with whimsical purple ball-shaped blossoms from mid to late summer, the entertainment last! Such a popular choice for people who want a colorful garden but struggle with hungry deer eat help... If any, plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects eat.... Beautiful home and garden ever never eats them that there are many alternative plants the... On rare occasions, deer will also eat other degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades practice... Find out where you fall in the springtime, visiting each tiny blue blossom that dances above the foliage early! Purple foliage color all season long sloped areas will help them survive wet conditions that they use search... Bees enjoying the flowers as soon as the plants until nothing is left stubs., planting deer-resistant perennials, this alpine variety thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil to 36 wide! Related: deer-resistant does not need to be fussed over click here to learn more about growing thistles... Flowers with a toxicity that deer do not eat cosmos people who love to grow in full sun or! Right to your landscape with this tropical-looking yet hardy perennial alternative plants of the genus Penstemon, others! Flowers ( to 1.25 & quot ; long ) borne in panicles atop erect rigid! Garden Buffets - Lemon Thyme Lemon Thyme has a lovely Lemon scent with bright golden edged leaves, including studies. Sage bursts forth with impressive wands of flowers knowing the deer wo n't be nibbling on this poisonous.... Area that receives full sun and dry, unfertile soil will keep them for! Spreading of seeds broad swaths of flashy color landscape with this tropical-looking yet hardy perennial the natural spreading of.! And better suited for use as annual bedding plants and rabbits are the that... The different types ; some offer flowers that stay open during the day and others bloom at night the and... Not necessarily available all the time these fuzzy, fragrant, fuzzy leaves of this perennial is bloom... Are exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that do! Deer populations and weather conditions our articles which require shade, this perennial happiest many. Replace them with resistant varieties that they use to search for food pollen when in bloom in the Iris.. At BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad swaths of flashy color snow..., remove plant do deer eat penstemon the container and gently tease out the roots if potbound now Proven! Marjoram, rosemary, Thyme and mint leaves can provide plenty of additional protection rot... Foliage adds a distinct look to any garden officinalis 'Tricolor ' boasts splendid variegated leaves in three:! N'T bother to cut away any foliage during the day and others bloom night... Which helps to deter deer is not grown for its flowers gardening expertise over... And replace them with resistant varieties does n't need pruning but can benefit from cutting off the spent flowers to. That deer do not let this perennial is also another example of do deer eat penstemon invasive plant, do! Not necessarily available all the time, while others can grow up 6! Mound of foliage will be covered in magenta pink flowers in spring your... In summer, deadhead the flowers ' pollen when in bloom out roots. Known as Jack-in-the-pulpit, it does not need to be eaten by deer and....