9 Deer-Resistant Flowering Shrubs for Fall Planting

Deer adore roses, but you don't have to settle for coarse, flowerless evergreens to deter them. Several beautiful, fragrant flowering shrubs are typically ignored by deer. Here are nine excellent choices for gardeners across the country.

1. Mock Orange (Philadelphus spp.)

Named for its heavenly orange-blossom fragrance, mock orange bears large, pure white flowers. Native species exist on both coasts, though the European P. coronarius is most common in nurseries.

Zones: 3–9 (hardy to –40°F)
Light: Full sun or dappled shade
Water: Moderate
Size: 8–12 ft tall

2. Bottlebrush Buckeye (Aesculus parviflora)

Native to southeastern forests, this shrub thrives in dappled shade and humidity. White flower spikes up to 12 inches long resemble candelabras, followed by inedible, chestnut-like nuts (seeds and foliage are poisonous).

Zones: 5–9 (hardy to –20°F)
Light: Dappled shade to full sun
Water: Moderate
Size: 12–15 ft tall

3. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Exquisite fragrance and a long spring bloom make lilac a Northern favorite (second only to roses). Needs cold winters; not ideal for the South. Use as a hedge or fountain-shaped focal point. Note: mildly invasive in parts of Canada.

Zones: 3–7 (hardy to –40°F)
Light: Full sun
Water: Moderate
Size: 8–12 ft tall

4. Winter Daphne (Daphne odora)

Intoxicatingly fragrant, winter daphne blooms as early as February in mild climates. The popular 'Aureomarginata' has variegated leaves. Not very cold-hardy, but its small size suits containers for winter protection or perfect drainage.

Zones: 7–9 (hardy to 0°F)
Light: Partial shade
Water: Moderate
Size: 3–4 ft tall

5. Viburnum (Viburnum spp.)

Several species offer large summer flower clusters. Snowball viburnum (V. macrocephalum) has hydrangea-like pompoms. Native highbush cranberry (V. trilobum) bears flat-topped flowers and red berries for birds (edible but very sour). Most viburnums lack fragrance, but Burkwood's viburnum (V. × burkwoodii) smells like gardenia.

Zones: 2–9 (hardy to –50°F, species-dependent)
Light: Partial to full sun
Water: Moderate
Size: 8–12 ft tall

6. Bluebeard (Caryopteris spp.)

A butterfly magnet often mistaken for blue salvias. Intense blue or purple flowers rise in whorled spikes above fragrant foliage. Excellent low hedge for perennial or annual beds.

Zones: 5–9 (hardy to –20°F)
Light: Full sun
Water: Minimal once established
Size: 3–4 ft tall

7. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)

One of the best shrubs for attracting butterflies. Upright, vase-shaped form suits centerpieces in mixed beds. Resembles lilac without the fragrance but thrives in heat and humidity where lilac fails. Summer bloomer. Choose noninvasive cultivars like 'Asian Moon' or 'Miss Ruby'.

Zones: 5–10 (hardy to –20°F)
Light: Full sun
Water: Minimal once established
Size: 6–8 ft tall

8. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis spp.)

Large shrub with fringed, fragrant flowers on bare branches in late winter/early spring. Several eastern North American species available. Also prized for yellow-orange fall foliage.

Zones: 4–8 (hardy to –30°F)
Light: Partial to full sun
Water: Moderate
Size: 10–15 ft tall

9. Eastern Sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus)

Southeastern native with fruity-scented wine-red flowers and spicy foliage. Also called Carolina allspice or strawberry bush. Fragrance varies greatly — some plants have no scent or an unpleasant odor. Buy in bloom to ensure you like the fragrance.

Zones: 4–9 (hardy to –30°F)
Light: Partial shade or dappled sun
Water: Moderate
Size: 6–10 ft tall

Do you have flowering trees that deer ignore? Tell us in the Comments.