Deer resistant bulbs to plant in 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.
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Deer Resistant Bulbs
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
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
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
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
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
Carole
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.
Patti Estep
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.