As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have encountered the frustrating problem of deer damaging plants in many gardens. However, over the years, I have discovered several plants with fuzzy foliage that deer tend to avoid. These plants not only add texture and interest to a garden, but they also provide a natural deterrent against deer browsing.
One such plant is the heartleaf brunnera (Brunnera). This perennial has large, heart-shaped leaves covered in a soft, fuzzy texture. Deer typically avoid plants with fuzzy foliage because the texture is unpleasant to their sensitive mouths. The heartleaf brunnera also produces delicate blue flowers in the spring, adding beauty to the garden.
Another plant with fuzzy foliage that deer tend to avoid is lungwort (Pulmonaria). Lungwort is a low-growing perennial with attractive silver-spotted leaves. The texture of the foliage, combined with the silver markings, makes it unappealing to deer. Lungwort also produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or blue, attracting pollinators to the garden.
Lamb’s ear (Stachys) is another excellent choice for a fuzzy-foliaged plant that deer dislike. Its soft, velvety leaves are not only a delight to touch but also act as a natural deterrent to deer. Lamb’s ear is a low-maintenance perennial that forms dense mats of foliage, creating a beautiful ground cover in the garden.
Deadnettle (Lamium) is another fuzzy-foliaged plant that deer tend to avoid. This ground cover plant has silver-green leaves with a soft, fuzzy texture. Deadnettle also produces colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white, adding vibrancy to the garden. The fuzzy foliage, combined with the fragrance of the flowers, makes it unappealing to deer.
Wormwood (Artemisia) is a perennial plant with feathery, silver-gray leaves that deer typically avoid. The leaves have a strong, aromatic scent that deters deer from browsing on them. Wormwood is a drought-tolerant plant that adds a unique texture and color to the garden, especially when planted in mass groupings.
Blanket flower (Gaillardia) is not only loved by butterflies but also disliked by deer due to its fuzzy foliage. This perennial produces vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The fuzzy leaves, combined with the colorful flowers, make it an excellent choice for deer-resistant gardens.
Coleus (Plectranthus) is a popular annual plant with fuzzy foliage that deer tend to avoid. This plant comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, adding visual interest to the garden. The fuzzy leaves act as a natural deterrent to deer, making coleus a great choice for containers or garden beds.
Butterfly bush (Buddleia) is a shrub with fuzzy foliage that deer typically avoid. This plant is known for its fragrant, cone-shaped flower clusters that attract butterflies and other pollinators. The fuzzy leaves, combined with the strong scent of the flowers, make it unappealing to deer.
Spirea (Spiraea) is a versatile shrub with fuzzy foliage that deer tend to avoid. This plant comes in a variety of sizes and colors, adding texture and interest to the garden. The fuzzy leaves act as a natural deterrent to deer, making spirea a great addition to deer-resistant landscapes.
Lastly, viburnum is a group of shrubs with fuzzy foliage that deer typically avoid. Different varieties of viburnum offer different textures and colors, adding diversity to the garden. The fuzzy leaves, combined with the attractive flowers and fruits, make viburnum an excellent choice for deer-resistant gardens.
In my experience, incorporating these plants with fuzzy foliage into a garden has helped deter deer from browsing and damaging other plants. However, it’s important to note that deer browsing habits can vary depending on the region and specific deer populations. It’s always a good idea to observe local deer behavior and adjust plant selections accordingly.
