Plants That the Herbivores Will Avoid in the South

Fionuala Campion says in her article, Dazzling Deer-Resistant Perennials, “Though very graceful and delightful to behold in their native habitat, deer are a voracious force to reckon with in many Northern California gardens, particularly in summer and fall.” But these majestic creatures are not just an issue for gardeners on the west coast. There are populations of deer in all 50 states, and all are munching on the many different plants we’re growing across the country.

There are a vast array of deterrents that can offer various levels of success, but sometimes the best method to deter pests is growing plants they won’t bother with. While results can always vary, these four expert-selected plants for the South are the closest you’ll get to deer-proof.

Zones: 7b–11

Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun; average to dry, well-drained soil

Native range: Northeastern Mexico

This hardy agave is one of my favorites of all time. It thrives in sandy clay soil in a very hot microclimate on the south side of my house. In our region it rarely sustains any winter damage. It forms a structurally stunning rosette of thick, silvery, slightly cupped leaves tipped with sharp points. Try using it mixed into a full-sun perennial border, or as the star of a drought-tolerant hellstrip design. It looks especially stunning near a bright-colored companion like ‘Fernspray Gold’ Hinoki cypress, another of my deer-resistant favorites. To keep it healthy, do not overwater, and do not cut off the terminal spines. The spines are part of the leaves, and removing them could introduce an avenue for pathogens to infect the plant.

Zones: 7–11

Size: 18 to 24 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide

Conditions: Full sun; moist to