The 10 Best Deer Resistant Shrubs for Full Sun
There are a variety of shrubs that are not only deer resistant but also love basking in the sun. These shrubs offer an array of colors, textures, and heights, making them perfect for any sunny and deer-proof garden. In this article, we explore the top 10 deer resistant shrubs that love full sun.
Bluebeard (Caryopteris)
Bluebeard has late summer to fall blooming clusters of blue-purple flowers. The small, aromatic shrub is not a favorite of deer and adds a splash of color when many other plants are fading.
Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 ft)
Color Varieties: Blue
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Boxwood (Buxus)
Boxwood is a classic choice for formal gardens, known for its dense, lush foliage which is deer resistant. It can be easily shaped into neat hedges or left to grow naturally. This common full sun evergreen is perfect for creating a formal appearance.
Height: 90-120 cm (3-4 ft)
Color Varieties: Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Barberry (Berberis)
Barberry is a small deer resistant shrub that stands out with its vibrant foliage and thorny stems, which are effective at deterring deer. It's a hardy shrub that adds color and texture to your garden.
Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)
Color Varieties: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Lavender (Lavandula)
This great shrub is not just aromatic but also a beautiful evergreen option. Lavenders purple flowers and silver-green foliage bring color and smell which deer don't like.
Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 ft)
Color Varieties: Purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy
Yucca (Yucca filamentosa)
Yuccas are not really shrubs but they have sword-like leaves that are very deer hardy and colorful tall flower spikes. They are highly deer resistant and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Height: 60-90 cm (2-3 ft)
Color Varieties: White
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Dwarf Alberta Spruce (Picea glauca 'Conica')
Dwarf Alberta Spruce adds a unique, conical shape to your garden. This slow-growing shrub is ideal for small spaces and offers a fine texture that contrasts well with other plants.
Height: 1-1.8 m (3-6 ft)
Color Varieties: Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained
Holly (Ilex)
Holly scientifically known for llex, is an excellent choice for a deer-resistant, sun-loving shrub. With its glossy leaves and red berries, it adds a traditional touch to the landscape.
Height: Varies by species
Color Varieties: Green, Red berries
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Wax Myrtle is known for its aromatic foliage and versatility. It's a great deer-resistant option for creating privacy screens in sunny areas.
Height: 3-6 m (10-20 ft)
Color Varieties: Green
Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil Needs: Well-drained, adaptable
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Salvia, with its striking spikes of flowers, is a favorite among gardeners. These hardy perennials are deer resistant and excel in full sun, providing vibrant colors and attracting pollinators.
Height: 40-80 cm (16-32 in)
Color Varieties: Blue, Purple, Red, Pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained
Forsythia
Forsythia bushes are one of the first to bloom in spring, their bright yellow flowers signaling the end of winter. These deer resistant perennials are perfect for adding a burst of color to your garden early in the season with minimal maintenance.
Height: 1-2 m (3-6 ft)
Color Varieties: Yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Average, well-draining
Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is a delightful addition with its fragrant, blue-purple flowers and grey-green foliage. It's highly resistant to deer and thrives in sunny areas, offering a long blooming season.
Height: 30-60 cm (1-2 ft)
Color Varieties: Blue, Purple
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Needs: Well-drained, average