Bambi. He’s so majestic, and part of the joy of living and gardening in Colorado Springs is watching the deer walk through your yard on a peaceful morning. That is, until Bambi gets hungry and devours your plants! Deer are not picky eaters and with a population of 445,000 in Colorado, it’s a problem many a local plant lovers will run into. Annuals, perennials, and even bulbs are fair game for a snack, but by choosing deer resistant plant materials and spraying safe deer repellants you can enjoy seeing the deer in your yard without feeding the neighborhood herd.
Deer Resistant Plants
It is important to note that no plant is 100% deer proof. A very hungry animal will eat what it must to survive. These plants are known to perform well amongst hungry deer and rabbit.
Perennials:

Black Eyed Susan

Blanket Flower

Bleeding Heart

Catmint

Columbine

Coneflower

Coreopsis

Gayfeather

Iris

Lily of the Valley

Lupine

May Night Salvia

Russian Sage

Sedum

Shasta Daisy

Yarrow
Annuals:

Alyssum

Bidens

Dusty Miller

Lobelia

Marigold

Salvia

Verbena

Zinnia
Trees:

Crape Myrtle

Maple

Serviceberry

Spruce

White Fir
Bushes & Shrubs:

Blue Mist Spirea

Butterfly Bush

Lilac

Mock Orange

Potentilla

Viburnum
Yarrow, Russian Sage, Barberry, and Coreopsis provide great color.
Bulbs:

Autumn Crocus

Daffodil

Fritillaria

Hyacinth
Deer Favorites to Avoid
- Clematis
- Coleus
- Geraniums
- Hosta
- Pansies
- Petunias
- Tulips
If some of your favorite plants and flowers are in line with what deer love to lunch on you can try a deer repellant spray to deter them. The goal with these sprays is to use both a taste and smell that deer do not like. Often this is a combination of mint, egg, and spices. A variety of these sprays are available at local nurseries or you can attempt to make your own.

Deer deterrent being sprayed on flowers.