Deer-Resistant Plants for Rockingham County Gardens

Deer are everywhere in Rockingham County. They eat expensive plants overnight. But some plants they avoid.

Why Deer-Resistant Matters Here

Virginia deer population is high. They browse year-round. Hungry deer eat almost anything in winter.

Deer-resistant plants don't taste good to deer. Or they smell bad to them. Or they're toxic.

No plant is truly deer-proof. But these get damaged less.

Deer-Resistant Trees

River Birch: Peeling bark. Fast growth. Tolerates wet soil.

Bald Cypress: Tolerates flooding. Nice fall color. Deer leave it alone.

Magnolia: Spring flowers. Glossy leaves. Too tough for deer to eat.

Deer-Resistant Shrubs

Boxwood: Classic hedge plant. Evergreen. Deer rarely touch it.

Juniper: Prickly evergreen. Many varieties. Deer avoid it.

Butterfly Bush: Summer flowers. Attracts butterflies. Deer don't like the smell.

Deer-Resistant Perennials

Lavender: Fragrant. Drought tolerant. Deer hate the smell.

Russian Sage: Purple flowers. Silver foliage. Deer avoid it.

Yarrow: Tough plant. Many colors. Deer resistant.

Daffodils: Spring bulbs. Toxic to deer. They never eat these.

Plants Deer Love (Avoid These)

Hostas: Deer candy. Will be eaten.

Tulips: Deer love bulbs and flowers.

Roses: Tender new growth disappears.

Azaleas: Deer browse these constantly.

Additional Protection

Fencing: Only guaranteed solution. Needs to be 8 feet tall.

Repellents: Work temporarily. Need reapplication. Especially after rain.

Motion sensors: Sprinklers or lights. Deer get used to them eventually.

Planting Strategy

Put deer favorites near house. Put resistant plants further out.

Plant strong-smelling plants around favorites. Sometimes works as barrier.