Deer-Resistant Shrubs

Shrubs for borders, hedges, and screening, all rated for how often deer damage them. Filter by light, height, and upkeep. Split into narrower lists below.

More specific collections

A shrub holds the middle ground between a border plant and a tree, and it is the layer deer reach first. There are flowering plants here, and most carry the colour through the season. Most are low-upkeep choices, with little staking or watering once they are settled. Browsing takes the new growth first, so the damage shows along the face of the plant.

shrubs: 480
hardiness zones: 3 to 12

These shrubs still put on a display, which is the part people expect to lose. You can find shrubs here that flower in spring through to late autumn, and the last flowers are still there when the leaves start to turn. Most of the colour is white, yellow and purple.

spring: 307
summer: 199
late autumn: 80

Cranberry Bush Viburnum

Bridal-Wreath Spiraea

Flowering Dogwood

Bay Laurel

The variety runs deeper than the type suggests: the range is wide enough that no two borders need look alike. Viburnum, Spiraea and Cornus have the most entries, and borders and hedges are the commonest uses.

borders: 245
hedges: 198