Deer and Rabbits Eating Annuals: Repellents, Resistant Plants, and Breaking the Habit

Gardener's begonias, impatiens, and hydrangea leaves eaten by deer and rabbits. Asked for resistant annuals.

Repellents First

• Deer-Off (hot pepper + coyote urine): best—taste + smell. Every 14 days spring, 4 weeks summer/fall. Reapply after heavy rain.
• Avoid Ropel—ineffective.

Deer-Resistant Annuals (Use With Spray)

Spring (Sun): Snapdragons (all heights), calendula, dianthus, annual salvia, verbena, Zinnia linearis.
Spring (Shade): Salvia coccinea, coleus.
Summer (Sun): Zinnia linearis, annual salvia, verbena, periwinkle (after June 1), gomphrena, marigold, Profusion zinnia.
Summer (Shade): Salvia coccinea, coleus.

Strategy: Break the Habit

1. Early spring: plant deer-resistant bulbs (daffodils, alliums, hyacinths)—not tulips/crocus.
2. Spray repellents consistently early.
3. Once deer/rabbits forage elsewhere, expand plant palette.
4. Even then, occasional browsing happens—spray again, plants often rebloom better.

Consistency wins. Systematic approach changes animal patterns.