I live in central Virginia and have moved to an area with intense deer activity. Can you recommend some plants that are deer resistant? I tried rosemary and lavender, I actually watched the deer go into eat those plants, then violently turn away with a sour face. In addition to pungent herbs, what else have you had success with? I need to round out my landscaping as this is a new house.

We have a lot of deer on our property, and the only plants that I know of that they won't eat is: weeds, briars, poison ivy, and kudzu.

No, seriously, try this site:Lawn & Garden: Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance

I live a deer ground zero, in California. I have watched them eat nearly everything I've planted except rosemary, redwood (the tree), and boxwood. If you can surround a tree or shrub with chicken wire until it's tall enough to be out of reach of the deer that will work--so I have a mock orange and a lilac that way. The deer also seemed to have passed up the California poppies I planted last year. So I have my fingers crossed for more poppies next spring.

In my youth, I worked for two years in a university lab studying the dietary habits of coastal mule deer. They will eat just about anything if there isn't much else to eat, especially in the dry season. Presumably, they will not eat anything toxic such as oleander. California mule deer generally do not eat grass (as a cow would) or mature leaves with lots of tannins (like oak). But they will eat the new growth of any of these. However, axis deer and fallow deer, which are not native to North America, do eat grass. I am not up on east coast deer--white tailed deer?-- but I'm guessing they are similar to mule deer here. They are in the same genus.

I recommend an 8-foot fence. That's the only thing that really works around here. I personally don't have one.

Hope this helps!

They don't eat vinca major either.

Edit: Or ferns, or cala "lilies."

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Originally Posted by asking

Presumably, they will not eat anything toxic such as oleander.!

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Oleander are very pretty, but keep in mind that they are toxic. I have dogs and will never plant those, even though I have never seen them chew on any plant.

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I've never had issue with my dog eating landscape plantings and I'll continue seeking out poisonous plants. I had success at my last home with lily of the valley and monk's hood. My ferns are doing great, but I still need plants for full sun. I priced true boxwoods. Ouch...

There are ferns that do well in full sun. And don't forget daffodils and narcissus, also toxic. Tulips of course are just expensive gifts for the gophers...

One non deer proof plant I put in (Zauschneria) survived by growing up through the branches of the rosemary. The plants that were 3 feet from the rosemary got nailed, but the ones inside the rosemary are healthy. Also, I have Salvia in the same area. They don't eat that either. So you might try nestling the more vulnerable plants up against something aromatic. No guarantees!

There are lots of list of poisonous plants. For example.
Plants Poisonous to Livestock - Animal Science - Cornell University

For 10 years we have tried to have a vegetable garden, and the deer eventually have had their way with it. This year I put up an electric fence and it has worked wonders. It is 9 feet high , and has a stronger than average power box. I think that it was made for horses and cows.

I know that you can't put up an electric fence around your whole property, but here are some pretty good ideas to keep deer off your existing plants.

After taking a bath, keep some the water and spray on the plants and shrubs.

Get cut hair from a barber, or hair salon. Sprinkle on the plants. They are usually glad to keep you some.

Make a hot pepper spray out of peppers and water. Purée the peppers into a mash, mix with water, and strain. Spray THAT on the plants.The hotter the pepper, the better. Habanero works best.

I don't know how secluded your area is, but urine works wonders. I know that sounds nasty and gross, but mark the area, not on the plants. It really works, my two young sons think that it's fun. ( we are way,way, out. No one can see us.)

Motion sensor flood lights work pretty well, it at all possible. That, or those solar powered walkway lights.

Good luck on your battle with wildlife. Sometimes it feels like I'm rowing a boat with a piece of rope.

I have had the best luck with hair and urine.

It may sound bad or nasty but it really does work. I have used it for years and it has never failed. Just bottle up some pee and pour around it a little distance from the plants. Or just pee around it if you have the privacy. Also the hair idea works great, I have used that too but the urine has been 100% effective.

I forgot about urine. I sprinkle chili powder on things, but you have to keep doing it and eventually I forget and the deer are always there--waiting.

I also used urine when my neighbor's dogs were coming over to do their daily constitutional in front of my front door. They got the message.

Chili powder also helps discourage rodents trying to nest in my car's engine compartment. When I drive around, it smells a little like chili, but not too bad!