Are you over deer turning your landscape into their personal buffet?
Adding deer-resistant shrubs is an easy way to protect your garden while keeping it lush and beautiful.
These tough, low-maintenance plants offer vibrant blooms, rich foliage, and year-round interest—without becoming a snack!
Tough & Beautiful Shrubs That Stand Up to Hungry Deer
1. Boxwood
Dense foliage and a naturally compact shape make this evergreen a go-to for hedges and borders.
Deer tend to avoid its leathery leaves, which also emit a slightly bitter scent.
Minimal maintenance and year-round greenery make it a versatile choice for any landscape.
• USDA Growing Zones: 4–9
• Average Mature Size: 2–15 ft. tall, 2–8 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
• Botanical Name: Buxus
2. Barberry
Spiny branches and vibrant foliage keep deer at bay while adding rich color to the garden.
Spring flowers and fall berries make it an all-season beauty, but its sharp thorns provide an extra layer of protection.
Once established, it’s incredibly drought-tolerant and easy to care for.
• USDA Growing Zones: 4–8
• Average Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 4–7 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Berberis
3. Butterfly Bush
Fragrant blooms attract pollinators but don’t appeal to deer, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.
Vibrant flowers appear from summer to fall, offering a long season of color.
Low-maintenance and fast-growing, this shrub thrives in poor soil and tough conditions.
• USDA Growing Zones: 5–9
• Average Mature Size: 5–12 ft. tall, 4–15 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun
• Botanical Name: Buddleja davidii
4. Spirea
Soft, cascading blooms bring a delicate charm while its slightly bitter-tasting leaves keep deer uninterested.
This hardy shrub is adaptable to various soil types and produces abundant flowers from late spring through summer.
With minimal upkeep, it rewards gardeners with long-lasting beauty.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3–8
• Average Mature Size: 2–8 ft. tall, 3–10 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Spiraea
5. Dwarf Alberta Spruce
Dense, needle-like foliage and a strong pine scent make this compact evergreen unappealing to deer.
Slow-growing and naturally conical in shape, it requires little pruning to maintain its neat appearance.
Cold-hardy and resilient, it stands strong against harsh winter conditions.
• USDA Growing Zones: 2–8
• Average Mature Size: 6–12 ft. tall, 3–5 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Picea glauca ‘Conica’
6. Russian Sage
Silvery-green foliage and fragrant lavender-blue flowers create an eye-catching display that deer tend to avoid.
This drought-tolerant shrub thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes.
Blooming from midsummer through fall, it adds long-lasting color to garden beds.
• USDA Growing Zones: 4–9
• Average Mature Size: 3–5 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun
• Botanical Name: Perovskia atriplicifolia
7. Japanese Pieris
Glossy evergreen leaves and cascading clusters of bell-shaped flowers make this shrub a stunning focal point.
Natural toxicity in its foliage makes it highly resistant to deer while also deterring other garden pests.
Early spring blooms provide a welcome burst of color after winter’s chill.
• USDA Growing Zones: 4–8
• Average Mature Size: 6–12 ft. tall, 3–10 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Part Sun, Shade
• Botanical Name: Pieris japonica
8. Summersweet Clethra
Sweetly scented flowers bring in butterflies while naturally repelling deer, making it a win-win for any landscape.
Adaptable to wet soils, this shrub thrives near ponds or rain gardens and provides late-season blooms.
Vibrant fall foliage adds another layer of seasonal interest.
• USDA Growing Zones: 3–9
• Average Mature Size: 3–8 ft. tall, 4–6 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Part Sun, Shade
• Botanical Name: Clethra alnifolia
9. Oregon Grape
Spiky, holly-like leaves and tart berries keep deer at a distance while adding a unique texture to the garden.
Bright yellow flowers in spring give way to deep blue berries, providing year-round visual appeal.
Hardy and drought-tolerant, it’s an excellent option for low-water landscapes.
• USDA Growing Zones: 5–9
• Average Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 3–5 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Part Sun, Shade
• Botanical Name: Mahonia aquifolium
10. Beautyberry
Bold purple berries steal the spotlight in fall while its aromatic foliage naturally repels deer.
This fast-growing shrub thrives in various soil conditions and attracts birds with its vibrant fruit.
Bright green leaves turn golden in autumn, adding an extra pop of seasonal color.
• USDA Growing Zones: 5–8
• Average Mature Size: 3–6 ft. tall, 3–6 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun
• Botanical Name: Callicarpa
11. Mountain Laurel
Showy clusters of pink or white flowers make this native evergreen a standout in woodland gardens.
Deer avoid its thick, waxy leaves, while pollinators flock to its nectar-rich blooms.
Thriving in acidic soil, it’s perfect for adding color to shaded areas.
• USDA Growing Zones: 4–9
• Average Mature Size: 5–15 ft. tall, 5–15 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Part Sun, Shade
• Botanical Name: Kalmia latifolia
12. Bluebeard
Late-season blue flowers provide a much-needed nectar source for bees and butterflies while staying off the menu for deer.
Silvery-green foliage releases a subtle scent when touched, adding another layer of deterrence.
Drought-resistant and compact, it’s perfect for sunny borders or rock gardens.
• USDA Growing Zones: 5–9
• Average Mature Size: 2–4 ft. tall, 2–4 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun
• Botanical Name: Caryopteris
13. Inkberry Holly
Glossy evergreen leaves and dark berries give this native holly a classic look without attracting hungry deer.
Unlike traditional holly, it lacks sharp spines, making it a safer choice for family-friendly gardens.
Thriving in wet or dry conditions, it’s a hardy and adaptable shrub for any landscape.
• USDA Growing Zones: 4–9
• Average Mature Size: 5–8 ft. tall, 5–8 ft. wide
• Thrives In: Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
• Botanical Name: Ilex glabra
