Deer pressure is a common challenge for Pennsylvania gardeners. With expanding suburban development and fragmented woodlands, white-tailed deer are abundant in many counties and will browse desirable plants unless discouraged. Choosing truly deer-resistant perennials is one of the most reliable long-term strategies: plant species that deer tend to avoid because of taste, texture, scent, or toxicity, and you reduce the need for fencing or constant repellents.
This article describes top deer-resistant perennial choices for Pennsylvania landscapes, keyed to light and soil conditions, bloom times, maintenance needs, and practical planting tips. The goal is to help you design attractive, resilient beds and borders that perform well from zone 5 in northern Pennsylvania to zone 7 in the southeast.
“Deer-resistant” does not mean deer-proof. When food is scarce or deer populations are very high, even normally resistant plants can be nibbled. Resistance is a spectrum influenced by plant chemistry (toxins, bitter compounds), leaf texture (fuzzy, coarse), strong scents, and structural defenses (sap, latex, tough stems). Combine plant selection with other strategies — barrier plantings, timed repellents, and habitat modification — for best results.
Key practical takeaways about resistance:
Pennsylvania landscapes contain a mix of soils — from acid, rocky uplands to richer loams in valleys. USDA hardiness zones range roughly from 5a/5b in the high country to 7a/7b along the southeast corridor. When selecting perennials, match light requirements (full sun, part shade, full shade) and soil moisture (dry, average, moist) to your site.
Soil preparation, good drainage for most perennials, and mulching are universal practices that help plants withstand browsing pressure because healthy plants recover more quickly.
Below are perennial selections grouped by typical garden situations. Each entry includes common name, height, site preferences, bloom season, deer-resistance notes, and maintenance tips.
Salvia (Salvia nemorosa and hybrids)
Salvia are clump-forming, aromatic sages that produce spikes of blue, purple, pink, or white flowers for long periods in summer. Height 18-30 inches. Thrive in full sun and average, well-drained soils. Deer generally avoid salvia because of its strong scent and coarse foliage. Deadhead spent spikes to encourage rebloom; divide every 3-4 years.
Nepeta (Catmint)
Height 12-24 inches. Aromatic gray-green foliage and lavender-blue flower spikes in late spring to summer. Excellent for massing in borders and very tolerant of poor soils. Strong scent repels deer and rabbits. Cut back after first bloom to promote a second flush.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Height 12-24 inches. Needs full sun and excellent drainage; performs best in alkaline to neutral soils. Fragrant foliage and long-lasting blooms. Deer generally dislike the fragrance and texture. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Echinacea (Purple Coneflower)
Height 2-4 feet. Native to North America; tolerates heat and drought when established. Long summer bloom attracts pollinators but not deer in most cases. Leave seedheads for winter interest and songbirds; divide clumps every 4-5 years if congested.
Rudbeckia fulgida (Black-Eyed Susan)
Height 2-3 feet. Tough, long-blooming native with daisy-like flowers from mid-summer into fall. Deer typically avoid the coarse foliage. Cut back in late fall or leave seedheads for birds.
Geranium Rozanne group (Cranesbill geraniums)
Height 12-18 inches. These hardy geraniums form long-lived mounds of foliage with sky-blue flowers from late spring through summer. Deer tend to avoid the mildly aromatic foliage. Great spillers along paths or mixed in shade borders.
Epimedium (Barrenwort)
Height 8-18 inches. Excellent groundcover for dry shade with wiry stems and delicate spring flowers. Leaves are leathery and often carry a taste deer avoid. Minimal maintenance; cut back old foliage in early spring for fresh leaf growth.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Height 12-24 inches. Available in many foliage colors; produce airy flower spikes in late spring. Some varieties are deer-resistant due to bitter foliage and unique textures. Provide moisture in hotter sites; divide when clumps outgrow space.
Acanthus mollis (Bear’s Breeches)
Height 2-4 feet. Bold architectural leaves and tall flower spikes in early summer. Not a preferred food source for deer due to large, coarse foliage and bitter taste. Suited to part-shade; can resist heavy shade better than many sun-loving perennials.
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Height 2-4 feet. Fragrant, aromatic leaves and showy, nectar-rich flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Some Monarda species are more deer-resistant than others because of strong scent and rough texture. Avoid planting in poorly drained sites; space for airflow to reduce powdery mildew.
Phlox paniculata (Garden Phlox)
Height 2-4 feet. Fragrant summer blooms in many colors. Not completely deer-proof but often bypassed in favor of tender alternatives. Choose mildew-resistant cultivars and provide good air circulation.
Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s Root)
Height 3-5 feet. Tall spires of small white to purple flowers; native to wet meadows. Foliage and stems are not attractive to deer. Excellent in rain gardens or moist borders.
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ear)
Height 6-12 inches. Soft, densely felted silver leaves make an unattractive mouthfeel for deer. Best in full sun and well-drained soil. Use as a low border or contrast plant.
Artemisia (Wormwood)
Height varies 12-36 inches depending on species. Silver-gray aromatic foliage is strongly scented and generally avoided by deer. Many species prefer dry, poor soils and full sun.
Baptisia australis (False Indigo)
Height 3-4 feet. Tough, pea-family perennial with rigid stems and compound leaves that deer typically avoid. Excellent for long-lived, low-maintenance borders. Slow to establish but very durable once started.
Choosing deer-resistant species is only part of the solution. Follow these practical planting and maintenance steps to maximize success.
A successful deer-resistant garden still needs visual interest across seasons. Consider these design approaches:
Native perennials often offer multiple benefits: adaptation to local soils and climate, support for pollinators and wildlife, and generally good resistance to local pests. Pennsylvania natives on the list above, such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, Monarda, and Baptisia, are excellent choices. Use natives where ecological function and long-term resilience are priorities.
When deer are numerous, rely on an integrated approach:
With thoughtful selection and proper site care, Pennsylvania gardeners can create attractive, resilient perennial beds that greatly reduce deer browsing while supporting pollinators and delivering multi-season interest.