Deer are an increasing problem for Central Florida gardeners. Even homes located in more urban areas can be visited by these voracious foragers, especially if your community is near a golf course or conservation area. "Deer resistant" plants are not the same as "deer proof" plants. "Resistant" means deer are less likely to eat that shrub or flower. However, it doesn't mean the critter won't occasionally take bites out of it. "Deer proof" plants don't really exist. Very young deer, fawns, will eat anything green, even poisonous leaves.
So what's a homeowner in a deer infested area to do about landscaping? Plant deer resistant shrubs and flowers, and use deer repellent products to protect newly installed greenery. Some deer resistant plants include: ligustrum, viburnum (all kinds), anise, oleander, wax myrtle, loropetalum, allamanda, croton, ginger, tibouchina, ti plants, succulents of all kind, marigolds, bulbine, java glory bower, ornamental garlic, bird of paradise, camellia, mondo grass, liriope (border grass), fountain grass, pampas grass, and most other native grasses. Poisonous plants or those with rough-textured leaves and/or a bitter flavor do not attract deer. Still, be vigilant when installing ANY new landscaping. No plant is completely safe from a really hungry deer.
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