Looking for a few of the best deer resistant flowering annuals to plant this year to keep the flowers in your pots, containers and bed spaces safe from deer damage?
If you are tired of having the flowers in your pots and containers devoured by hungry deer – then it’s time to fill them this year with some of the most beautiful deer resistant flowering annuals around!
One thing is for sure, they can be relentless in their efforts to find tender flowers and foliage. But there is some good news – not all annual plants are equally tempting to deer. In fact, some varieties actually have characteristics that make them unappealing – whether through strong scents, bitter or toxic foliage, or unappetizing textures.
By simply choosing and planting these varieties – you can keep deer from visiting. In many cases, it can also help keep plants they like safe too. But best of all, it will keep them from damaging and devouring your potted plants!
3 Beautiful Deer Resistant Flowering Annuals To Grow In Containers
When it comes to annuals that deer avoid, there are three flowering plant varieties that stand out above all others – and those three are marigolds, coleus, and ornamental hot pepper plants.
Here is an in-depth look at each – and how to plant them for big color – and next to zero deer damage!
Marigolds: A Bright & Bold Defense Against Deer
Marigolds are certainly one of the most well-known and widely grown annual flowers of all. Not only are their blooms beautiful, they are also quite plentiful. With compact growth and flowers in bright yellows, oranges and deep reds, it makes them an ideal choice for container plantings.
But beyond their visual appeal, marigolds are also well-known for their deer resistant properties. And it all starts with how marigolds smell. Deer have highly sensitive noses and are particularly averse to strong scents.
Marigolds emit a pungent, almost musky odor that most deer absolutely dislike. This distinctive scent acts as a natural repellent, discouraging deer from nibbling on the flowers or foliage.
In addition to repelling deer with their scent, marigold flowers and leaves have a slightly bitter taste, which further discourages browsing. Deer tend to favor plants that are tender and mild in flavor, and marigolds simply do not check that box.
Marigolds are not only deer resistant, but also help repel other pests like aphids, hornworms and even mosquitoes. In addition, they attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which help control garden pests too.
Check out our latest podcast below!
And are they ever low maintenance. They can grow easily from seed – and with proper care, bloom profusely throughout and entire growing season. While marigolds may not completely deter deer if food sources are scarce, they are generally avoided unless the animals are desperate. Affiliate Seed Link: Outsidepride French Marigold Seeds Mix
Coleus: Gorgeous Leaves With A Built-In Defense!
While most annuals are prized for their flowers, coleus is far more admired for its stunning foliage. This plant comes in a dazzling array of colors and patterns, including deep purples, fiery reds, neon greens, and all kinds of variegated option in between.
But believe it or not, even with all of that striking beauty – they are not in the least attractive to deer. Why? Because coleus has an important characteristic that makes it resistant to deer, its chemical composition.
Deer have a great sense of what is safe to eat and what might make them sick. And coleus contains toxic compounds that are very toxic to deer. While not highly poisonous, the compounds in coleus can cause stomach upset and digestive issues for deer, leading them to instinctively avoid the plant.
Even better, much like marigolds, its leaves don’t taste very good either. Coleus is slightly bitter and unpalatable to deer. And they almost always leave it completely alone.
The Versatility Of Coleus
One of the greatest advantages of coleus is its versatility. While it’s typically grown for its foliage rather than flowers, it provides just as much – if not more – visual impact as traditional blooming annuals. Affiliate Seed Link: Sow Right Seeds – Coleus Rainbow Mix Seeds
Depending on the variety, coleus thrives in both sun and shade. Some grow upright, while others trail beautifully over the edges of pots and hanging baskets, allowing for creative design possibilities. It makes it a great flexible option for different container arrangements.
Last but not least, coleus is easy to save in the fall as a houseplant. You can save the entire potted plant – or take a cutting. Either way, you will have free plants for next year! See our article: How To Save Coleus In The Fall & Create Great Houseplants
Ornamental Hot Pepper Plants – The Perfect Deer Resistant Annual
Want to really add some big color and interest to your planters and containers – and maybe even some tasty heat? Then it’s time to think about growing a few ornamental pepper plants!
These plants have soared in popularity over the last decade and produce intense, eye-catching, brightly colored fruit. From deep purples and fiery reds to oranges and yellows – the peppers can all but bring containers and pots to life. But these same plants are of little interest to deer!
While their peppers are colorful and bright, and that can often attract deer, ornamental hot pepper plants actually serve as a powerful deterrent to deer. Deer have a strong dislike to spiciness, and ornamental pepper plants contain capsaicin. That happens to be the compound that gives hot peppers their characteristic heat.
When deer encounter these plants, they quickly realize that the taste is unpleasant and irritating, and they move on. Even if they initially attempt to nibble on the foliage or unripe fruit, the experience is unpleasant enough to ensure they do not return for a second taste.
Ornamental peppers are easy to grow from seed. And even better, the seeds can be easily saved from year to year. Affiliate Seed Link: 5 Color Pepper Plant Seeds
Another advantage of ornamental hot pepper plants is their durability. They thrive in warm weather and can tolerate a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They require relatively little maintenance beyond regular watering and occasional fertilization, making them an easy care option.
Here is to planting deer resistant flowering annuals in your containers and pots this year – and to avoiding deer damage!
Simple Garden Life
Follow Our Facebook Page For Even More Great Tips! Simple Garden Life Facebook Page
Simple Garden Life is a website dedicated to keeping gardening fun, simple and enjoyable! We publish two new articles each week along with a new garden podcast episode every two weeks. This article may contain affiliate links.