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    Home » Gardening

    Deer Resistant Bulbs and For Your Spring Garden

    by Patti Estep · Oct 9, 2017

    Deer resistant bulbs to plant in your spring garden. Though not foolproof, these plants stand a better chance of survival against deer and rodents.

    Deer resistant bulbs choices to plant for your spring garden. Though not foolproof, these plants stand a better chance of survival against deer and rodents.

    One of the first signs of spring flowers often comes in the form of bulbs planted in the fall. However, if you live in an area like I do, you can easily become discouraged when you find that your hard work is ravaged by deer and other rodents. Here are a list of a few good deer resistant bulbs that you can try planting in the fall, with great success against these plant eating pests.

    This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

    Deer Resistant Bulbs

    Deer resistant bulbs- herd of deer

    Note: Young deer (not knowing any better), and very hungry herds may eat any of these plants, however, it is unlikely, as many have a bitter taste, and some are toxic.

    As a general rule you want to plant your spring blooming bulb before the first hard frost which is often October. You can find many calculators online which will give you the average frost date for your area like this one from Dave's Garden.  If you live in a warmer climate you can try November, but you may need to buy pre-chilled bulbs.

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    Here's my list for the new garden bed:

    Scilla siberica aka Siberian Squill

    Deer resistant bulbs choices to plant for your spring garden. Though not foolproof, these plants stand a better chance of survival against deer and rodents.
    Deer resistant bulbs choices to plant for your spring garden. Though not foolproof, these plants stand a better chance of survival against deer and rodents.

    This beautiful clear blue beauty is very hardy and easily spreads through the garden. Some says it's invasive but honestly, I would welcome a abundance of this beauty. Blooms early in the spring when you are dying for some color in the garden. Also, this plant contains a toxic alkaloid that deer and other rodents stay away from.

    Zone Hardiness = 2 - 10
    Full Sun / Partial Shade
    Height = 4 - 6 inches
    Naturalizes well  - Good for containers

      

     

    Allium sphaerocephalon aka Drumstick Allium

    Deer resistant bulbs - drumstick allium
    Deer resistant bulbs - drumstick allium

    Allium come from the same family as garlic. The smell is a great deterrent to rodents and deer. I have several allium that bloom in the spring, however this one blooms a little bit later in early summer.

    Zone Hardiness = 2 - 10
    Full Sun
    Height = 20 - 24 inches
    Seed heads are pretty dried in arrangements

     

    Luecojum aestivum aka Giant snowdrops

    Deer resistant bulbs - snowdrops
    Deer resistant bulbs - snowdrops

    These delicate whimsical flowers bloom in late spring and are sometimes referred to as Summer Snowflakes. I love the cute little bright green dots on the edges of the petals. They are from the same family as daffodils and contain lycorine, a bitter poisonous substance that animals will not eat.

    Zone Hardiness = 4 - 10
    Full Sun / Partial Shade
    Height = 14 - 16 inches
    Naturalizes well - Multiplies over time.

     

    Narcissus aka Daffodils

    Deer resistant bulbs - pink daffodils
    Deer resistant bulbs - pink daffodils

    Everyone is familiar with daffodils, but did you know that they come in many different varieties? This one is a pink blend of 16 different shapes, and shade variations, a little different from your standard garden variety yellow. These are the most deer resistant bulbs I know of. I already have many daffodils in the garden, and can confirm that they have never been eaten by deer or rodents.

    Zone Hardiness = 3 - 8
    Full Sun / Partial Shade
    Height = 16 inches
    Naturalizes well - Multiplies over time.

     

    Other good bulb choices are typically anything that has a strong scent, such as hyacinths, crocus, and fritillaria. This is also true for perennials and shrubs. Typically deer and other rodents steer clear of highly fragrant or highly textured plants like lavender.

    Read more about deer resistant plants.

    I can't wait to see how pretty they look come spring. What are you planting? Have you had success with any particular plants against deer or rodents? 

     

    Want More? Here are some great articles about planting spring bulbs from some of my gardening friends.

    Planting Bulbs in Pot for Spring Flowers - Lovely Greens

    Growing Bulbs: Helpful Resources - Empress of Dirt

    How to Use a Bulb Auger (And Plant Bulbs in Minutes) - The Impatient Gardener

    How to Plant, Grow and Propagate Iris - Flower Patch Farmhouse

    Five Fall Bulbs to Plant For Long Lasting Spring Color - Garden Therapy

    Naturalizing Bulbs - Sensible Gardening

    A Beginners Guide to Alliums - Angie the Freckled Rose

     

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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Carole

      October 09, 2017 at 7:10 am

      This is very helpful because I know we have deer on our land, it's next door to a wild life preserve. I normally stay away from bulbs because they don't last that long - spring just comes and goes in the blink of an eye. I may have to rethink that and stick in a few with one my Startle Gardens.

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 09, 2017 at 9:03 am

        Hi Carole,

        I bet you see so much wonderful wildlife where you live. Even though we live in the suburbs, we see a ton and love it, but not so much when all of my beautiful plants are eaten. So far these are the best that work for me. You'll have to let me know if you find and other good contenders.

        Reply

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