Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
3 ratings

Thursday - April 19, 2007

From: Driftwood, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Deer Resistant
Title: Deer resistant, sun tolerant plants for landscaping
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I live in Driftwood and am looking for flowering, deer-resistant plants for the northern side of my house; however the house turn just enough to the west that the flowerbed receives about 3 hours of afternoon sun (just enough to really cook them about August). Do you have any suggestions?

ANSWER:

Here are several colorful bloomers that are deer resistant and thrive in full sun. Please realize that in times of environmental stress when food supplies are low, deer may eat plants that they normally would not bother. There are very few, if any, deer proof plants.

Capsicum annuum (cayenne pepper)

Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana)

Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita)

Salvia greggii (autumn sage)

Chrysactinia mexicana (damianita)

Melampodium leucanthum (plains blackfoot)

Salvia engelmannii (Engelmann's sage)

Salvia farinacea (mealycup sage)

Salvia coccinea (blood sage)


Capsicum annuum

Lantana urticoides

Mahonia trifoliolata

Salvia greggii

Chrysactinia mexicana

Melampodium leucanthum

Salvia engelmannii

Salvia farinacea

Salvia coccinea

 



 

More Deer Resistant Questions

Deer Resistance and Erosion Control for St. Louis County MO
January 03, 2014 - I am looking for deer and rabbit resistant native plants for erosion control on a steep ravine slope with part sun and part shade in St. Louis County MO.
view the full question and answer

What plants are the most deer resistant in Connecticut?
May 13, 2009 - Please advise me as to what plants are the most deer resistant and native to Wilton, CT. Most importantly, what evergreen shrubs and perennials will best survive?
view the full question and answer

Shady Perennial Groundcover Suggestions for Indiana
April 21, 2013 - Could you please recommend perennial groundcovers for Indiana that are low and leafy, self-spreading, non-invasive, deer resistant, and moisture tolerant; and that are good for erosion control on a sh...
view the full question and answer

Are birdhouse gourds deer-resistant?
January 24, 2009 - Bird house gourds: they smell nasty (to this human being) but I NEED to know if deer are as repelled as a human by the strong odor put off by the plants.
view the full question and answer

Deer-resistant groundcover for sunny hillside in California
November 17, 2009 - we are looking for a deer resistant, drought resistant ground cover that we can grow from seed. we have a large,partial sunny hillside, well drained,that is cover with oak leaves and pine needles..and...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.