Top Deer Resistant Plants for Southern Gardens

If you live in the southern growing zones and are constantly struggling with nearby deer killing your freshly established plants, we have the top deer resistant plants for you to add to your landscape.

Never have to relive the days of broken branches, eaten flower blossoms or exposed tree bark caused by deer.

We’ve outlined below five plant varieties that are known to be specimens deer don't particularly enjoy eating and that strive in the southern growing zones:

Top 5 Deer Resistant Plants For The South

Crape Myrtles
Perennial Sage Selections
Japanese Cedar Trees
Cherry Laurel Bushes
Golden Rain Tree

Crape Myrtles

If you’re looking for vibrant garden color, look no further than Crape Myrtles. From purple and pink to red and white, along with every shade in between, these garden favorites are known for bringing life to the flower power party.

Each late summer extended into fall, their bright colors are showcased and that’s when the neighbors just can’t look away.

There is no end to what you can do with Crape Myrtles when it comes to outdoor design! Space a few apart for a solid screen along your property line. Plant a single specimen at the corner of your home for that added curb appeal. Or use them in a garden bed as the focal point.

We love to grow Crape Myrtles in two ways -- tree form and shrub form! Some varieties grow on a single stem, making them fantastic small ornamental trees for the yard. Other varieties sprout multiple stems and are trimmed down to create excellent looking shrubs that are easily maintained.

Which way is your garden style? Grow both to find out!

The best part is deer find Crape Myrtles to be less than appetizing. Although we think they are gorgeous, deer aren’t amused and will find their food source elsewhere in the South. So, that means embrace the perfectly grown blossoms each year without a worry!

Our Most Popular Selections:

Black Diamond® Purely Purple™ Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia BLACK DIAMOND 'Purely Purple')
First Editions® Plum Magic Crapemyrtle Shrub (Lagerstroemia 'Plum Magic')
Black Diamond® Crimson Red™ Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia BLACK DIAMOND 'Crimson Red')

Perennial Sage Selections

The strong scent of Russian Sage Bushes is not one that deterring deer opt to eat. These wonderful semi-woody herb plants provide a unique and pleasant aroma that most gardeners will use in their homes as a natural fragrance.

Not only will these bushes work hard indoors as a scent, but they will also work wonders in the landscape. The delicate grayish foliage pairs well with just about any perennial, ornamental grass, or even succulents.

In fact, these Russian Sage Selections are a top pick for xeriscape gardens! They love the southern heat and can withstand being planted in full sun.

Trim them down to serve as an elegant ground cover or let them free as a blooming bush. Nature Hills likes to pair our Russian Sage with a garden bed full of large flowers. Or, line a walkway that kindly greets guests with purplish blue flowers.

Regardless of how you decide to style them, Russian Sage Selections won’t have a problem with pesky deer using them as a snack!

Our Most Popular Selections:

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
Denim 'n Lace Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Denim 'n Lace')
Little Spire Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia 'Little Spire')

Japanese Cedar Trees

There is nothing more mature looking than a few Cedar Trees in the landscape, specifically Cryptomeria japonica cultivars! These evergreen trees have a slight hint of a fresh fragrance that we’ve all learned to love and that deer hate.

We love this genus of Cedar Trees because of their ability to provide a ‘soft’ natural setting to any yard. Whether it’s full sun or part shade, your Cryptomeria trees can give you that soft privacy screen-- perfect for hiding the neighbors and creating a sensational backdrop.

Even block off a busy nearby road or give yourself a break from the wind using these Cedar Trees!

You may find a few local songbirds perched within the branches, but never find deer nibbling on the handsome green foliage. Look forward to growing that wonderful Cedar aroma with a few of these cultivars established in the yard!

Our Most Popular Selections:

Cryptomeria Yoshino (Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino')
Dwarf Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica 'Globosa Nana')

Cherry Laurel Bushes

Cherry Laurel Bushes are broadleaved evergreens that check off all the boxes. They have sweetly fragranced flowers, attract a multitude of graceful pollinators and produce small fruit that birds and other small wildlife snack on.

With all that being said, they still don’t catch the eye of deer!

Use your Cherry Laurel Bush as an established low hedge that lines your driveways, pathways and more. They can also serve as garden bed anchors that provide four seasons of interesting backdrops.

Build the ultimate pollinator friendly garden with a few Cherry Laurel Bushes mixed in among other perennials and roses too. The uses are almost endless and deer will find their food elsewhere.

Our Most Popular Selections:

Zimmerman Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus 'Zimmerman')

Golden Rain Tree

You’ve seen it spread far across the southern United States because they can’t get enough of the heat. With four seasons of incredible interest, the Golden Rain Tree definitely has a reputation that precedes itself.

In the summer, its bright yellow flowers will make you stop and stare while being pleasantly blessed with a heavenly fragrance! The fall brings an artistic

display of orange and yellow leaves followed by the winter gracing a landscape with attractive bark.

The Golden Rain Tree is an effortless accent specimen that doubles as a small shade tree. Plant a row of them along your property line for an instant backdrop that cancels out noise. Or, use it as a single specimen in a rock garden or along a walkway.

This tough, urban savvy tree isn’t bothered by deer and we predict it’s because of the fragrance that tags along with the yellow flowers. The Golden Rain Tree is a MUST for southern planting zones!

Not in the Southern USDA hardiness zones? Take a look at our blogs covering Deer Resistant Plants For the North, Deer Resistant Plants For The East and Deer Resistant Plants For The West.

Although there are several plants that seem to be deer resistant, Nature Hills would like to state that there are no 100% deer proof plants-- instead, there are only plants that deer seldomly bother as compared to others.

Keep in mind that if the deer populations are increasing and their natural food sources are limited, deer are a lot more likely to browse on any plant of their choice, regardless if it is ‘deer resistant’ or not.

Furthermore, if you are adding a brand new plant into a certain area, deer are far more inclined to sample it just to see if they like it or not. Because of this, Nature Hills suggests spraying a deer repellent, like Bonide Go Away Deer Repellent, on all new plants.

This reminds the local deer that they don’t like the taste of your new plant.

Maybe your new trees have already had deer rub their antlers on the trunks in the fall of the year. If so, your tree is now very vulnerable and suggest reading How To Protect Trees From Deer Damage!

With the above 5 plants in your southern garden, never bat an eye at wandering deer again!

Happy gardening!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best deer-resistant perennials for southern gardens that thrive in full sun?

For southern gardens in zones 7-10, Perennial Sage selections top the list for deer-resistant full sun perennials, offering vibrant blooms from late spring through fall while deer consistently avoid their aromatic foliage. These hardy plants thrive in heat and humidity, reaching 2-4 feet tall depending on variety, and require minimal water once established. Plant them 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil for a continuous color display that deer won't touch.

Which USDA hardiness zones in the South are best for growing deer-resistant Russian Sage, and what are its key care tips?

Russian Sage thrives in USDA zones 5-9, making it excellent for most Southern regions except the hottest areas of South Florida and South Texas. This drought-tolerant perennial reaches 3-5 feet tall and wide, preferring full sun and well-draining soil with minimal water once established. Plant in spring after the last frost, spacing plants 3-4 feet apart to allow proper air circulation. Cut back to 6-8 inches in late winter before new growth emerges, and avoid overwatering or fertilizing which can reduce flowering and attract soft growth that deer may browse.

How do I plant and maintain ornamental grasses like Little Bluestem as deer-resistant options in southern lawns?

Plant Little Bluestem in fall or early spring in well-draining soil with full sun exposure, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart in zones 3-9. This native grass thrives in poor to average soils and requires minimal water once established, making it ideal for southern heat and drought conditions. Cut back the ornamental foliage to 4-6 inches in late winter before new growth emerges. Choose other deer-resistant native grasses like Buffalo Grass or Switchgrass for varied textures while maintaining low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly lawn alternatives.

What light requirements do deer-resistant annuals like marigolds, vinca, and cosmos need in southern landscapes?

Most deer-resistant annuals including marigolds, vinca, and cosmos thrive in full sun conditions (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) throughout southern growing zones 7-11. Vinca tolerates partial shade better than marigolds and cosmos, which require maximum sun exposure for optimal flowering and compact growth. In the intense southern heat, providing afternoon shade (2-4 PM) can help prevent stress while maintaining strong blooms. Plant these annuals in your sunniest garden spots for best deer resistance and flowering performance.

What soil and watering needs do Christmas ferns have when used as deer-resistant groundcover in the South?

Christmas ferns thrive in Zones 3-9 and prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil with organic matter and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.5-7.0. They naturally grow in woodland conditions, so they perform best with regular watering during dry periods, requiring about 1 inch of water weekly during their first growing season. Once established, they become moderately drought tolerant but still prefer consistent moisture. Plant them in partial to full shade and mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

When is the ideal time to plant deer-resistant salvias like ‘Wild Thing’ Autumn Sage in southern landscapes?

The ideal time to plant 'Wild Thing' Autumn Sage in southern landscapes (zones 7-10) is during fall from September through November, when cooler temperatures and increased rainfall help establish strong root systems before winter. Spring planting from March through early May also works well, but requires more consistent watering through the hot summer months. Plant salvias when soil temperatures are between 60-70°F for optimal root development. Choose fall planting for best results, spacing plants 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil with morning sun exposure.

How effective is lantana as a deer-resistant shrub for southern borders, and what's the best planting method?

Lantana is highly effective as a deer-resistant border shrub in zones 8-11, as deer avoid its aromatic foliage and slightly toxic properties. Plant lantana 18-24 inches apart in well-draining soil after the last frost, choosing compact varieties like 'New Gold' for consistent borders. For best results, plant in full sun and trim lightly in early spring to maintain dense, colorful growth that deer will consistently avoid.

What fragrant plants like bee balm or clethra should I interplant to protect my garden from deer?

While the article focuses on deer-resistant plants like Crape Myrtles and Perennial Sage, fragrant companion plants can enhance your deer protection strategy in southern zones 7-10. Bee balm (Monarda) and summer-blooming clethra both produce strong scents that deer typically avoid, and their aromatic oils intensify during warm southern summers. Plant these fragrant varieties as border plantings around your main deer-resistant specimens, spacing them 3-4 feet apart to create overlapping scent barriers. Combine multiple fragrant plants with the proven deer-resistant selections from our southern collection for maximum protection.

How can I prune abelia shrubs to maintain their deer-deterring qualities in humid southern conditions?

Prune abelia shrubs in late winter or early spring (February-March) in zones 7-9 to maintain their natural arching form and dense foliage that deters deer. Remove no more than one-third of the oldest canes at ground level and lightly trim remaining branches by 6-12 inches to encourage bushy growth. In humid southern conditions, ensure good air circulation by thinning interior branches to prevent fungal issues while maintaining the thick canopy that makes plants less appealing to deer. Deadhead spent flowers throughout summer to promote continuous blooming and keep the shrub vigorous.

What are effective deer-resistant groundcovers such as creeping thyme or mondo grass for humid southern shade gardens?

For humid southern shade gardens in zones 7-9, mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus) forms dense 6-8 inch tall clumps that deer typically avoid due to its tough, grass-like texture. Creeping thyme struggles in heavy shade and humidity, so consider alternatives like wild ginger (Asarum canadense) which spreads 12 inches wide with heart-shaped leaves, or cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) that tolerates deep shade and reaches 18-24 inches tall. Both wild ginger and cast iron plant have strong scents and textures that deter deer while thriving in southern humidity. Plant these groundcovers in spring after the last frost for best establishment before summer heat.