Want to know which shrubs deer actually stay away from? After watching deer treat my garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet for years, I’ve finally found the perfect solution!
These 15 shrubs not only look amazing but also keep those hungry deer looking elsewhere.
My garden has never looked better, and yours can too!
1. Boxwood: The Classic Beauty
Boxwood has become my go-to foundation plant for good reason. Its dense, evergreen foliage stays beautiful year-round, making it perfect for creating structure in any garden.
I love how versatile these shrubs are – you can shape them into formal hedges or let them grow naturally.
What’s even better is that deer turn their noses up at boxwood, making it a worry-free choice for gardens in deer-heavy areas.
2. Blue Beard: Late Season Star
When August rolls around and most plants are winding down, Blue Beard puts on an amazing show with its vibrant blue flowers.
This compact shrub only reaches about 2-2.5 feet in height and width, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
I’ve planted several along my walkway where they thrive in full sun and attract butterflies while keeping deer at bay.
3. Butterfly Bush: A Pollinator’s Paradise
I was hesitant about adding Butterfly Bush to my garden at first, but it’s become one of my favorite additions. The deep pink flowers are absolutely stunning.
Every summer, my Butterfly Bush becomes a bustling hub of activity, attracting countless butterflies and bees.
Just remember to check if it’s invasive in your area – I made sure to research this before planting mine.
4. Spirea: Compact and Colorful
Spirea has been a game-changer in my garden borders. Standing at just 1.5-2 feet tall, it creates the perfect middle layer in landscape designs.
The blanket of colorful flowers it produces is breathtaking, especially in spring.
I’ve found it performs beautifully in both full sun and partial shade, making it incredibly versatile.
5. Viburnum: The Privacy Champion
When I needed a natural screen between my yard and the neighbor’s, Viburnum came to the rescue. Growing 5-6 feet tall and wide, it creates the perfect living wall.
The fragrant flowers in spring are an absolute bonus, followed by attractive berries that birds love.
I especially appreciate how the foliage turns brilliant colors in fall, giving my garden multiple seasons of interest.
6. Deutzia: Spring’s Showstopper
There’s something magical about Deutzia when it blooms in late spring. The cascade of flowers transforms my garden into a romantic paradise.
I’ve planted several along my foundation, where they thrive with minimal attention.
They look particularly stunning when paired with my perennial beds, creating layers of interest.
7. Forsythia: Spring’s Golden Herald
Nothing announces spring quite like Forsythia’s bright yellow blooms. I love how the flowers appear before the leaves, creating a striking golden display.
With its arching branches reaching 5-6 feet, this fast-growing shrub makes a dramatic statement in my landscape.
I’ve used it to create a natural hedge that deer completely ignore.
8. Scotch Broom: The Drought Warrior
In the driest part of my garden, Scotch Broom has proven to be a reliable performer. Its upright, broom-like appearance adds unique texture to the landscape.
The pink flowers provide wonderful color, and at 1-3 feet tall, it’s perfect for smaller spaces.
Just be sure to check its invasive status in your area before planting.
9. Juniper: The Evergreen Giant
I needed something substantial for year-round screening, and Juniper delivered perfectly. Growing 10-18 feet tall, it creates an impressive green wall.
The aromatic foliage and blue-green berries add extra interest to my winter garden.
This tough plant has handled everything nature has thrown at it while keeping deer away.
10. Rose of Sharon: Summer’s Tropical Touch
My Rose of Sharon brings a touch of the tropics to my suburban garden. The large, exotic-looking flowers never fail to draw compliments from visitors.
Standing 8-12 feet tall, it makes an impressive statement in my foundation plantings.
I particularly love how it blooms when many other shrubs have finished their show.
11. Elderberry: Four-Season Wonder
Elderberry has become the cornerstone of my garden’s year-round interest. From spring flowers to summer berries and fall colors, it never disappoints.
At 6-8 feet tall and wide, it creates a beautiful backdrop for smaller plants.
The birds absolutely love the berries, making my garden a wildlife haven (except for deer!).
12. Lilac: Fragrance Champion
The sweet perfume of lilacs in spring is absolutely intoxicating. My 4-6 foot specimens create the perfect backdrop for spring bulbs.
I’ve planted several varieties to extend the blooming season.
The purple, pink, and white flower clusters create a stunning display that deer consistently avoid.
13. Potentilla: The Constant Bloomer
If you’re looking for non-stop color, Potentilla is your answer. My specimens bloom from spring until frost with cheerful yellow flowers.
At 2-3 feet tall and wide, they’re perfect for borders and mass plantings.
I appreciate how low-maintenance these shrubs are – they just keep performing without much fuss.
14. Siberian Cypress: Ground Cover Hero
In areas where I needed attractive ground cover, Siberian Cypress has been invaluable. Its feathery foliage creates a beautiful carpet that changes with the seasons.
The green summer color transitions to an attractive bronze in winter.
At just 1-3 feet tall but spreading 4-5 feet wide, it’s perfect for covering difficult slopes.
15. Weigela: The Perfect Finish
The Spilled Wine variety of Weigela has become my go-to plant for walkway edges. Its compact size of 2-3 feet makes it perfectly proportioned for smaller spaces.
The combination of deep purple foliage and raspberry pink flowers creates a stunning display.
I’ve found it particularly effective in foundation plantings where its rich colors provide beautiful contrast.