Whitetail deer are a common sight in the landscapes where we reside. While there are many clever methods to deter these creatures, one effective strategy involves planting a variety of deer-resistant plants and transitioning from a simple landscape design to a more intricate one that minimizes damage. In this article, we will focus on summer blooming bulbs, rhizomes, tubers, and corms that can be planted in spring and early summer for a vibrant display. For those interested in fall planting, we will cover deer-resistant bulbs in a future article.
Allium: A Pungent Choice
Alliums, commonly known as flowering onions, encompass hundreds of species worldwide. While most allium bulbs are typically planted in the fall, there are narrow-leaved perennial-like varieties that can be found in pots. The strong scent and taste of alliums make them unappealing to deer, offering a great option for those looking to create a deer-resistant garden.
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Summer perennial allium interplanted with deer-resistant ornamental grass. Photo by Sarah Rautio, MSU Extension.
Iris: Graceful and Resistant
Both German and Japanese varieties of iris are naturally deer-resistant. With tough leaves in the case of German iris and grass-like leaves for Japanese iris, these plants possess qualities that deer tend to avoid. Irises are rhizomes, making them easy to grow and reproduce. Planting irises en masse with other blooming plants creates a stunning display.
Kniphofia: A Desert Beauty
Kniphofia, also known as Poker Plants or Desert Candles, produce grass-like foliage that deer dislike due to the sharp edges. Originally from Africa, Kniphofia can withstand cooler temperatures in Michigan’s USDA Zones 5 and 6. Incorporating red hot pokers into flower beds alongside other prairie-like perennials and annuals creates a visually appealing arrangement.
Red hot pokers intermixed with other prairie-like perennials and annuals within a large flower bed. Photo by Sarah Rautio, MSU Extension.
Eremus: Majestic and Selective
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Eremus, commonly known as foxtail lilies or Desert Candles, can be a bit tricky to grow for beginners. Native to Eastern Europe to China, these plants are highly popular in England but relatively less known in the United States. Their grass-like foliage provides deer resistance, but they require well-drained soil and are susceptible to root rot in wet conditions. It is advisable to test a small amount before investing in a larger planting.
Foxtail Lilies can grow to be 3 feet tall and have interesting serpentine-like tuberous roots. Photo by Sarah Rautio, MSU Extension.
Peony: Enduring Elegance
Peonies, available as both dormant tuberous roots and potted plants, have leathery leaves that make them deer-resistant. Although the flowers may be at a slight risk, peonies have proven themselves in yards neighboring open farmland areas in Michigan, where deer and harsh winter winds are common. With a wide range of cultivars and species, many of which thrive in cold growing zones like USDA Zone 3, peonies offer a diverse collection for a stunning June bloom.
Many varieties of peonies tolerate very cold climates. A young boy admires a peony in Oulu, Finland, not far from the Arctic Circle. Photo by Sarah Rautio, MSU Extension.
Gladiolus: Sword Lilies and More
Gladioli, historically capable of withstanding deer damage, are often referred to as sword lilies due to their rough, grass-like leaves. To ensure longer vase life and prevent deer from picking off the flowers, gardeners typically harvest bloom stalks before emergence. There are lesser-known gladiolus varieties with looser blooms, such as G. callianthus, which can be left to flower alongside other deer-resistant perennials. Since gladioli originate from warmer climates than Michigan, their corms need to be lifted and stored for the winter.
A familiar (Grandiflora hybrid) and less-familiar (Gladiolus callianthus) variety of Gladiolus.
Agapanthus: A Unique Beauty
Also known as Lily of the Nile, Agapanthus is a bulb with large blue flowers that resembles alliums. However, Agapanthus blooms later in the summer, has limited species diversity, and derives deer resistance from its leathery leaves rather than a strong scent.
Agapanthus grown in a container in front of a greenhouse. Photo by Sarah Rautio, MSU Extension.
Begonia: Fascinating Varieties
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While not all begonias are deer-resistant, those with fuzzy stems/leaves or waxy/leathery leaves tend to be. Rex Begonias, with their rhizomatous stems and stunning foliage, possess fuzzy leaves that make them resistant to deer. Waxy-leaved begonias, popular for their flowers, have tuberous stems and are another great option. The large-leaf wax begonias, such as angel wing begonias, offer the most deer resistance. However, except for the hardy Begonia grandis, which thrives in USDA Zone 6 or higher, begonias in Michigan are grown as annuals in summer or overwintered indoors as houseplants.
A close-up of plant hairs on a Rex Begonia demonstrates a classic deer-resistant feature that some plants possess: fuzzy leaves. Photo by Sarah Rautio, MSU Extension.
Caladium: Elephant Ear Extravaganza
Caladiums, commonly known as Elephant Ears, belong to the Araceae plant family and feature large leaves with brilliant colors. These plants can only be grown as annuals in Michigan, as they originate from warm regions. Their deer resistance is attributed to a toxin called oxalate/oxalic acid, which they produce. This toxin is also present in other plants of the Araceae family, such as perennial skunk cabbage and perennial rhubarb. Imagine a garden filled with elephant ears, skunk cabbage, and rhubarb!
More Deer-Resistant Geophytes
In addition to the aforementioned plants, there are several other geophytes that deer tend to avoid:
- Blazing Star (Liatris punctate or the native Liatris spicata): Although not as deer-resistant as other bulbs, this corm still offers some resistance, especially when interplanted with other deer-resistant plants like Echinacea.
- Bleeding Heart (Dicentra): All species and cultivars of bleeding heart have high deer resistance and are available in both dormant and active forms.
- Canna Lilies (Canna): With their leathery leaves and large size, canna lilies are naturally deer-resistant. In Michigan, their rhizomes need to be lifted in the fall.
- Crocosmia/Montbretia: These corms produce plants with orange/red flowers on tall stems and grass-like foliage. While ‘Luicifer’ is hardy to USDA Zone 5, most varieties are suitable down to Zone 6.
- Cranesbill (Geranium tuberosum): This tuberous rooted perennial, part of the geranium family, boasts deer resistance thanks to its fuzzy stems and leaves.
- Fumewort (Corydalis solida): This woodland plant is often sold in pots during early spring.
- Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis): This lesser-known bulb belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and produces yellow flowers on low-growing plants.
- Wood Sorrel (Oxalis adenophylla): Another unfamiliar plant from the genus Oxalis, wood sorrel is most commonly sold in containers rather than as dormant corms.
By incorporating these deer-resistant geophytes into your landscape, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden while minimizing the damage caused by deer.
Note: The information in this article is based on the expertise and research conducted by Sarah Rautio, MSU Extension. Photos and captions courtesy of Sarah Rautio, MSU Extension.
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