Yarrow (Achillea) is a versatile, deer-resistant perennial that adds a touch of elegance to any sunny garden. An actual bee magnet, Yarrow is a vital nectar and pollen source for countless beneficial insects. It is also a larval host to various moths and butterfly caterpillars, including the Painted Lady butterfly! While pollinators can't resist this native perennial, deer tend to avoid it due to its textured foliage and bitter taste.

Are you looking for a unique spring-bloomer that won't get nibbled on by deer? Try planting columbine (Aquilegia) with your spring bulbs and watch as this charming perennial brighten your landscape. Columbine is loved by all perennials but bumblebees and ruby-throated hummingbirds have taken a particular likening. It also contains compounds that may be toxic to deer, so they generally tend to steer clear.

Next, it is one of our favorite deer-resistant shrubs: butterfly bush (Buddleia)! This colorful shrub features vibrant flowers and a sweet, honey-like fragrance that grace the landscape all summer through frost without deadheading. Not only does this shrub attract pollinators like Monarch butterflies, but it's also exceptionally easy-care to boot and deer-resistant. 

Hummingbird mint (Agastache) is a native perennial that isn’t just a haven for pollinators; it’s also a dream come true for gardeners. Tall spikes of vibrant flowers erupt above aromatic silvery-green foliage from summer through fall, delighting hummingbirds, bumblebees, and butterflies. Deer generally tend to stay away from hummingbird mint as its fragrant foliage and textured flowers are unpalatable.

Rudbeckia is an easy-care perennial that is perfectly at home in cottage gardens, adding a touch of nostalgic charm. Pollinators like bees and butterflies love feeding on the abundance of nectar from Rudbeckia plants during the summer, and then petals fall away in autumn to expose seed heads that are a buffet for birds. Their rough leaves and stems are something deer tend to avoid, so you can rest assured knowing these will stay nibble-free.

Looking to attract Monarch butterflies but don't want to worry about deer damage? Milkweed (Asclepias) is a native perennial host plant to the Monarch, and features lovely flower clusters heavily laden with nectar. It also contains a milky sap that contains a toxin called cardenolides, which is harmful if ingested in large quantities. For this reason, deer generally tend to steer clear of milkweed plants.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera) is a climbing classic that features long, trumpet-shaped flowers that are a vital source of nectar for various beneficial insects and birds, especially hummingbirds! This vine effortlessly covers poles, trellises, fences, or arbors, delighting garden-goers no matter where it's planted. It's also highly fragrant, keeping deer and other pests away.

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus) explodes with these fantastic, perfectly spherical white blooms in the summer, giving off a sweet honey scent. This is an absolute treat for native bumblebees and Painted Lady's, but not so much for the deer who don't enjoy the flower's texture. After the flowers fade, they leave behind bright red fruits that bring color and beauty clear through the first frost—plant buttonbush as a commanding specimen, or group together as a backdrop to your pollinator garden.

Coneflower (Echinacea) is a resilient native perennial that can handle nearly anything thrown its way: extreme heat, periods of drought, deer, rabbits, and other common garden problems. The vibrant blooms are low-maintenance and jam-packed with nectar, attracting pollinators all summer. But it doesn't stop there: as flowers gracefully fade, the seed heads step in, providing food for birds in the fall and winter.

Bee balm (Monarda) is a valuable nectar source for pollinators in the summer, with its fragrant and nectar-filled flowers also hosting over 10 species of native butterflies and moths, including the Dufourea monardae sweat bee. Deer don't really care for the smell and texture of bee balm flowers, so they are a great worry-free addition to your pollinator garden.

Worried about pests like deer and rabbits wrecking havoc on your cottage garden? Foxglove (Digitalis) might be the solution! This charming perennial is beloved by cottage gardeners and cut-flower enthusiasts for its bell-shaped florets and stunning vertical habit. Not only is foxglove stunning, but its also deer-resistant, easy to grow, and loved by pollinators 

If you have questions, let us know! Comment your questions below or reach out through our contact us page. We have a team of horticulturalists who are here to help!