Here are some plants that we have not seen the local deer eat.  Send us an email to add to the list! Or, let us know if you’ve had deer eat these.  (We once had a client who had deer eat plastic plants… so anything can happen!)

Shrubs:

• Boxwood

• Compact Inkberry Holly – a native, disease resistant alternative   for boxwoods in part shade – full sun conditions

• Rhododendron – This is one that deer will eat way up north but I haven’t seen them eat here.  If anyone has had deer eat theirs, please let us know!

• Red Twig dogwoods – look for compact varieties like Arctic Fire and Arctic Sun

• Kodiak Series of Diervilla – a native honeysuckle with colorful foliage

• Butterfly Bush – Look for sterile varieties that are not invasive like the Lo and Behold series, butterfly bushes are prone to root rot so ask for tips if you want to plant them

• Sweetspire – “Fizzy Mizzy” is a compact variety with energetic vibes

• Spirea – there are lots of new, modern, and compact varieties to choose from

• Bottlebrush – “Legend of the Small” is a compact variety with red fall foliage, use this instead of the invasive “Burning Bush”

Perennials:

• Russian Sage – I recommend compact varieties like "Blue Jean Baby" or "Denim n’ Lace"

• Perennial Salvia – look for a variety with a long bloom time, some generic varieties only bloom for two weeks

• Catmint – I recommend compact varieties like "Walker’s Low Junior" or "Cat’s Pajamas"

• Lavender – Lavender likes it dry and can have issues with too much rainfall, but we’ve had plenty of clients who have grown it successfully in town

• Coneflower – a classic that blooms June – frost!

• Bee Balm

• Allium

• Iris

• Daffodil

• Astilbe

• Lungwort

• Yarrow

• Dianthus

• Ornamental grasses – although these can be surprisingly high maintenance and I’d only recommend them if you really love the look

• Coral Bells – semi evergreen and come in lots of colors!

Annuals:

• Alyssum

• Dusty Miller

• Coleus

• Lantana

• Verbena

• Zinnas

• Purple Fountain Grass

• Dracaena Spike

• Vinca