block deer and rabbits from invading your garden can be challenging , especially in areas where these fauna are prevalent . fortuitously , some perennial are naturally less appealing to them due to their strong scents , harsh textures , or acrid taste . These plant not only discourage unwanted visitors but also bring sweetheart , semblance , and seasonal pursuit to your landscape .
Here is a listing of deer- and rabbit - resistant perennial that flourish across various climate in the U.S.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender ’s comfort redolence might be a favorite among humans , but it ’s far from appealing to deer and rabbit . Standing about2 to 3 feettall , this sun - have it off perennial produces aromatic purple flowers that discourage wildlife naturally . Lavender thrives in zone 5 to 9 , favour well - drained dirt and lots of sunlight . Beyond being deer - resistant , it ’s also hardy and drought - tolerant , making it ideal for a miserable - maintenance , pollinator - friendly garden .
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
With its spicy scent and undimmed clusters of flowers , Achillea millefolium serves as a natural shield for your garden . This intrepid perennial , suitable forzones 3 to 9,doesn’t collection to deer and rabbit while adding a burst of color . Yarrow can develop till 3 feet in elevation and performs well in less rich soils . Its resilience in challenging condition makes it an imperishable choice , even for tiro gardeners .
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Russian Sage extend silvery foliage and airy , lavender - blue blooms that grow3 to 5 feettall , make a striking ocular effect . Its sage - like scent deters deer and rabbit while it handles drouth and poor soil with relaxation . Russian Sage typically thrives in hardiness geographical zone 5 to 9 and performs good in full sun . With a long bloom period that extends from mid - summer into declination , it ’s a lively , colored alternative for larger spaces .
Catmint (Nepeta spp.)
Catmint ’s minty olfactory property is enough to keep deer and rabbits away , while its blue or lilac flowers pull bees and butterflies . Growing10 to 24 inchestall , catnip thrives in zone 4 to 8 , make up it adaptable across a wide cooking stove of US clime . This repeated prefers full sun and can handle wry conditions , making it an prosperous - care pick for any garden depend to reduce pest activity naturally .
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
Bee Balm is a colourful , redolent perennial that attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds but deters deer and rabbits due to its unassailable , minty perfume . With its flamboyant flush and natural pest resistor , this flora can reach peak of1 to 4 feetand adds a volley of red , pink , purple , or blank flowers to gardens from mid - summer through early surrender . Hardy in zones 3 to 9 , Bee Balm maturate best in well - run out , moist soil and can tolerate both full and partial sunlight .
Spike Speedwell (Veronica spicata)
Spike Speedwell , with its tall , vibrant efflorescence spike heel , stands out in the garden while naturally discouraging cervid and rabbits . Hardy across zones 3 to 11 , this versatile perennial tolerates various climate and propose long - lasting coloring . Its tough leaves and slightly sulfurous taste make it less sympathetic to wildlife , while it expand in undimmed sun and well - run out soil , making it an first-class choice for borders or bungalow gardens .
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia ’s clear-cut olfactory property and rasping texture make it unappealing to most grazing animals . Reaching heights of1 to 3 feet , this perennial thrives in zones 3 to 10 , count on the species . Salvia produces vivacious blooms in shade ranging from purple to ping to red , spanning from natural spring through fall , and draw pollinator like hummingbirds . Salvia ’s drouth permissiveness is a valuable feature for garden in hot , dry areas , making it a colourful and dauntless choice .
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)
bleed Heart is a shade - tolerant perennial known for its delicate , heart - shape flowers . Deer and rabbits forefend it due to its bitter taste and unappealing texture . This plant reaches heights of about6 to 12 inchesand thrives in zones 3 to 9 , perform good in cooler regions . Blooming in springiness , Bleeding Heart ’s unique appearance adds charm to shaded areas while staying undisturbed by rough-cut garden pests .
Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
coneflower are known for their resilience and are a staple in pest - resistant garden . Growingup to 3 feettall , these perennials thrive in zones 3 to 9 and perform well in sunny spots . uncommitted in shades of pinkish , empurpled , and white , cervid and rabbits run to stave off the uncut , thorny leaf , while butterfly and bee are take up to the vivacious blooms .
Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
Bluestar is a various perennial popular for its lifelike blue flowers that come in late spring . Growing2 to 3 feettall , it features lissome , lance - mold leaves that plough a lovely golden yellowness in the drop , provide seasonal interest . This plant is typically stout in geographical zone 3 to 9 and thrives in well - debilitate soil with full sunshine to fond shade . Its somewhat bitter taste make Bluestar unappealing to cervid and cony , allow it to flourish without damage .
Hellebore (Helleborus spp.)
Known as Lenten Rose , hellebore are evergreen perennials that bloom in early saltation , offering year - round interest . Their tough , leathery leaves and slightly toxic prop make them unattractive to grazing animals . Hellebores typically grow1 to 3 feettall and thrive in shaded areas , preferring zones 4 to 9 . These depressed - maintenance works are perfect for woodland gardens and summate beautiful color with minimum tending .