Five deer resistant shrubs to make your garden beautiful

Five Deer Resistant Shrubs

That will make your garden beautiful


Are you dreaming of a beautiful garden this summer, with pops of color and the warm sun on your face? Then, you look out and see a whole family of deer munching on everything in sight, reminding you of last year when they devoured all your hard work. Don’t worry—I've got you covered. Let me introduce you to a selection of deer-resistant plants that will bring beauty and inspiration to your garden, without the worry of them being eaten away.


Lilac

Syringa vurgaris

Lilacs are absolutely magical for so many reasons! First, there's the fragrance—it's one of the most beloved scents in the garden, often described as sweet, fresh, and nostalgic. It's the kind of scent that fills the air on a warm spring day and instantly brings a sense of calm and joy.

Then, there’s the stunning visual appeal. Lilacs burst into beautiful clusters of tiny flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white, creating a soft yet vibrant pop of color in any garden. They bloom in early spring, signaling the transition to warmer weather, which always feels like a little gift after the long winter months.

Their versatility is another big plus. Lilacs are perfect as a focal point in the garden or as a fragrant hedge, and they attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping support local ecosystems. They are pretty low-maintenance once established, tolerating a range conditions.

And of course, the sentimental value. For many, lilacs are associated with fond memories—whether it's childhood summers, Grandma’s gardens, or the excitement of spring. They’re just one of those plants that feel timeless and classic.

Recommended varieties: Common purple, white, or pink. Beauty of Moscow. Agincourt Beauty.


Weigela

Weigela florida

Weigela is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, beautiful, and versatile shrub that offers a long season of interest. It attracts pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, and it's hardy in a variety of growing conditions.

One of the biggest reasons to grow Weigela is its stunning blooms. Bursting into vibrant trumpet-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, it offers a range of colors—pink, red, white, or purple, depending on the variety. These flowers are not only beautiful but also attract pollinators. Plus, the blooms last for weeks and often rebloom with second and third flushes throughout the summer, keeping your garden looking fresh.

But the beauty doesn’t stop there. After the flowers fade, Weigela continues to shine with its colorful foliage. Depending on the variety, you’ll enjoy deep green leaves, variegated green and white, or even burgundy and gold tones, providing season-long visual interest.

Weigela is also incredibly easy to grow. It’s drought-tolerant, pest-free, and can be pruned back when needed, making it an ideal choice for newer gardeners. Its adaptability to different conditions and minimal care requirements make it a standout addition to any garden.

Recommended varieties: Wine and Roses. Red. Varigated. Sonic Bloom


Dappled Willow

Salix integra

If there’s one shrub known for stunning foliage, it’s the Japanese Willow, commonly called dappled willow. This plant is known for its striking variegated leaves in shades of pink, white, and green.

One of the best features of Hakuro Nishiki is its rapid growth. It thrives in a variety of conditions and quickly takes off, making it an excellent choice for hedges, borders, or privacy screens. Within just one season, this shrub can reach 6–10 feet in height. Keep in mind, however, that its leaves drop in winter, so if you are looking for year round screening, this wouldn’t work. 

When the new growth explodes in the spring, the pink is beautiful. It’s easily pruned back to maintain shape and size. I personally use them in my cut flowers, but the pink ends can wilt. 

 Recommended varieties: Hakuro Nishiki


Ninebark

Physocarpus opulilofolius

Ninebark has quickly become one of my favorite shrubs to grow. It's incredibly adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, with beautiful foliage, stunning spring blooms, and the added bonus of attracting pollinators. Plus, it's so low maintenance!

Ninebark thrives in both full sun and partial shade, and it’s tolerant of a range of soil types once established. It has stunning foliage (leaves) that turn shades of red and orange in the fall, giving you extended seasonal interest.

Once established, Ninebark is pretty low-maintenance. It’s drought-tolerant, doesn’t need a lot of pruning (though it can be pruned to shape if desired), and resists pests and diseases. In late spring to early summer, Ninebark produces clusters of small, white or pinkish flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. They are a must have for me as filler in my flower bouquets.

Recommended varieties: Diablo. Amber Jubilee. Coppertina. Center Glow


Rose of Sharon

Hybiscus syriacus

This shrub is known for its stunning and abundant flowers. It produces large, showy flowers that, unlike many shrubs, bloom for several months—usually from mid-summer through fall. I have a variety of different types on the farm and each one is a show stopper in itself. Even better, it comes in so many colors, making it perfect for any garden design. Some plants are single flowered in reds, purples, whites, and pinks. While others sparkle with double blooms that set off a sparkling display for everyone to see.

Rose of Sharon is a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow into a small tree or remain bushy, depending on how you prune it. It easily reaches 8-12 feet tall, with some smaller varieties. Despite its height, Rose of Sharon is not overly wide, making it a good choice for smaller gardens or spaces where you want vertical interest without a sprawling plant. You can even grow it in containers or along fences to save space.

Maintenance is easy and thrives in all kinds of conditions. It’s drought-tolerant and attracts lots of pollinators once established. I often see hummingbirds flying and feeding on its nectar throughout the summer. 

Recommended varieties: Blue or Lavender Chiffon. Lil Kim. Lucy. Blueberry Smoothie.

Thanks for following along. I'll be posting my top favorite deer resistant perennials soon. 


 

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