If deer and rabbits keep nibbling on your plants, it can be really frustrating to protect your garden. Fortunately, there are natural ways to discourage these critters without harsh chemicals or complicated setups.
Choosing the right plants is one of the easiest ways to keep deer and rabbits away from your garden. These plants use scents, textures, or tastes that these animals tend to avoid, helping you maintain a healthier, less disturbed outdoor space.
English Lavender
If you want a plant that smells great and keeps deer and rabbits away, English Lavender is a good pick. Its strong scent deters these animals, so your garden stays safe.
Plus, it’s perfect for hot and dry spots. You can use it fresh or dried in bouquets, and it also attracts bees and butterflies for added garden life.
Common Sage
If you want a plant that’s easy to grow and tastes great in the kitchen, common sage is a solid choice. It has a strong scent that deer and rabbits tend to avoid.
You can plant it near your veggies or flowers as a natural way to keep critters away. Plus, it adds a nice touch to your herb garden.
Columbine
If you’re looking for a plant that deer and rabbits tend to avoid, columbine is a solid choice. Its unique, spurred flowers and grayish leaves don’t appeal much to these animals.
You’ll find varieties like ‘Nora Barlow’ that offer pretty pink-white flowers and fit nicely in cottage gardens or containers. They add charm without attracting unwanted nibblers.
Purple Rhododendron
If you want a colorful shrub that helps keep deer and rabbits away, purple rhododendron might be a good choice. Its tough leaves and slightly toxic nature make it unappealing to these animals.
It also adds a splash of color to your garden with vibrant blooms. Just be mindful that it prefers shady spots and well-drained soil for best growth.
Ornamental Onion
If you want a plant that helps keep deer and rabbits away, ornamental onions are a good choice. They have a strong scent and taste that most pests don’t like. Plus, they add a cool, architectural look to your garden with their unique flower heads.
Ornamental onions are also pretty low maintenance. You can find varieties like ‘Millennium’ that bloom late and resist pests well.
Garlic
You can plant garlic easily, and it works well to keep deer and rabbits away. Its strong smell is a natural deterrent for these animals.
Garlic grows quickly and takes up little space, making it a handy option for your garden.
Chives
If you want to keep deer and rabbits away, chives are a good choice. Their strong smell tends to repel these animals.
You can grow chives easily in sunny spots, and they even add a nice touch with their purple flowers. Plus, they’re useful in the kitchen, so you get a plant that works double duty.
Mountain Mint
Mountain mint is a great choice if you want a plant that deer and rabbits usually avoid. Its strong scent seems to keep them at bay, making it a natural garden protector for you.
It grows well in full or partial sun and attracts pollinators, so it’s good for your outdoor space in more ways than one.
Bee Balm
If you want a colorful garden without attracting deer or rabbits, bee balm is a solid choice. It has a strong scent that most deer and rabbits tend to avoid. Plus, it’s easy to grow and adds a nice splash of red or pink to your space.
Pussytoes
If you want a low-growing plant that deer and rabbits tend to avoid, Pussytoes are a solid choice. Parts of the plant can be poisonous, which makes it less appealing to these animals.
They spread by stolons and work well as ground cover in dry spots or rock gardens. Plus, they attract butterflies like the American Painted Lady, adding a bit of life to your garden.
Dogwood
If you want a shrub that’s both attractive and less tasty to deer and rabbits, dogwood is a solid choice. Its tough branches and leaves make it less appealing to these animals.
You’ll also enjoy the seasonal interest it brings, with colorful berries and flowers that boost your garden’s look without inviting unwanted snacks.
Coneflowers
You might think coneflowers are deer and rabbit-proof, but they can still get nibbled on sometimes. These perennials have a tough texture and a slightly bitter taste that usually keeps pests away.
They add bright color to your garden and attract pollinators. Still, if you notice damage, it’s not unusual, so don’t be surprised if a few get eaten. Some gardeners find coneflowers to be mostly resistant, but not completely.
Monarda
If you want a plant that deer and rabbits tend to avoid, Monarda is a solid choice. Its strong scent and waxy leaf texture make it unappealing to these animals.
Monarda also attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, so it’s good if you want more wildlife in your garden.
Tarragon
If you want a plant that helps keep deer and rabbits away, tarragon is a good choice. It has a strong scent that these critters don’t like, so it naturally deters them from your garden.
Plus, tarragon is useful in the kitchen, adding flavor to many dishes. It grows well in full or partial sun, making it easy to include in your garden setup.
Lemon Balm
If you want a simple way to keep deer and rabbits away, lemon balm is a good pick. Its strong citrus scent makes it unappealing to these animals.
You can easily grow lemon balm in your garden, and it also adds a fresh aroma. Plus, it’s useful for teas and cooking, so it’s a win-win.
Lungwort
If you want a reliable plant that deer and rabbits usually avoid, lungwort is a solid choice. Its leaves are hairy, which seems to deter these hungry critters.
Lungwort does well in shady spots and adds a splash of color with its spotted flowers. It’s low-maintenance and perfect for your garden if you need something deer-resistant without sacrificing beauty.