17 Beautiful Shade Plants That Deer Avoid

Gardening in shady spots where deer roam can be frustrating, as these foraging pests feast on many popular shade plants. But there are quite a few attractive options that deer tend to shun. I’ve compiled this list of 17 deer-resistant beauties that brighten up the shade without tempting Bambi.

Why Deer Love Shade Gardens

Shady areas provide deer with cool spots to rest and hide from predators. Plus, many shade-loving plants have tender, juicy leaves and buds that deer find delicious. This makes shade gardens especially woodland gardens prime targets for deer browsing. Protect your hard work by choosing plants they don’t prefer.

Deer-Resistant Perennials

These hardy perennials thrive in part to full shade and deer usually pass them by:

• Astilbe – Feathery plumes of white, pink, red, or purple flowers. Fern-like foliage.

• Bergenia – Clumps of large, leathery leaves and pink flower clusters.

• Brunnera – Heart-shaped silver spotted leaves and forget-me-not-like blue blooms.

• Columbine – Delicate nodding blooms in many colors atop filigree leaves.

• Epimedium – Delicate flowers hover over heart-shaped leaves. Spreads nicely.

• Foamflower – Masses of starry white blooms and spreading foliage.

• Hellebore – Showy blooms in late winter and evergreen foliage.

• Japanese Painted Fern – Elegant silver and red tinted fronds.

• Lungwort – Spotted leaves and blue, pink, or white bell flowers.

• Windflower – Dainty white anemone-like blooms on wiry stems.

Shrubs That Deter Deer

These woody shrubs grow well in shade and resist deer damage:

• Bottlebrush Buckeye – Long white flower spikes in summer. Yellow fall color.

• Burkwood Daphne – Clusters of sweetly fragrant pinkish-white blooms.

• Lily-of-the-Valley Shrub – Arching sprays of bell-shaped white or pink flowers.

• Oregon Grape Holly – Yellow flower clusters, holly-like leaves, and edible blue berries.

• Pachysandra – Thick glossy leaves spread to form a carpet, with white flowers.

• Skimmia – White spring flower clusters and red berries on female plants.

Groundcovers That Spread

These spreading plants make attractive deer-resistant shade garden groundcovers:

• Epimedium – See perennials. Forms a carpet of foliage and flowers.

• Foamflower – See perennials. Spreading masses of white blooms.

• Japanese Pachysandra – See shrubs. Spreads quickly once established.

• Lamium – Soft leaves and clusters of tubular flowers in white or pink.

Design and Care Tips

Follow these tips to create a successful shade garden that keeps deer at bay:

• Plant in drifts or groups for best visual impact and to simplify maintenance.

• Include plants with year-round appeal like evergreen ferns and epimedium.

• Use fragrant herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage to deter deer.

• Add motion with grasses like hakonechloa and carex varieties.

• Mulch beds to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

• Provide adequate irrigation, especially for flowering plants.

• Fence or use repellents if deer pressure is extreme.

• Remove and replace plants that deer damage repeatedly.

Enjoy Your Deer-Free Shade Garden