Looking for a few bushes to plant that hungry deer won’t eat?
Deer are notorious for wreaking havoc on gardens, flowerbeds – or any area with vegetation they find appealing. Especially once winter arrives and fresh leaves, berries, and fruits become more and more scarce.
Watching deer damage the plants and shrubs around your home can be both disheartening and costly. It hits home even harder when you find yourself repeatedly replacing expensive perennial bushes and shrubs. But is there really anything you can do?

Trying To Keep Deer At Bay
Sadly, even the most reliable deer proofing deterrents aren’t foolproof. While homemade sprays made with ingredients like hot peppers, garlic or eggs can provide some protection, they can lose their effectiveness if not reapplied regularly. And the same goes for commercially available repellents and sprays as well.
That leaves fencing as the only real option to stop deer in their tracks. And to work against deer, fencing has to be both high and strong enough to work – and that can come with a hefty price tag. But believe it or not, there is another option – to simply to plant and grow bushes and shrubs that deer don’t find appealing in the first place!
How To Plant Bushes Deer Won’t Eat
Adding deer-resistant plants to your landscape not only protects those specific bushes – but it can also help safeguard nearby plants that deer might typically enjoy. And by making your yard a less inviting food source overall, deer are more likely to move on to other areas.
It’s important to note that deer resistant does not mean deer proof. But planting varieties that deer don’t find to their liking will certainly lead to keeping plants far safer than if you don’t!
Even better, choosing deer-resistant shrubs doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. In fact, there are actually quite a few deer resistant bushes that offer incredible beauty, texture and color to your yard. And with that in mind – here is a look at some of the best of the best choices to keep deer out!

#1 Forsythia
If you’re searching for a deer-resistant shrub that adds vibrant early season color to your yard, forsythia is an excellent option. The hardy bush blooms in striking golden hues, well before its leaves ever appear in the spring. And can it ever bring life to the landscape!
Not only is it attractive in bloom, it’s also a big favorite among pollinators like bees and butterflies. Birds, too, are drawn to its dense foliage, which offers excellent cover. But when it comes to being a food source for deer – they simply do not like the bitter taste of the plant. Because of this, they usually steer clear of it. Affiliate Plant Link: Brighter Blooms – Lynwood Gold Forsythia Shrub, 1 Gal.
Forsythia works well as a standalone plant or when planted in a row to create a thick, long hedge. The hedges can work quite well as a natural “deer barrier,” offering extra protection for other plants in your garden. Forsythia thrives best in moist, fertile soil for optimal growth.
#2 Boxwoods – The Bush Deer Just Won’t Eat!
There are actually several reasons deer are not fond of boxwoods. For starters, the bush contains alkaloids that are toxic to deer. But if that wasn’t enough, the aroma of boxwoods also keeps deer far away as well. Together – the two features make them highly unattractive to deer.

Boxwoods require very little upkeep and offer incredible flexibility for growing almost anywhere in the landscape. Whether planted alone or in clusters, they work well for lining walkways and entrances. They’re also among the easiest shrubs to trim into different shapes. But best of all, they are very unattractive to deer!
With many varieties available, there’s a boxwood for every need. Some types even do well in pots, making them perfect for patios and porches. Since they tolerate both full sun and partial shade, and are also drought-resistant – they’re a great choice for almost anywhere in your yard!
#3 Barberry Bushes
Barberry bushes are another excellent choice for keeping deer at bay, thanks in part to their sharp, thorny branches. Deer typically avoid plants with spines or tough textures, and most barberry varieties have them. It certainly makes them the perfect natural deterrent in the landscape.
In addition to their prickly defense, barberry bushes have a slightly bitter taste, which deer prefer not to eat. The hardy shrubs thrive in a variety of conditions and can grow well in growing zones four through eight. Making them ever more desirable, they can be found in reds, greens and even yellow foliage colors.
Barberry bushes prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, though they produce the best color and growth in sunnier locations. Once established, it is also highly drought-resistant bush, making it a great choice for low-maintenance landscaping.

Whether used as a hedge, border plant, or accent shrub, barberry offers both beauty and protection for your outdoor space and for nearby plants that deer might find to their liking.
#4 Lilacs
No deer resistant list would be complete without mentioning lilacs. Lilac bushes are among the most aromatic plants, especially when they’re in full bloom. Their strong, sweet scent is overwhelming for deer, and usually keeps them at a distance.
They can also grow quite large and serve as a shield for other plants that deer typically enjoy. Their powerful fragrance is so strong that it can help to keep deer from wondering in to check out other plants that are growing nearby.
One of the best things about lilacs is just how low-maintenance they are. Suitable for growing in zones three all the way to seven, they thrive in full sun and with well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Once planted – they require very little care at all!
In addition to the top four bushes highlighted today, if you are looking for a few more excellent shrubs that deer don’t prefer to eat – you can also try Viburnum & Butterfly bushes. Both are also highly deer resistant and also quite easy to care for.
Here is to filling your landscape with beauty and color – and not deer! And for more great deer stopping info, check out our article: How To Keep Plants Safe From Deer In The Fall & Winter – 5 Great Ways To Stop Deer!
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This Is My Garden is a garden website created by gardeners, for gardeners. Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books and speaking for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. They publish three articles every week, 52 weeks a year. Sign up today to follow via email, or follow along!