What Flowers Repel Deer? Beautiful Blooms That Keep Deer Away
If you’ve been waking up to chewed petals, missing buds, and trampled flower beds, it’s time to ask the essential question: what flowers repel deer — and which ones can actually keep your landscape safe?
Homeowners in Long Island, New York City, and New Jersey know just how destructive deer can be. These graceful grazers might look innocent, but they can wipe out a garden in a single night.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- Which flowers repel deer naturally
- Whether marigolds and lavender really work
- How to keep your plants safe with professional repellents
- What makes a landscape deer-resistant year-round
And if you're serious about long-term protection, we'll show you how to combine natural planting strategies with our exclusive deer repellent spraying services available across Long Island, NYC, and New Jersey.
Why Deer Are Drawn to Your Garden
Deer are foragers with a powerful sense of smell and an instinct for fresh, tender growth. Flower beds are like candy stores to them — especially in spring and fall when they're searching for easy calories.
Most deer prefer:
- Soft foliage (like tulips, hostas, or impatiens)
- Newly bloomed flowers
- Edges of gardens or open yards without barriers
That’s why planting flowers that deter deer naturally can help disrupt their feeding behavior.
Top 10 Flowers That Repel Deer Naturally
Searching for what flowers repel deer? These are our top choices — backed by landscaping experience and client success across the Northeast.
1. Lavender
If you’re wondering does lavender repel deer? — the answer is a strong yes. Lavender has a pungent scent that deer can’t stand. It thrives in full sun and dry soil, making it a go-to for deer-resistant borders.
→ Learn how scent plays a role in our natural repellent formula.
2. Marigolds
Do marigolds repel deer? They often do. The bold smell and slightly bitter taste of marigolds deter many animals, including deer, rabbits, and squirrels. They’re also easy to grow in various soil types.
3. Allium
These onion-family ornamentals release a sharp aroma and bloom with globe-shaped flowers. Deer don’t like their taste, smell, or texture — and they look stunning in beds and along fences.
4. Foxglove
Toxic and beautiful, foxglove is avoided by deer and rodents. Its vertical growth and bold color make it a great way to add height while also discouraging browsing.
5. Daffodils
Daffodils are among the best deer-proof plants. Their bulbs and leaves contain toxic compounds, and their early blooms help protect gardens during spring's most vulnerable weeks.
6. Yarrow
Yarrow’s strong scent, fern-like foliage, and bitter taste make it a reliable deterrent. It’s drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny spots.
7. Bee Balm
With a minty scent and rough texture, bee balm is rarely eaten by deer. It also supports pollinators, adding biodiversity to your garden.
8. Peonies
Though not entirely deer-proof, peonies are often left alone thanks to their bold fragrance and leathery leaves. They bloom beautifully in late spring and early summer.
9. Coreopsis
Also known as tickseed, this flower is deer-resistant and ideal for wildflower borders. It thrives in full sun and blooms over a long period.
10. Russian Sage
The combination of strong scent and woody stems makes Russian sage a top pick for deer-resistant landscaping.
Are These Flowers Enough to Repel Deer?
Here’s the truth: while these flowers help, they’re not foolproof. A desperate or hungry deer may sample almost anything — even plants they normally avoid. To fully protect your flowers, especially high-value ornamentals, you need to combine planting strategy with a professional spray barrier.
Our Proven Flower Protection Program
At Deer Guys, New York Deer Control, and New Jersey Deer Control, we offer a proprietary deer repellent spray that’s:
- Weather-resistant
- Harmless to people, pets, and pollinators
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Safe to apply directly on or around your garden beds
We don’t use shelf-stable sprays. Our formula is made fresh daily and applied by trained technicians who understand deer behavior, feeding cycles, and how to protect flowers deer love to eat.
Backed by our service guarantee, it’s the most reliable way to protect:
- Flower beds
- Shrub borders
- Ground cover and wildflower gardens
- Seasonal blooms and bulbs
Service Areas and Local Listings
We proudly protect gardens across:
Check our Google Business Profiles to see reviews and service hours:
Need help now? Contact us directly and we’ll schedule your first treatment.
FAQs – What Flowers Deter Deer?
Q: What flowers repel deer best?
A: Lavender, marigolds, daffodils, foxglove, Russian sage, and allium are top performers thanks to their scent, bitterness, or toxicity.
Q: Do marigolds really keep deer away?
A: Yes, marigolds are widely used as a natural deterrent. Their pungent smell helps mask more desirable plants nearby.
Q: Does lavender repel deer in all regions?
A: Lavender is highly effective across all growing zones, including our local areas in Long Island, NYC, and New Jersey.
Q: Should I still use repellent spray if I plant deer-resistant flowers?
A: Yes. For full protection, especially during peak feeding seasons, we recommend combining deer-resistant plants with our professional spraying service.
Related Services and Resources
- Our Services – Learn about our programs
- Our Products – See why our repellent works better
- Natural Ingredients
- Weather Resistance
- Safe for People and Pets
- Ask Deer Guys
- Contact Us
Final Thoughts: Build a Blooming, Deer-Proof Garden
You don’t have to give up your flowers just because deer are in the neighborhood. By planting smart, using deer-deterrent blooms like lavender and marigolds, and partnering with Deer Guys for professional protection, you can enjoy a yard that’s as safe as it is beautiful.
Serving homeowners throughout:
Backed by our guarantee.
Request service today and keep your flowers blooming all year long.
