Deer and Rabbit Resistant Perennials for Shady Borders in Zone 4

Need a 10-inch border plant for partial/full shade, Zone 4, resistant to deer and rabbits.

Plants to Avoid (Deer Favorites)

Azaleas, rhododendrons, fruit trees, euonymus, roses, hostas, lilies.

Resistant Options (Partial List)

Annuals

Ageratum, alyssum, begonia, dusty miller, forget-me-not, foxglove, gaillardia, marigold, morning glory, nasturtium, ornamental pepper, poppy, salvia, scented geranium, snapdragon, stock, vinca, zinnia.

Herbs

Basil, catmint, lavender, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary.

Groundcovers/Vines

Ajuga, Boston ivy, pachysandra, periwinkle, sweet woodruff, Virginia creeper, wisteria.

Shrubs

Barberry, boxwood, cotoneaster, deutzia, forsythia, gardenia, hawthorne, holly, kerria, mahonia, mock orange, nandina, oleander, pieris, quince, spirea.

Perennials

Alyssum, artemesia, astilbe, aster, baby’s breath, balloon flower, bellflower, bergenia, buttercup, candytuft, chrysanthemum, coreopsis, columbine, daffodils, dianthus, fern, lamb’s ear, heather, heuchera, purple coneflower, hellebore, lily-of-the-valley, lupine, monarda, poppy, primrose, salvia, shasta daisy, snow-in-summer, sundrops, statice, viola, yarrow, yucca.

Trees

Beech, birch, crape myrtle, ginkgo, hawthorne, maple, palms, spruce.

Caveats

• “Resistant” ≠ “proof.” Starving deer eat anything.
• Some plants (marked) can be invasive.
• Rutting bucks are dangerous—don’t confront.

With this palette, you can design a beautiful, low-browse shade border.