What Plants Do Deer Not Eat Uk

If you’re tired of seeing your garden treated like a deer buffet, you’re in the right place. Finding out what plants do deer not eat in the UK is the first step to a peaceful garden. These graceful visitors can cause real frustration, but the good news is that many beautiful and resilient plants are naturally less appealing to them. This guide will help you choose the right plants and strategies to protect your borders.

Deer are opportunistic feeders, and their tastes can vary by region and season, especially during harsh winters when food is scarce. However, by selecting plants with strong scents, fuzzy or prickly textures, or bitter saps, you can significantly reduce the damage. Let’s look at how to build a garden that thrives with minimal interference.

This list focuses on plants generally considered resistant to deer browsing in UK gardens. Remember, no plant is completely deer-proof if they are hungry enough, but these are your safest bets. It’s always a good idea to observe what works in your local area.

Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Trees

Shrubs form the backbone of the garden and offer year-round structure. Many of the most reliable choices are aromatic or have tough foliage.

Box (Buxus sempervirens): Its strong scent and dense, leathery leaves are usually avoided. Be mindful of box blight and caterpillar issues.
Lavender (Lavandula): The intense fragrance and oily leaves make it a classic deer-resistant choice, perfect for sunny, well-drained spots.
Mahonia: With its spiny, holly-like leaves and fragrant winter flowers, mahonia is a superb, architectural choice for shade.
Pieris (Pieris japonica): This evergreen offers beautiful spring foliage and bell-shaped flowers. Its toxicity makes it unpalatable.
Bamboo (clumping types): Most bamboos, especially the taller, tougher-caned varieties, are seldom damaged. Choose non-invasive clumping forms.
Skimmia: Both male and female skimmias are great, with fragrant foliage and, on female plants, bright red berries.

Deer-Resistant Perennials and Flowers

Fill your borders with these flowering perennials for reliable colour without the worry. Many have hairy stems or leaves that deer find unpleasant.

Catmint (Nepeta): A fantastic, long-flowering plant with a pungent scent that deer dislike but pollinators love.
Foxgloves (Digitalis): All parts of this native plant are poisonous, so deer give it a wide berth. It’s excellent for adding vertical interest.
Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis): These late-summer bloomers are tough and rarely touched, forming beautiful clumps.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria): The fuzzy, spotted foliage is a major deterrent. It’s also a valuable early nectar source for bees.
Peony (Paeonia): The lush blooms are often left alone, possibly due to the slightly bitter taste of the plant.
Euphorbia (Spurge): The milky, irritant sap is highly effective at deterring all grazing animals.

Deer-Resistant Bulbs and Ground Cover

For spring displays and covering bare soil, these options are much safer than popular treats like tulips and hostas.

Daffodils (Narcissus): All daffodils contain toxic alkaloids, making them one of the most reliable spring bulbs.
Snowdrops (Galanthus): Another toxic bulb that deer and rabbits will not eat, signalling the start of spring.
Alliums (Ornamental Onions): Their strong oniony smell makes them completely unpalatable. They add fantastic sculptural shapes.
Lamium (Dead Nettle): A superb ground cover for shade with pretty variegated leaves. The fuzzy texture is unappealing.
Heuchera (Coral Bells): Grown primarily for their colourful, often ruffled foliage, which deer tend to ignore.

Plants Deer Love (And Should Avoid)

Knowing what to avoid is just as important. If you must grow these, place them close to the house or in protected areas.

Roses (especially the tender new growth)
Hostas (often called “deer lettuce”)
Clematis (young shoots are particularly vulnerable)
Fruit trees and bushes (young bark and buds)
Pansies and Violas
Sweet Peas and Garden Peas

Building a Deer-Resistant Garden Plan

Plant selection is key, but combining it with smart design creates a stronger defence. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach.

Step 1: Assess Your Garden and Pressure

First, identify the type of deer (usually Roe or Muntjac in the UK) and the level of pressure. Are they passing through or living nearby? Observe which existing plants get eaten and which are left alone—this is your best local guide.

Step 2: Create Protective Layers

Think like a fortress. Plant the most resistant shrubs and trees on the outer edges of your garden, especially along wooded borders. Use these as a first line of defence. Then, place more susceptible plants closer to your home, where human activity and scents are stronger.

Step 3: Incorporate Texture and Scent

Mix plants with different leaf textures. Combine fuzzy Lamium with spiky Euphorbia and leathery Mahonia. Interplant aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme throughout your borders. The strong smells can help mask more tempting scents.

Step 4: Use Physical Barriers Wisely

For individual prized plants or small areas, physical barriers are the only guaranteed solution. Deer can jump very high, so fences need to be at least 1.8m tall. For smaller budgets, try these ideas:

Protect tree trunks with spiral guards.
Use tall, sturdy plant supports for perennials.
Cover emerging bulbs with a temporary wire cloche.

Step 5: Maintain Your Defences

Keep your garden tidy. In autumn, clear fallen fruit and prune low branches that might give deer cover. Reapply organic deterrents like dried blood (blood meal) or garlic sprays after heavy rain, as they wash away. Rotate deterrents to prevent deer from getting used to them.

FAQs on Deer Resistant Gardening

Are there any fully deer proof plants?

No plant is 100% safe if deer are desperate enough. However, plants like daffodils, foxgloves, and spurges are as close as you can get due to their toxicity.

Do commercial deer repellents work?

They can be effective, especially when used early and reapplied consistently. They work by taste or smell. Homemade sprays with eggs, garlic, or chilli can also work but need frequent application after rain.

Will a dog deter deer from my garden?

Yes, the scent and presence of a dog can be a strong deterrent. Even the smell of dog hair placed around the garden can sometimes help.

What if deer ate my “resistant” plant?

This can happen, especially in late winter or during drought. Deer populations and tastes vary. Use it as a learning point and consider adding more protection or replacing it with something tougher.

Creating a garden that coexists with wildlife is a rewarding challenge. By focusing on plants with natural defences and using clever design, you can enjoy a beautiful, flourishing space. Start with a few of the most reliable plants from the list above, observe what happens in your garden, and build from there. With patience and the right choices, you can reduce the impact of deer and have a garden you can truly enjoy.