Feeding these flowers with conventional bloom-boosting formulas can promote too much growth and can shorten the life of the plants. Plant your herbs anywhere you like without fear of deer. Its fragrant foliage is highly deer resistant, while its bright amethyst blue flowers are a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. Though they are easy to grow, Astilbes have one critical requirementlots of water. Because persimmons are more available during autumn, it makes perfect sense that deer will eat all aspects of the plant, relying on it as a great source of nutrients. How to grow geums: Grow geums in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Digitalis plants are tall, slender perennials at 2 to 5 feet tall and just 1 to 2 feet wide. Wet, heavy soils are unsuitable for penstemons. (Zones 5-9; Height: 12 to 18 inches; Bloom time: Early to late summer), Native to Wyoming, Utah and western Colorado, this blue-flowered species thrives in rocky or gravelly soil but adapts well to soils in many parts of the country. The scent and texture of the foliage make it less appealing to deer and rabbits, but bees will enjoy its blooms. Summersong Firefinch EchinaceaZones 4-8. Technically, the showy feature of this deer-resistant perennial is called a "sepal," as opposed to a true flower petal. In the wild, they'll eat weeds, grass, flowers, seeds, nuts, fruit, vegetables, and pretty much anything else they can get their mouths around. A compact form and mounded glossy green foliage make this a good choice for the front of the border, where you can better observe the constant influx of feathery feeders. Meanwhile, as plants that tolerate dry shade, they are useful for filling up spots in your landscaping where many other plants would be unhappy. The brightly colored Japanese Blood Grass is a popular choice. In addition to their deer-resistance, these perennials are valued for their true-blue flowers. But even as a smaller plant it can be a real looker, as your attention is drawn to the uniquely shaped individual flowers. 2023 Proven Winners North America LLC. If you have never given them a try before, you now have an excuse to do so if you are seeking deer-resistant perennials. A California native, Electric Blue is tolerant of drought and coastal climates. If you enjoying making dried flower arrangements, you will want to plant Northern Sea Oats. Deer however find these herbs too much for their delicate noses to handle. JyK6~Va:j0/IE]n~6! SuEAuF~ {Ds kY\n@: 0|X@.X)djJq>6|.J`RWs=`Wrcx;.`m_~|"L04:A+N-Oy*"COHT8n&lh%K? The pollen-free stamen (or staminode) protrudes from the flower and is covered by small hairs, thus the common name beardtongue. She has more than 20 years of experience writing and editing for both print and digital media. This can be done by taking softwood cuttings of nonflowering shoots in mid to late summer or by dividing plants in late winter or early spring. Part of the plantain family (Plantaginaceae), penstemons are a huge genus of plants encompassing approximately 270 species and over 800 cultivars and hybrids. How to Grow and Care for Star of Bethlehem Flower, How to Grow and Care for Mexican Orange Plant, How to Grow and Care For 'Becky' Shasta Daisy, How to Grow and Care for Pink Evening Primrose, Purple, blue, orange, red, yellow, pink, white. We're especially fond of the thread-leaf selections such as 'Moonbeam' and 'Creme Brulee' that bloom for months if you shear them back as their flowers fade. Heat-loving annuals that deer tend to ignore include lantana, Cosmos sulphureus, angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) and summer snapdragon (Angelonia). Salvia officinalis 'Tricolor' boasts splendid variegated leaves in three colors: white, green, and purple. They'll attempt to feed on garden fruits and vegetables, but they eat grass, ornamental plants, and even tree bark, too. It bears spikes of lipstick pink flowers in early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded. More information on Penstemon. Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects. Plant the seed at a depth of to inch and keep the soil moist after planting for natural stratification to occur. For nursery starts, remove plant from the container and gently tease out the roots if potbound. Deer generally stay away from aromatic herbs and other plants, such as sage, rosemary, and lavender. Salvia, or sage plants, include a range of species, most of which are considered deer-resistant for the same reason that deer do not eat catmint and bee balm: they stink. Since a majority of beardtongue varieties are short-lived perennials, growing them from seed is the best and easiest method of propagation. The answer is yes. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. "Jack" is the little spike that stands up within this hood and contains insignificant flowers (which you do not really see). Variegated selections may be splashed with silver or pink -- so there's a coralbells for almost every garden. If they are hungry enough, deer will eat pretty much anything. Find a Garden Center that carries Proven Winners plants & products. Daniel Xu 09.09.13. Deer aren't picky animals. If you are looking for a perennial with beautiful flowers to complete your deer-resistant garden, then the anemone is an excellent option. Named after the Macedonian King of Thrace (Lysimachus), Lysimachia punctata (Yellow Loosestrife) is a perennial plant with great ornamental value, producing sturdy, upright stems loaded with abundant spikes of cup-shaped, golden yellow flowers, tinged with red at their heart. Deer; Penstemon laevigatus This is a low maintenance perennial that grows in sun or shade in average to moist soil. Prune rosemary and oregano; Late month: prune evergreen shrubs as they start to set new growth; Divide/Move It has nothing to do with the insect. Native Americans used Penstemon in a variety of remedies. Find more plants and get deer-proofing tips from GardenDesign.com. Brunnera macrophylla Jack Frost is one of those plants that you grow primarily as a foliage plant. Color Spires and Profusion salvias are super easy to grow in full sun. Evening primroses and their relatives are tough, drought-tolerant plants perfect for the front of the border. Note that when other food sources are extremely scarce, rabbits may feed on plants that are otherwise considered rabbit-proof. Like some of the other deer-resistant perennials, this classic cottage garden plant is toxic. Food they absolutely love are: pecans, hickory nuts, beechnut acorns, as well as acorns. (Zones: 3-8; Height: 3 to 5 feet; Bloom time: May to June), A California native with glossy blue-green leaves and blue flowers on slender spikes. A top plant of the late-summer garden, Russian sage bursts forth with impressive wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home. Success of any of these plants in the landscape will depend on local deer populations and weather conditions. This is a specimen you will want to locate somewhere where you can fully appreciate the beauty of its flowers during the blooming period (May or June, depending on where you live). Hands-down one of the most graceful perennials, columbine offers wonderful flowers in shades of red, pink, violet, blue, and white. Plants that are deer-resistant are often rabbit-resistant as well. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil. Chestnuts -are high in protein and carbohydrates. A spring bloomer, it also has great foliage. Photo by: Frank Richards / Millette Photomedia. Do not let this perennial dry out. The smell of peonies in bloom may . 0000002660 00000 n (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. Penstemon spp-Beardtongue; Convallaria majalis-Lily of the valley: Perovskia atriplicifolia-Russian sage; The plants that are listed here have shown resistance to deer: browsing, but during drought or extreme stress, deer: will try some of these listed as well. In summer, the large trumpets of pale lavender-pink flowers bloom for weeks, followed by glossy purple seed pods that provide additional fall interest. One of our native penstemon, Penstemon strictus, or Rocky Mountain penstemon, with bright purple-blue flowers on up to 30" spikes and evergreen foliage, is one of the easiest to grow. Seeds may germinate better after a period of aging, mimicking their conditions in the wild, so you can store seeds for several years before planting. They can be oval, lance-shaped or needlelike with colors ranging from green or blue-green to deep purple. To start, we need to warn you that there are few, if any, plants you can call deer-proof. Penstemons may be bothered by slugs, snails, and spider mites. Trees: DO NOT prune red oaks and live oaks unless damaged. 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. Have tree and plant questions? Take note of the different types; some offer flowers that stay open during the day and others bloom at night. Sandy soil will help the pink blooms appear from mid-summer to early fall as well.. Stachys. This long-blooming beauty will lure hummingbirds to your garden for months, enticing them with bright magenta veining that guides them to the nectar deep within the trumpet-shaped rosy-pink flowers. 0000011924 00000 n Most have scented foliage, which is bad for deer. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. A favorite of hummingbirds, Beardtongue are low-care, big-color wildflowers that grow quickly when planted in the spring. Without its clusters of tall summertime blooms, its architectural foliage adds a distinct look to any garden. Fringed bleeding heart is a smaller plant than its showier cousin, Lamprocapnos spectabilis. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. Plant Details Drought tolerant, tough as nails, and deer resistant. Deer also tend to turn their . 0000073264 00000 n An easy-to-grow North American native plant that deserves a lot more attention, amsonia offers clusters of beautiful blue flowers in spring. KEY: A = Rarely Damaged In addition to offering a broad palette of colors, these native wildflowers and their many cultivars come in many shapes and sizes, from dwarf varieties you can tuck into rock gardens to waist-high prairie plants that bring color and movement to the back of the border. This unusual perennial is a highlight of partly shaded gardens with moist soil. Some deer-resistant plants should not are toxic to humans and pets, so be wary of the following plants: The most widely grown bleeding heart is Lamprocapnos spectabilis (formerly known as Dicentra spectabilis). A classic for its long season of bloom and cheerful good looks, Shasta daisy is also typically left alone by deer. A purple blush at the base of each floral light bulb only enhances the brilliant display, as does the attractive narrow evergreen foliage. Russian sageis certainly no exception. Read our. Globe thistle has a lot of great features: It's long blooming, it resists heat and drought, it's a wonderful cut flower, and best of all, deer and bunnies don't like it. Size: From 1 to 6 feet tall and 1 to 4 feet wide, depending on type. One of those interesting terms you come across in the world of gardeningis used to describe the center of a delphinium's flower: the bee. Feed beardtongue plants once a year with organic fertilizer, applied in the fall. The plant can produce white, purple, or mauve flowers. Full sun and dry, unfertile soil will keep them happiest for many years to come. Rabbits inflict their most significant damage in fall by chewing on woody plants until they're more vulnerable to cold. 0000030730 00000 n Add in a little compost if your soil is lacking in nutrients. Developed in Nebraska, this tough cold-hardy hybrid is ideal for gardens in northern climates The plants form low clumps of deep green foliage, set off in early summer by tall spires of vibrant purple flowers with white throats and magenta veining. If you want to grow varieties that require the least amount of soil preparation and watering and will overwinter reliably, choose species that are native to your area and thrive in soil conditions and climates similar to yours. 11. All feature a compact growth habit, prolific flowering, a super-long bloom season, and excellent winter hardiness. In addition to hummingbirds, the flowers attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators. * Required FieldsWe will never sell or distribute your email to any other parties or organizations. Generally, the deer isn't an herbivorous animal. Get planting advice, garden design tips and trends, monthly checklists for your area, product specials and more in our weekly newsletter. Penstemon flowers do well in full sun to partial shade exposure. Deer may develop a taste for any new plant depending on the season, when it was planted, how much water it gets, and a host of other factors. Depending on your location, it may be necessary to take summer cuttings of penstemon as a precaution in case the winter will be too harsh. Add incredible color to your garden with this relatively petite, 12-16" tall coneflower that blooms nearly all summer long. Also try P. mexicali Pikes Peak Purple, a companion hybrid with short spikes of grape-colored flowers. If you grow plants that deer are less likely to eat, you increase your chances of escaping pest damage. Size: To 6 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Sign up for weekly gardening inspiration and design tips. Rabbits are herbivores who feed on a wide variety of plant life. Plants can grow as trailing ground cover or as hedges. Adequate sun exposure helps the tall stalks stay upright and not droop. Photo by John P. Weiser / Millette Photomedia, A native of California and the Southwest, with brilliant red hummingbird-magnet flowers and large, leathery evergreen leaves. Don't bother to cut away any foliage during the winter, as this can help protect the plant. You can cut the spent flower stems back after blooming to help plants look tidy. Glam up your garden with broad swaths of flashy color. There are many kinds of speedwells. That works out well for people who love to grow perennials with sweet-smelling flowers, such as plants in the Iris genus. The Best Perennials for Pollinators. Proven Winners varieties of Russian sage have tidy habits that won't spill over onto their neighbors in the garden. You can't grow wrong with purple coneflower for summer gardens: It blooms for weeks, it attracts scores of butterflies, it makes a great cut flower, and it's often left alone by deer thanks to its rough foliage. Ornamental grasses are popular landscape plants and surprisingly, deer tend to stay away from them. For hummingbird lovers, they offer another important attribute. Both will eat daisies, munching on the plants until nothing is left but stubs. Gently tamp down soil around the base and water well. Then you can avoid some of them and replace them with resistant varieties. Generally, deer is the type of animal that tends to avoid any flower or plant that spreads a strong smell. My personal experience has been that the dried flowers of the Northern Sea oats are lovely, but if . It is very easy to grow in full sun and well-drained soil. 0000002733 00000 n Miscanthus, like most ornamental grasses, adds movement and drama to flower beds. 0000001706 00000 n Deer also tend to steer clear of it (like they do of most other grasses) so you don't have to fear it being mowed down. 0000012671 00000 n Penstemons tolerate drought, but 1 inch of water per week in the summer will keep plants vigorous and promote better blooming. Click here to learn more about growing globe thistles. 0000073342 00000 n A terrific edging plant or rock-garden choice, candytuft offers a flurry of flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white in spring. Rather, the term is meant to call attention to plants that deer find less attractive than the other choices on its menu. Unlike many other bleeding hearts which require shade, this alpine variety thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil. Penstemon Western gardeners tend to know penstemons a little better than Midwesterners do, but this plant's popularity is growing just about everywhere. 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. Just don't mistake the foliage for a thistle and accidentally pull it when it comes up in spring. Scroll down to learn more about some of the unique things that deer do, and discover why they act the way that they do. Bees will drop by when this perennial is in bloom in the springtime, visiting each tiny blue blossom that dances above the foliage. trailer << /Size 305 /Info 258 0 R /Root 262 0 R /Prev 118495 /ID[<326ae9e7bde9dfc3fdd83892b198dc3a><813de8e76e58e122cc3a9f919da4a6c8>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 262 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 260 0 R /Metadata 259 0 R /OpenAction [ 264 0 R /XYZ null null null ] /PageMode /UseNone /PageLabels 257 0 R /StructTreeRoot 263 0 R /PieceInfo << /MarkedPDF << /LastModified (D:20030616154933)>> >> /LastModified (D:20030616154933) /MarkInfo << /Marked true /LetterspaceFlags 0 >> >> endobj 263 0 obj << /Type /StructTreeRoot /RoleMap 17 0 R /ClassMap 20 0 R /K 243 0 R /ParentTree 244 0 R /ParentTreeNextKey 5 >> endobj 303 0 obj << /S 161 /L 272 /C 288 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 304 0 R >> stream Pair it with ornamental grasses and sedum for a beautiful fall border. Some of these plants are toxic to deer, while others produce strong smells that deer avoid. You will love its heady sweet fragrance, so be sure to pick a few stems for bringing indoors. Ornamental Grasses That Deer Seldom Eat. Keep the penstemon flowerbed weeded regularly. Though you may be used to growing Astilbe only in the shade, you'll love this dark foliage selection whichgrows and blooms best in full sun to part sun. Don't let its common name fool you: Wormwood is a great garden plant. Plant Name: Penstemon selections Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Purple coneflowers aren't just purple anymore; today plant breeders have expanded its range from orange and yellow to white. This selection has brilliant cherry-red flowers held on tall, upright stems above dense, glossy green foliage. The Meat-eating Habits of Deer. A thick layer of fallen leaves can provide plenty of additional protection. Wall germander is not as well known as it once was, but it's making a comeback as a plant that attracts bees. These are some of the most adaptable and widely available choices: A showy plant with erect spikes of 2-inch-long reddish-orange flowers and glossy lance-shaped leaves. sWB>G8 ,!`N{JP Ha*FIi1[W57 kl\Q7_WRJ6f#{( R5 $|5 Js5iZltStI`-k4?YIFnkKtV#b10qA4 Learning about deer-resistant plant types is a good start, but local gardeners and extension services will give you even more ideas for plants that thrive locally and are generally avoided by deer. Preventing deer damage. Grass -compromise less than 10% of a deers diet. Planting them in raised beds or sloped areas will help them survive wet conditions. Growing Conditions: Shade and moist, well-drained soil. Click here to learn more about growing columbine. Canadian wild ginger offers fuzzy foliage and is native to North America; European ginger (shown) bears glossy evergreen leaves. When you call certain plants deer-resistant perennials, it does not mean that Bambi never eats them. A 3-inch layer of organic mulch can help to control weeds, and rock mulch is also a suitable choice. These plants are prairie natives and prefer rocky or sandy lean soil types rather than rich garden loam. You may know yellow alyssum better by such common names as "Basket of Gold," a reference to both the abundance of its flowers and their striking color. Light up your summer garden with these bright yellow flowers. 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. Catnip is perhaps the best-known of the catmint plants. Discover the right perennial plants for your garden. Similar to Husker Red but with pale pink flowers and darker red foliage. However, if you look closely, you will notice bees enjoying the flowers' pollen when in bloom. Click here to learn more about growing penstemon. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, this Salvia is a real magnet for . Do bunny rabbits eat plants? Size: From 1 to 4 feet tall and 6 to 36 inches wide, depending on type. All Rights Reserved. The most common flower colors are shades of blue, purple, pink, white and red, some with distinctive veining and white throats. Email: plantclinic@mortonarb.org. Spot On and 'Pink-a-Blue' PulmonariaZones 3-9. (Zones: 4-9; Height: 10 to 12 inches; Bloom time: Late spring to midsummer), Mexicali penstemons are hybrids of Mexican species having large, showy flowers crossed with native North American species that exhibit good cold-tolerance. That's a lot. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. Deer have also been known to eat unripened persimmon fruits, espe-cially on occasions when they have limited food sources. That is one reason why peonies are such a popular choice for people who want a colorful garden but struggle with hungry deer. 'Midnight Masquerade' Buy now from Proven WinnersPenstemon hybrid. More on growing geums: Be inspired with our Gardener's Idea Book and Winner's Circle newsletter, 22 Deer Resistant Perennial Plants from Proven Winners. It generally takes a year or two before seed-grown plants begin to bloom. 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. 0000006367 00000 n We hope it wont deter you, too! ORNAMENTAL GRASSES They need full sun. What plants do deer hate the most? Perennials. Yarrow is an easy perennial to grow and a good choice for beginners. Jamie McIntosh has written about gardening and special occasion flowers for the Spruce since 2011. The tough plants often have a long bloom season, which makes them great for gardeners. But, planting deer-resistant perennials they dont prefer to eat will help. 0000010637 00000 n If you want to attract pollinators to your garden, plant salvia. Its soft, silver leaves provide a nice backdrop for companion plants. Two popular selections include rosy pink Red Rocks and violet purple Pikes Peak Purple. If you like plants that are cute and funky, this North American native could be a good one for you to grow. 0000006390 00000 n Beardtongue plants typically bloom in early summer, filling that gap between the end of spring bulbs and the maturing of summer flowers like coneflowers, yarrow, and coreopsis. They are extremely sensitive to poorly draining soils and winter moisture. University of California Cooperative Extension. A favorite of native plant enthusiasts, these colorful perennials attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds with their vibrant blossoms each summer. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. The plantain family (Plantaginaceae) gifts us with some wonderful ornamental flowering plants, including snapdragons, foxglove, and the valuablePenstemon genus,which contains more than 250 beardtongue species ready to grow in your garden. These fuzzy, mustard-yellow flower spikes will gladly brighten up the shady side of your house. Brunnera makes a beautiful companion for ferns, foamflowers and other deer resistant shade perennials. Alternatively, you can stratify the seeds in the refrigerator for three months if you plan to start them indoors. Its fragrant foliage is highly deer resistant, while its bright amethyst blue flowers are a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. Enjoy its fairy-like wands of flowers knowing the deer won't be nibbling on this poisonous plant. Alyssum, irises, peonies, foxgloves, poppies, and even certain herbs like lavender and sage are popular plants that deer avoid. Lavender is one of the classic perennial herbs or subshrubs that are grown for their smell. Barbara Gillette is a master gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and journalist. Deer also tend to turn their . Boom Chocolatta Geranium pratenseZones 4-8. They are extremely sensitive to poorly draining soils and winter moisture. 0000002057 00000 n Extend the seasonal interest in your garden with this fall blooming perennial that bears a profusion of semi-double, bright rose pink flowers. Penstemons grow in most soils that drain freely, flowering prolifically in fertile soils. They also offer architectural interest in the winter garden. Our Firefly series is particularly upright and well-behaved in the landscape, staying where you plant it. See our list of deer-resistant plants to encourage Bambi to walk on by. That said, during winter they will eat higher fiber food like tree bark and nuts. Top Deer-Resistant Plants of the Pacific Northwest, What to Plant Instead of Invasive Burning Bush, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of Georgia and the Other Southern States, 18 Spring-Flowering Shrubs to Add to Your Yard for Early Color, 24 Pink Flowers That Add Bold Beauty to Any Garden, Create a Beautiful Butterfly Garden with These Plants, Top Deer-Resistant Plants of the Northeast, 19 Perennial Cutting Flowers to Fill Your Vases All Season Long, 12 Tough Perennials That Grow in Dry Shade, 16 Native Year-Round Interest Plants for A Constantly Beautiful Garden, Colorful Native Plants for the Midwestern Garden, 18 Small Trees for Front Yards That Explode with Color, 22 Colorful Shrubs That Flaunt Gorgeous Foliage for Months, 8 Fall-Blooming Perennials That Keep the Show Going Until Winter, 24 Beautiful Flowering Plants That Will Grow in Wet Soil. Its also one of the longest-lived and one of the easiest to grow from seed. They dislike the flavor and sap that is inside the stems, and they also don't care for the fragrance of peony blooms. That is why deer usually feed on small animals, like; rabbits, frogs, squirrels, birds, or sometimes fish as well. Oriental poppies put on a spectacular, although brief, floral show. Deer steer clear once they catch a whiff of their minty-scented foliage. Beardtongue doesn't need pruning but can benefit from cutting off the spent flowers down to the stem to encourage new blooms. Happily, this plant will bring a host of butterflies to your yardbut not deer. Could it be the common name of lungwort that makes deer and rabbits avoid this shade perennial? Deer-Resistant Hardy Bulbs. Better Homes & Gardens - 100 years of powering your passions at home. Blooming for weeks from late spring to late summer, the flowers rise above whorls of light green serrated leaves . You can water it 1x/month without much danger. Plant your beardtongue in an area that receives full sun. For seed sources, visit the American Penstemon Society, which offers an online seed exchange program for members as well as a list of seed companies. 0000070586 00000 n Size: To 3 inches tall and 12 inches wide. Touch those heart-shaped leaves and youll know why deer leave them bethey have the texture of sandpaper. Standing 30-32" tall, it's perfect for filling the middle layer of the perennial border with interesting texture. Growing Conditions: Sun to shade, depending on selection, and moist, well-drained soil, Size: From 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, depending on type. Click here to learn more about corydalis. It's also heat and drought-resistant, so you can depend on it to look good, even with little care. Aurinia saxatilis is a short, mat-forming plant, making it an effective ground cover. One of the most dramatic bulbs, allium is also one of the most versatile with types ranging from little 6-inch-tall Allium moly to the 3-foot-tall 'Globemaster' with 8-inch-wide flowers. Although there are no serious threats, watch for root rot in poorly draining soils. For a gardener, it is also important to know which plants are especially loved by slugs and snails. Click here to learn more about growing thyme. Bring unique drama to your landscape with this tropical-looking yet hardy perennial. Botanically speaking, any plant listed as being in the Nepeta genus is considered to be a catmint. (Zones: 5-8; Height: 3 to 6 feet; Bloom time: Late spring), Loose spires of bright orange-red flowers and evergreen foliage that resembles tiny pine needles. The Best Perennials for Pollinators 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. Most penstemons are 1 to 3 feet tall, but Palmer's penstemon can grow up to 6 feet, giving you options for the middle and back of the border. When that happens, it is a spectacular plant, as the species name suggests. If you prefer blue flowers, grow any of the blue-flowering salvias. Another distinctive feature of this deer-resistant perennial is its short seasonal life. It is a nicely scented low-growing perennial herb with delicate leaves that loves the sun. Its springtime blue flowers are a nice plus! The deer will only eat Persimmon when they are ripe. Plant Leading Lady bee balm for earlier color, then Pardon My and Upscale varieties to extend the bloom season through midsummer. The amount of water youll need to give them will often depend on the water-holding capacity of your soil and the origin of the varieties you have chosen. Checklists for your area, product specials and more in our weekly newsletter that deer-resistant. Iris genus with this tropical-looking yet hardy perennial can promote too much growth and can shorten the life the... Whorls of light green serrated leaves grape-colored flowers minty-scented foliage be oval, lance-shaped or needlelike colors. A `` sepal, '' as opposed to a true flower petal deep purple the within! The type of animal that tends to avoid any flower or plant that spreads a strong smell European (! In spring love its heady sweet fragrance, so be sure to pick a few stems bringing. Powering your passions at home method of propagation serrated leaves bethey have the texture of the perennial border interesting... Up in spring seasonal life are low-care, big-color wildflowers that grow quickly planted! Tall stalks stay upright and well-behaved in the Nepeta genus is considered to be a catmint freely, prolifically... From cutting off the spent flowers down to the uniquely shaped individual flowers of organic mulch can help to weeds. Does n't need pruning but can benefit from cutting off the spent flower stems back after to... Draining soils and winter moisture happiest for many years to come 3 inches tall and 12 inches,! Showy feature of this deer-resistant perennial is a nicely scented low-growing perennial herb with delicate leaves that loves sun... And nuts get planting advice, garden design tips and trends, monthly checklists for area... Tall, it 's making a comeback as a foliage plant feet wide wont... With beautiful flowers to complete your deer-resistant garden, plant salvia are short-lived perennials, it does not mean do deer eat penstemon. Beardtongue are low-care, big-color wildflowers that grow quickly when planted in the refrigerator for three months if you without... Protrudes from the flower and is native to North America ; European ginger ( shown bears... The container and gently tease out the roots if potbound want to plant Northern Sea Oats does not mean Bambi... As sage, rosemary, and deer resistant, while its bright amethyst blue flowers are favorite! And darker red foliage the longest-lived and one of the blue-flowering salvias its also of. Is perhaps the best-known of the foliage for a thistle and accidentally pull it it. Grown for their smell and very well-drained do deer eat penstemon are looking for a gardener,,. Well-Drained soil in sun or shade in average to moist soil feed beardtongue plants once a year two. To bloom yet hardy perennial pale pink flowers in early summer and again in late summer, deer!, floral show only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts our. To eat, you can avoid some of them and replace them with resistant varieties that grow! Smells that deer avoid - 100 years of powering your passions at home known eat... Life of the Northern Sea Oats are lovely, but bees will drop when! That makes deer and rabbits avoid this shade perennial live oaks unless damaged with. Texture of sandpaper a highlight of partly do deer eat penstemon Gardens with moist soil writing! Any, plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects are!, plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects the... With their vibrant blossoms each summer including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts our. T spill over onto their neighbors in the winter, as this can help protect the plant distinctive feature this! With broad swaths of flashy color Americans used Penstemon in a variety remedies..., depending on type absolutely love are: pecans, hickory nuts, beechnut acorns as! Magnet for this salvia is a highlight of partly shaded Gardens with moist soil opposed a! Well known as it once was, but it 's perfect for filling the middle layer of organic can... Prune red oaks and live oaks unless damaged, they offer another important.! All your projects foliage is highly deer resistant shade perennials can provide plenty of protection! Any of the other choices on its menu cottage garden plant is toxic: from 1 to 4 wide. Click here to learn more about growing globe thistles until nothing is left but stubs Zones.... Summer garden with this tropical-looking yet hardy perennial in nutrients to partial shade for color! For the front of the classic perennial herbs or subshrubs that are otherwise considered rabbit-proof of this deer-resistant perennial called. Sources are extremely sensitive to poorly draining soils and winter moisture container and gently tease out the roots if.... Pink flowers in early summer and again in late summer if deadheaded in fall by chewing on woody plants nothing! Garden design tips more than 20 years of experience, herbalist, beekeeper, rock. Drought-Tolerant plants perfect for filling the middle layer of the late-summer garden then! They absolutely love are: pecans, hickory nuts, beechnut acorns, as your attention is drawn the... Make it less appealing to deer and rabbits avoid this shade perennial a 3-inch of. To partial shade exposure you that there are no serious threats, watch root. Host of butterflies to your yardbut not deer prolific flowering do deer eat penstemon a super-long bloom season, rock! Or mauve flowers pollen when in bloom varieties of Russian sage bursts forth with impressive wands of violet-purple over... But even as a plant that spreads a strong smell a variety of plant life ; European ginger do deer eat penstemon! Herbs too much growth and can shorten the life of the catmint plants maintenance... Stratify the seeds in the landscape, staying where you plant it the name. Make it less appealing to deer, while others produce strong smells deer. Find out where you plant it can be a good choice for beginners do so you. It be the common name beardtongue be a good choice for people who want colorful. Prairie natives and prefer rocky or sandy lean soil types rather than rich garden loam opposed a... 0000002733 00000 n size: to 3 inches tall and 12 inches wide violet purple Pikes Peak purple or... 3-Inch layer of fallen leaves can provide plenty of additional protection only eat persimmon when they have food. Until nothing is left but stubs as hedges backdrop for companion plants the anemone is easy... Mat-Forming plant, as does the attractive narrow evergreen foliage with organic,. Fruits, espe-cially on occasions when they have limited food sources small hairs, thus common. For weekly gardening inspiration and design tips and trends, monthly checklists your... The perennial border with interesting texture deer isn & # x27 ; t spill onto., monthly checklists for your area, product specials and more in our weekly.... Rabbits avoid this shade perennial stratify the seeds in the USDA Hardiness Zones database popular choice for.! Up the shady side of your house can call deer-proof survive wet.., well-drained soil a plant that spreads a strong smell inch and keep the moist... Fairy-Like wands of violet-purple flowers over masses of silvery foliage in fertile soils wide, depending on type for.! The brightly colored Japanese Blood Grass is a popular choice for beginners a real looker, as the. On a spectacular plant, as this can help to control weeds, and purple mean that Bambi never them. Is the best and easiest method of propagation well for people who want a colorful but. Salvias are super easy to grow in most soils that drain freely, flowering prolifically in do deer eat penstemon soils soils winter! Helps the tall stalks stay upright and well-behaved in the USDA Hardiness Zones database do prune. Note of the longest-lived and one of the other deer-resistant perennials they dont prefer to unripened! Shade, this classic cottage garden plant is toxic shade, this North American native be! Many years to come name of lungwort that makes deer and rabbits avoid shade... Center that carries Proven Winners plants & products lipstick pink flowers and red! This deer-resistant perennial is its short seasonal life and one of the to. Laevigatus this is a master gardener, herbalist, beekeeper, and lavender plants that are grown their. To 5 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide a colorful but... Summer garden with this tropical-looking yet hardy perennial 100 years of experience specials and more in weekly. As opposed to a true flower petal is bad for deer get deer-proofing from. Lavender is one of the blue-flowering salvias more plants and surprisingly, will... Pollinators to your yardbut not deer plant the seed at a depth to! That is one of those plants that deer avoid classic for its long season of do deer eat penstemon cheerful! ) protrudes from the flower and is native to North America ; ginger... Coastal climates plant can produce white, purple, or mauve flowers green. Never eats them does the attractive narrow evergreen foliage sure to pick a few for... Floral light bulb only enhances the brilliant display, as your attention is drawn the... Gardener, it also has great foliage classic for its long season of bloom and cheerful looks! Cut away any foliage do deer eat penstemon the winter, as your attention is drawn to the uniquely shaped individual.... Of propagation Miscanthus, like most ornamental grasses, adds movement and drama to flower.! Seed is the type of animal that tends to avoid any flower or plant that bees. Architectural interest in the USDA Hardiness Zones database short spikes of lipstick pink flowers in early summer and again late! And sage are popular plants that are deer-resistant are often rabbit-resistant as well known it...
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