Deer can be a gardener’s worst nightmare, munching on plants and leaving behind a trail of destruction. If you’re tired of battling these graceful but voracious creatures, it’s time to consider deer-resistant ground covers. These plants not only add beauty and functionality to your garden but also deter deer, ensuring your hard work doesn’t go to waste. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 30 ground covers deer won’t eat, along with tips for creating a deer-resistant landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this list will help you design a stunning, low-maintenance garden that deer will avoid.

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Why Choose Deer-Resistant Ground Covers?

Deer-resistant plants are those that deer find unappealing due to their taste, texture, or scent. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can:

• Protect Your Garden: Reduce damage caused by deer browsing.
• Save Time and Money: Avoid the frustration and expense of replacing eaten plants.
• Enhance Biodiversity: Create a diverse ecosystem that supports pollinators and other wildlife.
• Add Beauty: Enjoy a lush, attractive landscape year-round.

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30 Ground Covers Deer Won’t Eat

1. Ajuga (Bugleweed)

Ajuga is a fast-spreading ground cover with vibrant foliage and spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers. Its bitter taste deters deer.

2. Lamium (Dead Nettle)

Lamium features silvery leaves and delicate flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white. It thrives in shade and is unappealing to deer.

3. Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge)

Pachysandra is a shade-loving ground cover with glossy green leaves. Its tough texture makes it deer-resistant.

4. Vinca Minor (Periwinkle)

Vinca minor is a hardy ground cover with evergreen leaves and periwinkle-blue flowers. Deer tend to avoid it due to its leathery foliage.

5. Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum is a drought-tolerant succulent with fleshy leaves and star-shaped flowers. Its thick texture and bitter taste repel deer.

6. Thyme (Creeping Thyme)

Creeping thyme is a fragrant herb that forms a dense mat of tiny leaves and pink or purple flowers. Its strong scent deters deer.

7. Epimedium (Barrenwort)

Epimedium is a shade-loving ground cover with heart-shaped leaves and delicate flowers. Deer find its foliage unappetizing.

8. Helleborus (Lenten Rose)

Helleborus is an evergreen perennial with leathery leaves and early spring flowers. Its toxicity makes it deer-resistant.

9. Ferns (Various Species)

Ferns are shade-loving plants with feathery fronds. Their texture and taste make them unappealing to deer.

10. Liriope (Lilyturf)

Liriope is a grass-like ground cover with spikes of purple or white flowers. Its tough leaves deter deer.

11. Heuchera (Coral Bells)

Heuchera is known for its colorful foliage and delicate flowers. Deer tend to avoid its textured leaves.

12. Iberis (Candytuft)

Iberis is a low-growing ground cover with clusters of white flowers. Its bitter taste makes it deer-resistant.

13. Cerastium (Snow-in-Summer)

Cerastium is a drought-tolerant ground cover with silvery leaves and white flowers. Deer find its texture unappealing.

14. Dianthus (Pinks)

Dianthus is a fragrant ground cover with pink, red, or white flowers. Its spicy scent deters deer.

15. Geranium (Hardy Geranium)

Hardy geraniums are low-maintenance ground covers with colorful flowers. Deer tend to avoid their aromatic foliage.

16. Euphorbia (Spurge)

Euphorbia is a drought-tolerant ground cover with unique foliage and flowers. Its milky sap is unappealing to deer.

17. Artemisia (Wormwood)

Artemisia is a silvery ground cover with a strong scent that deters deer.

18. Santolina (Lavender Cotton)

Santolina is a fragrant ground cover with yellow button-like flowers. Its strong scent repels deer.

19. Stachys (Lamb’s Ear)

Lamb’s ear is known for its soft, fuzzy leaves. Deer find its texture unappealing.

20. Bergenia (Pig Squeak)

Bergenia is a shade-loving ground cover with large, leathery leaves and pink flowers. Deer tend to avoid it.

21. Tiarella (Foamflower)

Tiarella is a shade-loving ground cover with frothy white or pink flowers. Its foliage is unappealing to deer.

22. Asarum (Wild Ginger)

Wild ginger is a shade-loving ground cover with heart-shaped leaves. Its strong scent deters deer.

23. Ophiopogon (Mondo Grass)

Mondo grass is a grass-like ground cover with dark green or black foliage. Deer find it unappetizing.

24. Carex (Sedge)

Carex is a versatile ground cover with grass-like foliage. Its texture makes it deer-resistant.

25. Acaena (New Zealand Burr)

Acaena is a low-growing ground cover with bronze foliage and spiky flowers. Deer tend to avoid it.

26. Arctostaphylos (Bearberry)

Bearberry is a hardy ground cover with red berries and evergreen leaves. Its tough texture deters deer.

27. Gaultheria (Wintergreen)

Wintergreen is a shade-loving ground cover with red berries and glossy leaves. Deer find its foliage unappealing.

28. Juniperus (Creeping Juniper)

Creeping juniper is a drought-tolerant ground cover with needle-like foliage. Its strong scent repels deer.

29. Cotula (Brass Buttons)

Cotula is a low-growing ground cover with fern-like foliage and yellow button-like flowers. Deer tend to avoid it.

30. Mazus (Creeping Mazus)

Mazus is a fast-spreading ground cover with tiny purple or white flowers. Its texture makes it deer-resistant.

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Tips for Creating a Deer-Resistant Garden

1. Layer Plants: Combine ground covers with taller deer-resistant plants to create a multi-layered landscape.
2. Use Repellents: Apply natural deer repellents, such as garlic or pepper spray, to further deter deer.
3. Install Barriers: Use fencing or netting to protect vulnerable areas.
4. Rotate Plants: Change up your garden design periodically to keep deer guessing.
5. Attract Predators: Encourage natural deer predators, such as birds of prey, by providing habitat and food sources.

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Final Thoughts: A Beautiful, Deer-Resistant Garden

With these 30 deer-resistant ground covers, you can create a stunning, low-maintenance garden that deer will avoid. By choosing the right plants and incorporating smart gardening practices, you can enjoy a lush, vibrant landscape without the frustration of deer damage.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and start transforming your outdoor space into a deer-resistant paradise. Your garden—and your sanity—will thank you!