Deer and Rabbit-Resistant Plants for Your Garden...

Deer and Rabbit-Resistant Plants for Boise Gardens

Bunnies may be cute, and deer may be majestic, but when either turns your garden into a buffet, the charm quickly fades. While fencing and repellents can help, one of the most effective long-term strategies is choosing plants that deer and rabbits tend to avoid.

It’s important to note that no plant is completely deer or rabbit-proof. Like many wild animals, both deer and rabbits are opportunistic and unpredictable feeders. What is ignored in one garden may be browsed in another, especially during periods of drought, population pressure, or limited food sources. Based on our research and gardening experience, we’ve compiled a small list of plants that are generally less palatable to deer and rabbits.

A Good Tip: Plants with hairy, fuzzy, spiky, thick, or strongly scented foliage are less appealing to both deer and rabbits. Silver or gray foliage is also often avoided.

Deer and Rabbit Resistant Plants for our area:

1. Russian Sage (Perovskia) – Tough, drought-tolerant perennial with aromatic silver foliage and purple blooms that deer and rabbits tend to avoid.

2. Lavender (Lavandula) – Fragrant and drought-friendly; its strong scent helps reduce browsing.

3. Yarrow (Achillea) – Tough, feathery leaves and flat flower heads make this a pollinator favorite that’s unappealing to deer and rabbits.

4. Catmint / Nepeta – Aromatic foliage repels deer and rabbits and attracts pollinators.

5. Daffodils (Narcissus) – Early spring bulbs are typically left alone due to toxic compounds. They are certainly less appealing to both deer and rabbits. Silver or gray foliage is also often avoided.

These plants are generally less appealing to both deer and rabbits and are well-suited to Boise’s semi-arid climate and sun exposure. While no plant is perfect, a mix of these in your landscape can reduce damage and look beautiful. (An important message) We strongly recommend against planting yews if there is any possibility that deer could wonder into your yard. The berries on yews will Kill deer (and most any pet that eats the berry) and as a matter of fact, children and adults too!

A Short List of Plants Often Eaten by Deer and Rabbits (Avoid These!)

While there are some plants that are less appealing to deer and rabbits, these plants are commonly browsed and often consumed by deer and rabbits and may cause frustration in Boise gardens:

• Hostas – soft, lush leaves are a favorite snack.

• Hydrangea – tender new growth gets eaten.

• Daylilies & Tulips – bulbs and foliage are targets early in spring.

• Vegetables like lettuce, peas, beans – rabbits especially love these.

• Fruit trees (young apples and cherries) Deer often strip tender bark off these trees.