The annuals deer leave alone most reliably in Maine are marigolds, snapdragons, ageratum, sweet alyssum, dusty miller, blue salvia and zonal geraniums. Most have fuzzy, scented or bitter leaves deer don’t like.
Key takeaways
- Strong scent, fuzzy leaves and bitter sap are what keep deer away.
- No plant is deer proof — hungry deer in a dry summer will try almost anything.
- Mix deer-resistant annuals around plants deer love to help protect them.
Annuals deer rarely eat
- Ageratum (floss flower)
- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
- Wax begonia
- Cleome (spider flower)
- Dahlia
- Blanket flower (Gaillardia pulchella)
- Heliotrope
- Polka-dot plant
- Morning glory
- Edging lobelia
- Sweet alyssum
- Four-o’clock
- Sweet basil and parsley
- Poppy
- Zonal geranium
- Blue salvia (Salvia farinacea)
- Dusty miller
- Marigold
- Verbena
Frequently asked questions
Do deer eat petunias?
Yes — petunias and impatiens are deer favorites. Plant them close to the house or in hanging baskets.
Are marigolds really deer resistant?
Yes. Their strong scent keeps deer and rabbits away, which is why they’re often planted around vegetable gardens.
Do repellents still help?
Yes, alongside deer-resistant plants. Rotate repellent brands so deer don’t get used to one smell.
Which deer-resistant annuals grow in shade?
Wax begonias, polka-dot plants and edging lobelia handle part shade.