Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina)
Notable for its irresistible soft and fuzzy leaves, lamb’s ears are an evergreen groundcover for sun to part-sun that is avoided by most munchers because the texture irritates mouths.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, and squirrels
- Similar plant ideas: Cerastium and flannel bush
Lavender (Lavandula)
Most pesky plant prowlers avoid strong aromas like lavender, so add a few to a sunny spot in your garden. Sun exposure and excellent drainage is required for all lavender varieties.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and gophers
- Similar plant ideas: Salvia and thyme
Foxglove (Digitalis)
These stately towers of flowers stand tall and proud because their toxic-to-critters properties keep them off of animals’ preferred list. Plant these beauties in a woodland or cottage garden.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and gophers
- Similar plant ideas: Daphne and delphinium
Stonecrop (Sedum)
These well-known fleshy succulents come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, from groundcovers to upright types, and are fuss-free and drought-tolerant.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, and squirrels
- Similar plant ideas: Aloe and agave
Spurge (Euphorbia)
Attractive leaf colors, textures, and unusual flowers attract gardeners to these diverse perennials, but it’s their poisonous milky sap that keeps euphorbias off animals’ preferred menus.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and gophers
- Similar plant ideas: Poppies and oleander
Oregon Grape (Mahonia acquifolium)
No doubt that this plant’s prickly presence will keep eaters away. Grow this 5-foot-tall evergreen shrub that sprouts bright yellow spring flowers followed by blue berries.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, and squirrels
- Similar plant ideas: Holly and globe thistle
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
A member of the mint family, fragrant bee balm grows in clusters with dynamic red flowers blooming on 3-foot stems in mid-to-late summer.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, and squirrels
- Similar plant ideas: Catmint and hyssop
Daffodil (Narcissus)
This classic spring charmer with ruffled trumpet flowers contains lycorine—a bitter alkaloid that’s toxic if eaten—that keeps this bulb safe in sunny, well-draining garden locations.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and rodents
- Other ideas: White snowdrops and snowflakes
Bamboo (Bambusa)
When choosing a bamboo species, make sure the variety planted is a non-invasive, clumping variety unless this evergreen is planted in a container. We especially like Bambusa ‘Alphonse Karr,’ growing 8-10 feet with brilliantly striped yellow and green stems.
Spider Flower (Cleome)
This pollinator-attracting annual grows 3-4 feet tall with festive, colorful flowers. Luckily animals rarely feed on this plant because of its disagreeable taste and odor.
- Avoided by: Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and gophers
- Other idea: Artemisia