{"id":24287,"date":"2020-11-30T15:07:01","date_gmt":"2020-11-30T18:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=24287"},"modified":"2024-12-15T00:14:11","modified_gmt":"2024-12-15T03:14:11","slug":"deer-resistant-plants-rochester-ny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/new-york\/rochester-ny\/deer-resistant-plants-rochester-ny\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Deer-Resistant Plants and Trees to Grow in Rochester"},"content":{"rendered":"

The deer around your home (and there are a lot of them) are drawn to the plants in your yard like you are to a good ol\u2019 white-hot at Zweigle\u2019s. The trick is finding deer-resistant plants that will last.<\/p>

To defend your plants from hungry, marauding deer, you could adopt the standard bow-and-arrow method. A subtler (and less messy) technique? Incorporate deer-resistant plants, flowers, trees, and ornamental grasses into your landscaping. <\/p>

While it\u2019s important to note no plant is completely deer-proof, especially if food is scarce, plants with a bitter taste, unappealing texture, or heavy scent, can be potential deal-breakers for these forest mammals\u2019 menu. <\/p>

Which plants, exactly, have these deer-repellent qualities? Take a peek at our list below to find a few that work here in Ra-Cha-Cha.<\/p>

16 Deer-Resistant Plants and Trees to Grow in Rochester, New York<\/h2>

1. Ageratum<\/h3>
\"lavender
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

With absolutely no desire to ever chow down on plants with a fuzzy, feathery feel, deer steer clear of ageratum houstonianum<\/em><\/a>\u2019<\/em>s fluffy, pom-pom-like blooms. Other common names for this flowering annual are floss flower and blue billygoatweed, and it pairs well with lamb\u2019s ear, marigolds, and begonias.<\/p>

Examples of ageratum cultivars: <\/strong>Leilalni Blue, Redtop, and Summer Stars
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Plant ageratum in moist soil and full sun.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes; blue, lavender, pink, or white flowers from May through October.
Cost: <\/strong>You can buy a 12-pack of live, multicolored ageratum plants for around $10.<\/p>

2. Japanese anemone<\/h3>
\"purple
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

While pleasing to humans, the Japanese anemone<\/a>\u2019s light scent keeps deer at bay. Safeguard hosta by placing these plants nearby; these anemones also play well with ornamental grasses.<\/p>

Examples of Japanese Anemone cultivars: <\/strong>September Charm and Honorine Jobert
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance. Grows best in moist soil with partial shade.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes; pink, red, purple, or white flowers that bloom in the fall.
Cost: <\/strong>Plan to spend between $20 and $30 for live plants.<\/p>

3. Columbine<\/h3>
\"purple
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

An early spring bloomer, this perennial boasts showy, bell-shaped flowers. Perfect for a butterfly garden<\/a> or rock garden<\/a>, columbine<\/a> emits a strong scent that\u2019s attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators, but unappealing to deer.<\/p>

Examples of columbine cultivars: <\/strong>Corbett, Little Lanterns, and Nana
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance. Grow in partial shade or full in a variety of soil conditions.
Flowering: <\/strong>Yes. Lavender, pink, blue, red, orange, white, or yellow; sometimes multicolored.
Cost: <\/strong>You can purchase a potted Columbine plant for about $10.<\/p>

4. Oriental poppy<\/h3>
\"orange
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Grown purely for the beauty they add to a landscape, oriental poppies<\/a> show off their brightly colored flowers in early spring and summer. Besides the tissue paper-like feel of their petals, which may be a texture repulsive to deer, the fact that most parts of this plant are poisonous also keeps these animals away.<\/p>

Examples of zonal Oriental poppy cultivars: <\/strong>Perry\u2019s White, Fancy Feathers, and Harlem
Care:<\/strong> Easy-to-grow and drought-tolerant. Plant oriental poppies in full sun and well-drained soil.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes. Pink, orange, red, or white blooms in May and June.
Cost: <\/strong>As dormant, bare-root plants or bulbs, plan to spend between $20 and $70 \u2014 depending on how many you\u2019d like to buy.<\/p>

5. Lily of the valley<\/h3>
\"lilies
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

A perennial that thrives in partial or full shade, lily of the valley<\/a> should be planted in your yard in late fall. Its strong scent deters deer and may also signal to them the plant is poisonous if they dare to taste it. Grow lily of the valley as a ground cover alongside hosta (or in place of) to protect the latter from becoming a snack. Lily of the valley also adds texture and beauty to rock gardens and fairy gardens.<\/p>

Examples of lily of the valley cultivars: <\/strong>Fortin\u2019s Giant, Albostriata, Rosea, Hardwick Hall
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes; white, aromatic, bell-shaped blooms.
Cost: <\/strong>Expect to spend between $6 for a bare-root plant to a little more than $40 a large group of bulbs.<\/p>

6. Daffodils<\/h3>
\"yellow
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Perfuming the air around them with hints of citrus and floral, daffodils<\/a> fend off deer feedings with their aroma. It\u2019s believed that strong smells may signal to these animals toxicity in plants, and deer would be right with this one: Daffodils contain alkaloid lycorine, which is poisonous when eaten. <\/p>

Examples of daffodil cultivars: <\/strong>Pappy George, Paper White, and Poet\u2019s Narcissus
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance. Grow in full sun or partial shade. Thrives in well-drained soil.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes. Yellow, white, orange, pink, or multicolored blooms in March and April.
Cost: <\/strong>Depending on the amount you want, bulbs can be purchased for about $15 to $80.<\/p>

7. Dahlia<\/h3>
\"pink
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Glamming up gardens with their many tube-shaped petals sprouting from buds, dahlias<\/a> are members of the sunflower family and prefer to bask in full sun. Deer typically avoid eating dahlias because they are turned off by the bitter, spicy taste of these plants. Give these flowers extra protection by surrounding them with other deer-resistant plants, such as sedum, bee balm, and sage.<\/p>

Examples of dahlia cultivars: <\/strong>Imperial Wine, Wannabee, and Candlelight
Care:<\/strong> Water and fertilize regularly during the growing season. Deadhead spent flowers.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes. Showy white, pink, red, yellow, orange, purple, or blue blooms in summer.
Cost: <\/strong>The average cost of dahlia bulbs is $20 to $40.<\/p>

8. Lamb\u2019s ear<\/h3>
\"soft,
Photo Credit: Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man)<\/a> \/ CC BY-SA 2.5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

The fuzzy, soft-as-velvet feel of lamb\u2019s ear<\/a> triggers a deer\u2019s texture issues, so they\u2019ll steer clear of this perennial. Plant in full sun or partial shade; it\u2019s spiky pinkish-purple flowers are great companions for another deer-resistant plant, blue salvia.<\/p>

Examples of lamb\u2019s ear cultivars: <\/strong>Big Ears, Silver Carpet, Helen von Stein, Cotton Boll
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance. Grows in any soil type and doesn\u2019t need fertilizer. Water only when dry.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes, depending on type. Occasional pink\/purple blooms in summer.
Cost: <\/strong>A one-quart pot can run you around $5, while a pack of 40 seeds costs less than $10. <\/p>

9. Common boxwood<\/h3>
\"dwarf
Photo by David J. Stang<\/a> \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Because boxwood shrubs<\/a> play well with everything from herbs to flowers to vegetables they are perfect as foundation plants, privacy hedges, and walkway edges. Boxwoods also are protectors of plants deer tend to love. What keeps these woodland creatures away from boxwoods? The strong smell of these evergreens.<\/p>

Examples of boxwood cultivars: <\/strong>Fastigiata, Vardar Valley, and Pyramidalis
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance; does best in partial shade and well-drained soil. Water weekly, trim as needed in warmer months.
Flowering:<\/strong> Sometimes. May produce small, insignificant white flowers.
Cost: <\/strong>Live plants cost around $100 each.<\/p>

10. Forsythia<\/h3>
\"yellow
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

While forsythia’s honey-floral scent is barely noticeable to many people, this deciduous shrub has enough of a fragrance to drive away deer. Loved for the bursts of color it offers in spring and fall, forsythia<\/a> requires full sun and well-drained soil to thrive.<\/p>

Examples of forsythia cultivars: <\/strong>Northern Gold, Show Off, and Sunrise
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance. Water weekly, fertilize quarterly during growing season, and prune annually.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes. Golden yellow blooms in early spring.
Cost: <\/strong>Purchase live plants for about $25 to $100, depending on size.<\/p>

11. Common lilac<\/h3>
\"purple
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Lilac<\/a>, known for its purple (or white, blue, cream, or pink) flowers, is less desirable to deer for its robust smell that\u2019s been described as a fruity-vanilla. Growing up to 20 feet tall, this deciduous shrub attracts pollinators and is great as an accent plant or as a border for patios and walkways.<\/p>

Examples of lilac cultivars: <\/strong>Sensation, Charles Joly, and Primrose
Care:<\/strong> Requires full sun\/well-drained soil. Mulch and fertilize in spring. Deadhead spent blooms.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes. Purple, white, blue, cream, or pink flowers in spring.
Cost: <\/strong>Live plants average around $50 each.<\/p>

12. Butterfly bush<\/h3>
\"purple
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

The butterfly bush, aka \u201csummer lilacs,\u201d is a wonderful addition to butterfly gardens<\/a> and emits a strong, sweet scent, reminiscent of honey. As deer prefer to feed on blander plants, they avoid butterfly bushes. When planting, be sure to space these shrubs 5 to 10 feet apart in locations that receive full sun.<\/p>

Examples of butterfly bush cultivars: <\/strong>Blue Chip, Asian Moon, and Peach Cobbler
Care:<\/strong> Low-maintenance. Deadhead spent blooms, prune annually, and water regularly.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes. Purple, pink, white, lavender, yellow, or multicolored blooms.
Cost: <\/strong>Purchase live, potted plants for around $15 each.<\/p>

13. Ribbon grass<\/h3>
\"stalks
Photo Credit: David J. Stang<\/a> \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> <\/figcaption><\/figure>

Grasses of any type aren\u2019t a favorite deer food. Take advantage of this by using an ornamental grass, such as ribbon grass, as an easy-to-care for ground cover<\/a>. This cool-season variety is drought-tolerant, too, and adds texture and greenery to garden beds and landscapes. Note: Ribbon grass can become invasive.<\/p>

Examples of ribbon grass cultivars: <\/strong>Feesey, Picta, or Strawberries & Cream
Care:<\/strong> Plant in full sun or partial shade. Ribbon grass can tolerate just about any soil type.
Flowering:<\/strong> Almost never. If it does flower, the blooms are small and barely noticeable.
Cost: <\/strong>Buy a live plant for close to $40.<\/p>

14. Bee balm<\/h3>
\"red
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Deer loathe the odors of most herbs, including thyme, tarragon, rosemary, and mint \u2014 the latter scent being the one given off by bee balm<\/a>. Border your front walks or garden paths with this perennial and enjoy its flashy blooms from April to May.<\/p>

Examples of bee balm cultivars: <\/strong>Fireball, Marshall\u2019s Delight, and Violet Queen
Care:<\/strong> Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes, pink, red, or white spring blooms.
Cost: <\/strong>Live plants can cost around $12 to $15 each.<\/p>

15. Snapdragon<\/h3>
\"a
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

The sweet aroma of snapdragons<\/a>, described as smelling akin to bubble gum, is a no-go for deer. Cold-hardy, these flowers can do well in New York\u2019s climate and they attract pollinators, such as hummingbirds and bees. Cut them to fill a vase in your home for a splash of color and fragrance.<\/p>

Examples of snapdragon cultivars: <\/strong>Bicolor, Kim Primrose Yellow, and Montego O.
Care:<\/strong> Thrives in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Space snapdragons 12 inches apart.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes. Yellow, orange, pink, white, purple blooms in spring, summer, and fall.
Cost: <\/strong>You can get 100 seeds for around $6.<\/p>

16. Verbena<\/h3>
\"lavender
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

Known for it\u2019s citrusy scent, which deer tend to steer clear of, verbena<\/a> is drought-tolerant. This herb has medicinal properties and is also used to flavor beverages and foods. In the garden, verbena’s long-living, showy blooms provide bursts of color for a purely ornamental plant or a low-maintenance ground cover.<\/p>

Examples of verbena cultivars: <\/strong>Homestead Purple, Summer Blaze, and Silver Anne
Care:<\/strong> Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Fertilize in spring and trim back in fall.
Flowering:<\/strong> Yes. Purple, white, pink, red, blue, and lavender in spring through fall.
Cost: <\/strong>Potted plants can cost $20 to $30 each.<\/p>

Deer-Resistant Plants: Other Things to Know<\/h2>

What plants do deer prefer to eat?<\/h3>

Unscented plants with smooth textures and bland tastes appeal to deer. A few of their favorites:<\/p>