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Deer vs Perennials #872188

Asked June 08, 2024, 1:11 PM EDT

Would you please provide me with the names of 5 flowering perennials that are deer resistant and that grow in the shade? We also have rabbits. Your FAQ list of deer resistant plants is helpful, but I don't know which ones grow best in shade. Thank you very much.

Story County Iowa

Expert Response

Five blooming perennials for shade or part shade from the list of plants rarely damaged by deer include:
  • Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.)
  • Lenten Rose, Christmas Rose (Helleborus spp.)
  • Leopard Plant (Ligularia spp.)
  • Corydalis (Corydalis spp.; Pseudofumaria spp.)
  • Fringed Bleeding Heart (Dicentra eximia)
There are many other plants on that list that will do well in shade or part shade including any of the ferns and most of the native woodland plants like Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphylum), Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense), and May Apple (Podophyllum spp.).

This publication lists many of the perennials that do well in the shade.  Feel free to cross reference the plants described in that publication you like with those listed in the articles to see if they are rarely or seldom damaged by deer (or rabbits).  Once shade perennial that is very popular with gardeners and deer is hosta.  If you have high deer pressure, hosta will not be a perennial for you!

https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/5513

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/susceptibility-plants-deer-damage

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/susceptibility-plants-rabbit-damage

Happy gardening!
Aaron Steil Replied June 11, 2024, 9:43 AM EDT
Wow!!! Thank you for being so responsive. I and my yard are very appreciative.

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From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Sent: Tuesday, June 11, 2024 8:43:16 AM
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Subject: Re: Deer vs Perennials (#0142106)
 
The Question Asker Replied June 11, 2024, 10:18 AM EDT

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