SHREVEPORT, La. – For many homeowners, the scene is all too familiar: a thriving garden one day, stripped bare the next.
The culprit is often deer, which can devour everything from delicate blooms to thorny shrubs.
But local gardening experts say there are plants that deer tend to avoid — and incorporating them into your landscape can help protect your yard.
At Akin’s Nursery, owner Jennifer McGimsey says while no plant is completely deer-proof, some varieties are far less appealing to browsing wildlife.
“Deer amaze me,” McGimsey said. “I have seen them eat the thorniest rose, an entire hydrangea bush. But they tend to stay away from some of these.”
Among the more reliable options are dianthus, a popular bedding plant that deer typically avoid during the summer months. McGimsey recommends planting dianthus in the shade during warmer seasons, noting it can tolerate more sun in the winter.
Gardeners looking for a long-term solution may consider perennial options such as butterfly bush, also known as buddleia. The plant produces large, cone-shaped blooms that attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds — but not deer.
“It’s going to come back every year and turn into a nice shrub,” McGimsey said, adding that dwarf varieties are also available for smaller spaces.
Other deer-resistant choices include society garlic, known for its strong scent, which tends to deter deer. The hardy perennial offers year-round greenery and blooms throughout the summer.
Coneflowers, or echinacea, are another dependable option. Native varieties, including the purple coneflower, not only return year after year but are also generally left untouched by deer.
McGimsey says evergreen shrubs with seasonal blooms can also help round out a deer-resistant garden, offering both color and structure while discouraging wildlife from snacking.
While no plant is guaranteed to be completely safe from hungry deer, choosing less desirable varieties can make a significant difference.
“Hopefully, they’ll be spared,” McGimsey said.
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