If you’ve ever walked out to the garden and found fresh shoots chewed to the ground, you know how frustrating deer can be. As herds grow and feeding habits shift, more growers and homeowners are searching for plants that can hold their own.
At Peace Tree Farm, we focus on growing plants that do more than simply get by. They’re meant to thrive in real-world conditions. Our 2026 lineup features a broad mix of deer-resistant varieties to help growers plan ahead and help keep customers’ landscapes vibrant and resilient.
Tried-and-True Deer-Resistant Favorites
While no plant is completely deer-proof, these selections are among the most consistently avoided, and they bring beauty, fragrance, and pollinator power to boot!
- Lavender (Phenomenal Family of Lavender®) – A cornerstone of any deer-resistant garden. Fragrant, drought-tolerant, and dependable across zones, our Phenomenal Family of Lavender® offers strong structure and consistent growth that deer tend to skip right over.
- Yarrow (Achillea) – Feathery foliage and bold blooms make Yarrow a standout for both growers and designers. Once established, it thrives with little care and holds up beautifully in mixed plantings.
- Agastache (Hyssop) – Deer steer clear of its aromatic foliage, but pollinators can’t get enough. These long-blooming perennials add color and texture all season long.
- Salvia (Mirage, Wish, and Salgoon Series) – Vibrant spikes of color, sturdy stems, and that classic Salvia scent keep deer at bay while offering growers consistent performance in containers and landscapes alike.
- Euphorbia – Distinctive texture, drought tolerance, and durability make Euphorbia a top performer where browsing is an issue.
- Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) – Deer don’t bother with it, but butterflies and bees certainly do. A pollinator magnet and a low-maintenance win for any grower.
- Asclepias (Milkweed) – Essential for monarchs and other pollinators, Asclepias stands firm against deer pressure while supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Gaillardia (Blanket Flower) – Bright, cheerful blooms from early summer into fall, and not a favorite snack for deer.
- Heliopsis – Another long-season bloomer that holds up beautifully in full sun and resists browsing.
- Scented Geranium (Pelargonium) – Their strong, pleasant fragrance works like a natural deterrent. Ideal for containers, patios, or mixed herb plantings.
- Voodoo Lily (Amorphophallus) – Unusual, bold, and undeniably striking. Its distinct scent is enough to keep deer far away, but collectors and specialty growers love it for its personality.
- Castor Beans – Large, architectural, and dramatic, these plants offer both form and function in deer-prone areas.
- Fig (Ficus carica) – While deer may snack on the fruit if they can reach it, they tend to leave the plant itself alone.
- Gomphocarpus physocarpus ‘Hairy Balls’ – Spiky, spherical seed pods and airy foliage make this plant an instant conversation starter, and its bitter latex helps keep deer away. Surprisingly versatile, it’s even used as a whimsical element in cut-flower arrangements.
Planning Ahead for 2026
Now’s the time to plan ahead and pre-book your 2026 deer-resistant lineup. These are proven, hardworking plants that bring both beauty and strength to the landscape, qualities growers and retailers can depend on year after year. Every region has its own challenges, but smart planning and thoughtful plant choices make it easier to cut down on browsing and keep gardens thriving.