6 Deer Resistant Shrubs to Grow (And Why Deer Won’t Eat Them)

Living in a place with abundant wildlife is a joy–until that wildlife starts gnawing on the shrubs you’ve tended for months or years. The truth is that you can’t stop deer and other critters from damaging plants. But you can grow deer resistant shrubs that the animals are less likely to eat.

Deer turn their heads up at these shrubs because of a few factors. Here are the most common deer resistant attributes that make a plant unappetizing:

• Unappealing foliage: Leaves and branches that are leathery, sharp, spiny or thorny.
• Strong scents: Deer have a strong sense of smell and dislike pungent odors.
• Tight growing habits: If the branches are closely huddled together, it’s harder for deer to reach the leaves.
• Irritating leaves: Deer will avoid plants that have toxic properties and can upset them.

All of the shrubs on this list have one or more traits that deter deer from eating them. Keep reading to find which deer resistant shrub is best suited for your yard.

READ ON: 3 types of deer found in North America

Arrowwood Viburnum

Viburnum dentatum, Zones 2 to 8

Arrowwood viburnum is native to the eastern United States and usually grows about 10 feet high and wide in most backyards. It shines in late spring when clusters of white flowers dot the shrub.

This native shrub makes the list because of its hardiness. Deer may take a nibble but it’s not their first choice. Plus this hardy plant is tough enough to lose a leaf or two and be just fine. Arrowwood viburnum prefers moist, rich soil but can be grown in a range of soils in full sun to part shade. Mature plants can handle a variety of challenges from flooding and drought to pests–like deer.

Why we love it: Butterflies and other pollinators visit the dainty white flower clusters, which transform into small fruit that birds love.

Holly-Leaved Barberry

Berberis aquifolium, Zones 5 to 8

This shrub goes by many names: holly-leaved barberry, creeping mahonia and Oregon grape holly—just to name a few. No matter what you call it, you can rest easy knowing that deer leave its sharp and glossy leaves alone.

Holly-leaved barberry is evergreen in its native range, which spans from the Pacific Northwest to Mexico. It grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 6 feet wide and sports cheerful yellow bell-shaped blooms in spring. Plant it in an area where you don’t mind it spreading because its suckers can quickly take over a backyard.

Only consider holly-leaved barberry if you live west of the Rockies. Perfect for a woodland garden, they do best in moist, rich, well-draining soil and part shade. Be sure to plant two holly-leaved barberries if you’d like to get fruit.

Why we love it: Pollinators buzz around the spring flowers and birds are drawn to its berries in summer and fall. But don’t let wildlife have all the fun. The dark bluish-black berries are great in jams.

Boxwood

Buxus spp., Zones 5 to 9

Boxwoods range from small shrubs to large trees, but they all share something in common: deer don’t like them. They have tight growing habits, making it hard for deer to squeeze in and eat the leaves, and the foliage is toxic to many animals. In fact, all parts of boxwoods cause vomiting in dogs. So if you let Fido out back unsupervised, choose a different plant.

Research the specific boxwood you’d like to grow before planting. Their light needs vary, but all need well-draining soil. Wear gloves when handling the shiny oblong leaves because they can cause mild skin irritation.

Why we love it: Boxwoods might not offer a ton of value when it comes to wildlife, but their biggest benefit is their low-maintenance qualities. When planted in the correct conditions, they provide gorgeous green foliage with very little care.

Common Lilac

Syringa vulgaris, Zones 3 to 7

Gardeners love lilac’s fragrant blooms, but deer certainly don’t. The tiny, tubular flowers grow in cone-like clusters about 6 to 8 inches long, starting in mid- to late spring. Mature plants can grow 16 feet tall and nearly as wide, but many cultivars range in size and flower color.

Common lilac grows best in rich soil that drains well. Just be sure to plant in a spot with full sun to see the most blooms possible. It’s susceptible to mildew, so scout out a place with good airflow.

Why we love it: While deer don’t like this fragrant shrub, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds feed on the nectar.

Common Juniper

Juniperus communis, Zones 2 to 7

Common juniper can be found across the Northern Hemisphere and is native to the northern half of the United States. But more importantly, deer don’t touch the tough evergreen needles.

Its size varies wildly, depending on climate. For example, in northern Minnesota it may spread 20 feet wide but only reach 4 feet tall. In other harsh conditions, it occasionally grows into a medium-sized tree. No matter the size, this shrub produces pretty bluish fruits that look like berries in fall.

Juniper needs full sun and does well in soil with medium moisture or that’s dry and rocky. It handles cold like a champ, but is a wimp in the heat. Some gardeners don’t recommend planting it south of Zone 6.

Why we love it: Northern gardeners don’t have to think twice about putting it in their backyard. Plus, birds peck at the juniper berries in fall and winter.

Rose of Sharon

Hibiscus syriacus, Zones 5 to 9

Rose of Sharon is relatively easy to grow and quickly reaches 8 to 12 feet tall and almost as wide. The tropical-looking flowers come in a variety of colors depending on the cultivar and bloom from late spring into early fall. Deer don’t tend to visit it. But when they do, the shrub springs back without issue.

Average soil works just fine for rose of Sharon, but you’ll get the most flowers with rich, moist soil and full sun. They are lovely standing on their own, or you can plant a few several feet apart to create a hedge.

Why we love it: You can watch hummingbirds zip from flower to flower all season long.