Tips & Tricks to Help Make Deer Resist Your Plants

Whitney Laritson | February 14, 2026

The most important thing to know about deer is that when they are hungry, and food is limited, they may eat just about anything. Please keep in mind that deer tastes change with the season, with the region, and with what is available to them.

Here’s How To Train Deer

We hear about it all the time … a plant that is listed as deer resistant gets damaged by deer browsing on that plant. What we have learned is that when you plant new plants at your home – and you are in an area that has lots of deer pressure, it is important to let the deer know that your plants do not taste good from the start.

How do you do that? First of all, pick plants that are not considered a delicacy to deer (plants that are not preferred by deer). Next, right after you plant your new plant - spray it with a deer repellent.

That way, when the deer make their way through your yard on their regular tour and they sample your enticing new plant – the repellent will give it a bad taste and they should not destroy it.

Remember with deer repellents, they will need to be re-applied as time and weather wear off the effectiveness of that bad tasting spray. Follow the directions on the spray to know when to reapply a “reminder” to those deer that your new plant is not going to taste good to them.

Good luck with your new plantings. Happy gardening!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if deer have been eating my plants?

Signs of deer damage include ragged, torn edges on leaves and stems since deer lack upper front teeth and tend to rip rather than cut cleanly. You may also notice missing foliage or broken branches at heights up to 6 feet, along with hoof prints or droppings nearby. If you suspect deer activity, act quickly by applying a deer repellent spray to affected and surrounding plants, and reapply regularly according to the product directions to discourage deer from returning.

Which herbs can I grow to help keep deer out of my garden?

Strongly aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, sage, mint, and thyme are among the best choices for deterring deer, as deer tend to avoid plants with intense fragrances and strong flavors. These herbs work best when planted along the borders or perimeter of your garden to create a scented barrier. Keep in mind that no plant is completely deer-proof, especially during harsh winters when food is scarce, so combine herb plantings with a deer repellent spray for the most reliable protection.

Which shrubs and perennials hold up best against deer browsing?

Deer-resistant shrubs like boxwood, spirea, and butterfly bush tend to hold up well against browsing, while perennials such as lavender, salvia, Russian sage, and coneflower are generally passed over due to their strong scents or textures. That said, no plant is fully deer-proof, especially during harsh winters or drought when food sources are scarce and deer will eat almost anything available. Your best defense is to start with plants from our Deer Resistant Shrubs and Deer Resistant Perennials collections, then apply a deer repellent spray immediately after planting and reapply regularly according to label directions to reinforce the message that your garden is not on the menu.

Why do deer avoid certain plants and keep coming back to others?

Deer avoid plants that taste bad, have strong scents, or offer little nutritional value, while repeatedly returning to plants they find palatable and nutritious. Keep in mind that deer preferences shift with the seasons, vary by region, and change based on what food sources are available to them. When deer are truly hungry and food is scarce, even plants considered deer resistant can become targets. Your best defense is to start with plants that are not preferred by deer and apply a deer repellent immediately after planting so deer learn from their first visit that your plants are not worth eating.

Do deer eat crepe myrtle, or is it safe to plant near wooded areas?

Crepe myrtle is generally considered deer resistant, making it a reasonable choice near wooded areas, though no plant is completely deer-proof when food sources are scarce. Deer pressure, regional habits, and seasonal hunger can push deer to browse on plants they would normally avoid. To protect newly planted crepe myrtles, apply a deer repellent spray immediately after planting and reapply regularly according to the product directions to reinforce that bad taste before deer develop a browsing habit.

Do deer eat spirea, and should I avoid planting it along a woodland edge?

Spirea is generally considered deer resistant, making it a reasonable choice for woodland edges where deer pressure is common. However, no plant is completely deer proof, and hungry deer or those in areas with limited food sources may still browse on spirea, especially on tender new growth in spring. To protect your planting, apply a deer repellent immediately after planting and reapply it according to label directions as weather reduces its effectiveness over time.

What can I plant along my garden border to help deter deer naturally?

For a deer-deterring garden border, focus on plants that deer naturally find unpalatable, such as strongly scented herbs like lavender and Russian sage, or prickly-textured plants like barberries and ornamental grasses. Deer tend to avoid plants with fuzzy foliage, strong fragrance, or bitter taste, making these smart choices for border plantings. Browse our Deer Resistant Shrubs and Deer Resistant Perennials collections at Nature Hills to find the best options for your region, and be sure to apply a deer repellent spray immediately after planting to establish that bad-taste association from day one.

Do deer eat astilbe, and can I rely on it as a deer resistant perennial?

Astilbe is generally considered deer resistant, as deer tend to avoid its feathery plumes and foliage, making it a solid choice for gardens with moderate deer pressure. However, no plant is completely deer proof, and hungry deer in areas with high deer populations may still browse astilbe, especially on newly planted specimens. To protect your astilbe, apply a deer repellent spray immediately after planting and reapply according to label directions as weather and time reduce its effectiveness.

How do I use deer resistant plants to protect more vulnerable plants in my garden?

Planting deer-resistant species alongside more vulnerable plants can help discourage deer from browsing in that area of your garden, since deer tend to move on when they encounter unpleasant tastes or smells. However, keep in mind that when deer are hungry and food is scarce, they may eat nearly anything regardless of how resistant a plant is rated. For the best protection, combine this strategy with a deer repellent spray applied immediately after planting, and reapply it regularly according to the product directions to maintain its effectiveness throughout the season.

Can mixing deer resistant plants throughout my landscape actually help reduce deer damage?

Yes, strategically mixing deer resistant plants throughout your landscape can help deter browsing by making your yard a less appealing overall destination for deer. Plants with strong scents, textures, or bitter tastes tend to discourage deer from lingering and sampling neighboring plants. That said, deer pressure, season, and regional food availability all influence their behavior, so no plant is completely foolproof. Combine a mixed planting strategy with a deer repellent applied immediately after planting, and reapply according to label directions to reinforce the message that your yard is not a reliable food source.