Deer and Rabbit Resistant flowers - Ask Extension
Good Morning. I am certain that you hear this question a lot. I have been enjoying impatiens as my flower of choice for the planters but the rabbits...
Knowledgebase
Deer and Rabbit Resistant flowers #924685
Asked February 17, 2026, 9:17 AM EST
Good Morning. I am certain that you hear this question a lot. I have been enjoying impatiens as my flower of choice for the planters but the rabbits and deer have decided to enjoy them more by eating the blossoms. Too much work to have to spray with liquid fence all the time. Tried marigolds last summer which were fine but looking for other suggestions with colors other than the golds and oranges of marigolds please. Did some google research and wondering about Heliotrope? Want something that blooms all summer. Any other suggestions. Thanks
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
Go to this data base and put in your requirements for annuals.
https://plantsearch.extension.umn.edu/home/list?page=list
For deer and rabbit resistance these web pages may be helpful.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/heliotropium-arborescens/
https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2024-08/az1237.pdf
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/deer-resistant-native-plants/
https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/df6555d7-465f-4a2b-be15-8451a804557b/content?trackerId=5b805a7b4d4144bb
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/flowers-fruits-and-frass/2023-01-20-fortify-spring-vegetable-garden-marigolds-sweet-alyssum#:~
I keep rabbits off of my plants with a green vinyl covered chicken wire fence that is 2 feet tall and fastened to the ground. It is not noticeable from the street. (20 feet)
Deer require a six to seven foot high fence to keep them off of plants.
https://plantsearch.extension.umn.edu/home/list?page=list
For deer and rabbit resistance these web pages may be helpful.
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/heliotropium-arborescens/
https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2024-08/az1237.pdf
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/deer-resistant-native-plants/
https://conservancy.umn.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/df6555d7-465f-4a2b-be15-8451a804557b/content?trackerId=5b805a7b4d4144bb
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/flowers-fruits-and-frass/2023-01-20-fortify-spring-vegetable-garden-marigolds-sweet-alyssum#:~
I keep rabbits off of my plants with a green vinyl covered chicken wire fence that is 2 feet tall and fastened to the ground. It is not noticeable from the street. (20 feet)
Deer require a six to seven foot high fence to keep them off of plants.
