Viveka Neveln is the Garden Editor at BHG and a degreed horticulturist with broad gardening expertise earned over 3+ decades of practice and study. Similar in appearance to astilbe but much larger, thisshowy perennial produces beautiful sprays of lacy, cream-colored flowers atop deep green fern-like foliage in early to midsummer. They may chew a few buds and occasionally pull off a leaf or two, but the plant is allowed to reach maturity with little molestation. Avoid soil amendments that hold moisture, such as peat moss and manure. A top plant of the late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with impressive wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage. It can be seen growing in hardiness zones four through eight, and the blooms can be seen from late summer until the first frost. They are drought tolerant once established. 0000014501 00000 n Deer also tend to turn their . Blooming for weeks from late spring to late summer, the flowers rise above whorls of light green serrated leaves . Some gardenersthink of it mainly as an outdoor foliage plant (even though it does produce a plume of flowers), but it is also a shade plant and a good plant to grow in wet areas. We savor the aromas of sage, dill, fennel, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme and mint. 0000006367 00000 n Its finely textured foliage gives off an herbal scent which helps to deter deer. Mushrooms -are high in phosphorous and proteins that aid in the growth and development of deer muscles. As the name implies, 'Electric Blue' has iridescent bright-blue flowers that seem to light up the garden with their intensity. Lavender is one of the classic perennial herbs or subshrubs that are grown for their smell. It's somewhat slow to start and needs 10 to 21 days to germinate. Don't forget to grow this plant outside the herb garden! Most geums reach a height of 50cm so are perfect for the front or middle of a border. If you grow plants that deer are less likely to eat, you increase your chances of escaping pest damage. 24 Pink Flowers That Add Bold Beauty to Any Garden, Low-Maintenance Perennials for the Northeast, 15 Beautiful Native Plants for Southwestern Gardens, Create a Beautiful Butterfly Garden with These Plants, The Best Low-Maintenance Summer Perennials for the Midwest, 25 Low-Maintenance Perennial Flowers Perfect for Beginners, 10 Tough Flowers for California Gardens That Are Hot and Dry, Low-Maintenance Perennials for the Pacific Northwest, 13 Summer-Flowering Shrubs That Are Super Easy to Grow, The Best Low-Maintenance Perennials for Southern Gardens, 11 Full-Sun Flowers That Bring Color Even When It's Hot and Dry, 15 Top Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest, 15 Top Native Plants for Southern Gardens, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of Georgia and the Other Southern States, Click here to learn more about top alliums to plant this fall in your garden, Click here to learn more about coralbells, Click here to learn more about growing globe thistles, Click here to learn more about other great grasses, Click here to learn more about growing penstemon, Click here to learn more about growing purple coneflower, Click here for a selection of top coneflower varieties, Click here to learn more about growing Russian sage, Click here to learn more about Shasta daisy, Click here to learn more about growing wormwood, Click here to learn more about growing yucca. They are clump-forming varieties that return reliably every year and are exceptionally resistant to powdery mildew. Silver-speckled foliage keeps things interesting for the whole season. . 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. To create an idea board, sign in or create an account. 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. 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. The silver-speckled, spotted, or splashed leaves sparkle at the front of a flower bed from spring through frost. (Zones: 4-8; Height: 1 to 3 feet; Bloom time: Early to midspring), One of the few that are fragrant, honey-scented light pink flowers are held high on spikes as tall as 6 feet. Anemone. Penstemons tolerate drought, but 1 inch of water per week in the summer will keep plants vigorous and promote better blooming. And, in addition to plants with unpleasant odors, deer do not eat plants that smell perfumy. Its springtime blue flowers are a nice plus! Noteworthy Characteristics Native from Wyoming to Arizona. Deer steer clear once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage. Digitalis plants are tall, slender perennials at 2 to 5 feet tall and just 1 to 2 feet wide. But they may even eat cosmos if they are in desperate search of food. Persimmon trees are a great way to attract deer and a wise addition to any food plot or hunting area. If you want to attract pollinators to your garden, plant salvia. 0000012166 00000 n In the US, where penstemons originate, deer forage on them and, as far as I have been able to discover, they are not listed as poisonous in the various indexes of poisonous plants. It is called that because of its columbine-like leaves, which make it attractive long after its flowers have disappeared. Planting them in raised beds or sloped areas will help them survive wet conditions. 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. By planting a variety of trees, you can ensure at least one ripe food source throughout the season. Discover the right perennial plants for your garden. These plants are very sensitive to cold and prefer moist soils with good drainage. Full sun to part shade. They'll attempt to feed on garden fruits and vegetables, but they eat grass, ornamental plants, and even tree bark, too. This is a low maintenance perennial that grows in sun or shade in average to moist soil. Penstemon (spp.) 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. As these animals cannot read, and don't know any better, sometimes they just can't resist sampling a different . Sandy soil will help the pink blooms appear from mid-summer to early fall as well.. Stachys. 0000002558 00000 n In early summer, airy spires of white flowers with just the faintest blush of pink emerge, creating a striking contrast with the dark foliage. These herbs fall into the rarely damaged category. Penstemon plants areherbaceous perennialsthat feature lance-shaped foliage and spikes of tubular flowers. Click here to learn more about corydalis. Some gardeners prefer the smaller plant for not only its size also its attractive fern-like foliage lasts through the summer heat, unlike that of common bleeding hearts. Which flowers do rabbits not eat? Keep the penstemon flowerbed weeded regularly. Ornamental grasses are popular landscape plants and surprisingly, deer tend to stay away from them. What is the difference between foxglove and beardtongue? Lenten rose is one of those spring flowersthat bloom early in the season. Penstemons need little pruning, but removing the stems after flowering is complete will often promote new foliage growth and a second flush of blooms. We hope it wont deter you, too! Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Beardtongue and foxglove look quite similar. 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. 0000073421 00000 n Penstemon love hot, sunny, dry growing conditions. 'Midnight Masquerade' Buy now from Proven WinnersPenstemon hybrid. Lets look at 22 options that deer typically pass by in favor of tastier treats down the road: LEADING LADY, UPSCALEandPARDON MYMonardaZones 4-8. Deer hate the smell of these plants, so they generally don't eat them. However, if you look closely, you will notice bees enjoying the flowers' pollen when in bloom. Just like we see with people, a deer's preferred foods differ from individual to individual. Lamb's ear is another case of a deer-resistant perennial that is hard to figure. Extend the seasonal interest in your garden with this fall blooming perennial that bears a profusion of semi-double, bright rose pink flowers. Size: To 12 inches tall and 24 inches wide, depending on type. When that happens, it is a spectacular plant, as the species name suggests. The soil for beardtongue must drain very well. 0000002756 00000 n They tend to be short-lived plants and will often need replenishment after a few seasons. Basil is also considered deer resistant, but slide it into . Have tree and plant questions? Deer aren't picky animals. They will not flower much in shade. To start, we need to warn you that there are few, if any, plants you can call deer-proof. Petunias produce flowers from May through October in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, white and yellow. There are so many good penstemons, with new ones coming onto the marketplace every year, that everywhere in North America, it is possible to grow at least one [type of] penstemon native to your area.. Botanically speaking, any plant listed as being in the Nepeta genus is considered to be a catmint. Hybrids bred for garden conditions are not as drought tolerant as native species and may require watering during prolonged dry spells. Like some of the other deer-resistant perennials, this classic cottage garden plant is toxic. Do deer eat berries? 0000073342 00000 n 0000006390 00000 n The Best Perennials for Pollinators Part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), penstemons are a huge genus of plants encompassing approximately 270 species and over 800 cultivars and hybrids. Cultivars include 'Blue Springs' and Electric Blue. %PDF-1.3 % That is why deer usually feed on small animals, like; rabbits, frogs, squirrels, birds, or sometimes fish as well. Western gardeners tend to know penstemons a little better than Midwesterners do, but this plant's popularity is growing just about everywhere. So, do deer eat persimmons? Not all irises are equally fragrant. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. schmidel. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. A classic for its long season of bloom and cheerful good looks, Shasta daisy is also typically left alone by deer. Penstemon Western gardeners tend to know penstemons a little better than Midwesterners do, but this plant's popularity is growing just about everywhere. Unlike many other bleeding hearts which require shade, this alpine variety thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil. The elegant trumpet-shaped flowers are white or pale pink with the inner surfaces often marked by violet-colored nectar guides. (Zones: 4-8; Height: 2 to 3 feet; Bloom time: June to September), Native to the northern Great Plains and northeastern states, this species is more tolerant of high humidity and moist soil than those of western origin. Click here to learn more about growing thyme. The narrow lance-shaped leaves remain evergreen year-round. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home. Aurinia saxatilis is a short, mat-forming plant, making it an effective ground cover. 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