Plants That the Herbivores Will Avoid in the Mid-Atlantic

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 Mid-Atlantic are the closest you’ll get to deer-proof.

Zones: 5–8

Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; moist to dry soil

Native range: Eastern United States

Surprise your garden guests with this lesser-known penstemon. With beautiful summer-blooming flowers standing atop sturdy stems, calico penstemon has reliable, vigorous growth. While it thrives in moist, fertile soil, it also does well in the lean, dry soil preferred by other penstemons. What makes this species unique are the rose-pink hues on the exterior of the purple flowers and the whitish interiors. This three-toned coloration adds depth to the display. Calico penstemon holds up well in the competition of a mixed border and reliably flowers in both partial shade and full sun. Pair it with pink alliums (Allium spp. and cvs., Zones 4–10) in late spring for a handsome start to summer.

Zones: 4–9

Size: 4 feet tall and wide

Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; rich, well-drained soil

Native range: Hybrid

Choosing a