15 Plants Deer Are Sure to Eat

You spend time and money planting the perfect garden, only to wake up and find it half-eaten by deer. Frustrating, right? These graceful yet destructive visitors have a knack for devouring the plants we love most. Some plants deer are sure to eat are practically a buffet for them—soft leaves, fragrant flowers, and tender stems don’t stand a chance.

If you live in an area with deer, knowing which plants are most at risk can help you plan your landscaping wisely. Below is a list of 15 plants deer are sure to eat, along with tips on how to protect your garden before it becomes their next meal.

Why Deer Eat Certain Plants

Deer aren’t picky, but they do have favorites. They prefer plants that are:

• Soft and moist – Tender new growth is irresistible.
• Highly fragrant – Sweet-smelling flowers and herbs often attract them.
• Nutrient-rich – Plants with high water content or lots of carbohydrates (like roses and hostas) are top choices.
• Easily accessible – If it’s at their grazing height, it’s fair game.

Winter food shortages also make deer less selective, meaning even “deer-resistant” plants can get nibbled when options are scarce.

Flowers & Perennials That Deer Love

Some of the most beautiful plants in your garden may also be the most vulnerable. If you plant these, be prepared to defend them.

1. Hostas

Big, lush, and full of moisture, hostas are basically a salad bar for deer. They love the broad leaves and will strip a plant down to the stems overnight.

2. Daylilies

Deer don’t just eat the leaves—they also munch on the flower buds before they even bloom. If you love daylilies, consider planting them behind a fence or using a repellent.

3. Tulips

Nothing says spring like tulips—unless deer get to them first. These flowers are like candy to deer, making them one of the first plants they seek out.

4. Pansies & Violas

With their delicate blooms and slightly sweet scent, these flowers are easy targets for deer. Even hanging baskets won’t keep them completely safe.

5. Roses

Thorns don’t stop deer. They will strip roses of their leaves, buds, and flowers, often leaving behind only bare stems.

6. Impatiens

Bright and beautiful, impatiens are practically irresistible. Their juicy stems and flowers make them one of the first plants deer go for.

7. Petunias

Fragrant, colorful, and soft—petunias check all the boxes for deer. Once they find them, they’ll keep coming back for more.

8. Geraniums

While geraniums are sometimes labeled as “deer-resistant,” that doesn’t mean deer won’t eat them. In times of food scarcity, they’ll happily snack on these flowers.

Shrubs That Deer Can’t Resist

If you’re looking for shrubs that deer won’t touch, this is not the list for you. These are some of their top choices.

9. Azaleas

With their soft leaves and bright blooms, azaleas are a deer favorite. Expect heavy browsing if they’re left unprotected.

10. Rhododendrons

These evergreen shrubs are a common target, especially in the winter when other food sources are limited.

11. Hydrangeas

Deer enjoy the leaves, the flowers, and even the stems of hydrangeas. If you love these plants, consider placing them close to your home or fencing them off.

12. Euonymus (Burning Bush & Wintercreeper)

These shrubs are not only attractive to homeowners—they’re also highly attractive to deer. If you plant them, expect them to be eaten.

13. Arborvitae

A classic choice for privacy hedges, arborvitae can be stripped bare by deer in a single season. Netting or repellents can help, but they’re not foolproof.

14. Yews

Soft, evergreen foliage makes yews a winter favorite for hungry deer. If you must plant them, keep them behind a fence.

15. Indian Hawthorn

Deer eat both the leaves and flowers of this ornamental shrub, making it another high-risk choice for gardens.

How to Protect Your Plants from Deer

Just because deer love these plants doesn’t mean you have to give up on growing them. Here are some ways to keep them safe:

• Use Fencing – The best defense is a tall fence, at least 8 feet high, since deer can jump over shorter ones.
• Try Repellents – Spray plants with deer repellents that contain garlic, rotten eggs, or hot pepper. Reapply regularly.
• Strategic Planting – Place vulnerable plants close to your house or interplant them with deer-resistant varieties.
• Use Physical Barriers – Netting or wire cages around young plants can help keep deer away.

Final Thoughts on Plants Deer Are Sure to Eat

Deer can be persistent, but knowing which plants are at risk gives you a head start in protecting your garden. If you love hostas, tulips, roses, hydrangeas, or arborvitae, be prepared to take extra precautions. A combination of fencing, repellents, and smart plant placement can make all the difference.