The most reliable deer-resistant perennials for Maine are plants with fuzzy, aromatic or bitter leaves — yarrow, catmint, Russian sage, lady’s mantle and ornamental onions top the list. No plant is deer proof, but these are rarely eaten.
- Yarrow — Ferny, bitter leaves deer pass over.
- Catmint — Strong scent, blooms for months.
- Russian Sage — Silvery, aromatic stems.
- Lady's Mantle — Fuzzy leaves deer dislike.
- Ornamental Onion — Onion scent keeps deer away.
- Hyssop — Minty leaves, loved by bees, not deer.
- Blue Star Flower — Milky sap and great fall color.
- False Indigo — Tough, long-lived and bitter.
- Bleeding Heart — Toxic to deer, so they skip it.
- Bellflower — Rarely browsed, long bloom.
Alkanet 'Alexander's Great'
Brunnera 'Alexander's Great'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Heartleaf (macrophylla)'
Brunnera 'Heartleaf (macrophylla)'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Jack Frost'
Brunnera 'Jack Frost'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Jack of Diamonds'
Brunnera 'Jack of Diamonds'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Looking Glass'
Brunnera 'Looking Glass'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Permafrost'
Brunnera 'Permafrost'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Queen of Hearts'
Brunnera 'Queen of Hearts'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Alkanet 'Sea Heart'
Brunnera 'Sea Heart'
from $16.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Long blooming
- Rabbit resistant
Ampliflora Iris 'Ming Treasure'
Iris 'Ming Treasure'
from $14.99 · 1GAL
- Deer resistant
- Salt tolerant
- Rabbit resistant
Asiatic Lily 'Black Eye'
Lilium 'Black Eye'
from $14.99 · 2GAL
- Deer resistant
- Fragrant
Asiatic Lily 'Golden Matrix'
Lilium 'Golden Matrix'
from $14.99 · 2GAL
- Deer resistant
- Fragrant
Asiatic Lily 'Kelsa'
Lilium 'Kelsa'
from $14.99 · 2GAL
- Deer resistant
- Fragrant
Tips
- Plant deer favorites like hostas and daylilies close to the house and deer-resistant plants at the edges.
- Hungry deer in late winter will try almost anything — protect new plantings their first year.
- Repellent sprays work best when you rotate brands.
Frequently asked questions
Is any plant truly deer proof?
No. A hungry deer will try almost anything, especially young plants in early spring. These plants are rarely eaten when other food is around.
What attracts deer to my garden?
Tender, smooth-leaved plants like hostas, daylilies, tulips and arborvitae are deer favorites.
Do deer-resistant plants need special care?
No — most are tough, drought-tolerant perennials that do best in sun and well-drained soil.
How do I protect plants deer love?
Fencing at least 8 feet tall is the only sure fix. Repellents and netting help in smaller areas.