Plants worth trying in your yard
by Beth Jorgensen
The plants listed here are deer resistant. Many are native, and are generally more beneficial to the native pollinators and birds.
Monarda (Bee Balm) Come in a variety of sizes. The shorter varieties are not as aggressive. Full to Part Sun. 2’-4’
Nepeta (Cat Mint) Clumping plant with long lasting blooms. Full to Part Sun. 2’ when in bloom
Penstemon (Beardtongue) - Come in a variety of foliage colors. I recommend native hybrids. Part to Full Sun 3-4’ 4 Season.
Perovskia (Russian Sage) – Not native, but pollinators love them. Full to Part Sun range from 2’-4’ depending on the variety.
Pulmonaria (Lungwort) - Many hardy varieties. Interesting foliage colors. Shade to Part Sun 1’
Rudbeckia - (Black-eyed Susan) Several varieties available.
Part to Full Sun 2’4’ depending on the variety.
Spigelia (Little Redhead) Native - hummingbirds love them. Shade to Full Sun - 2-3’
Amsonia (Blue star) Some Native Hybrids have beautiful fall foliage. Full to Part Sun 3-4’
Allium - Millennium, Blue Eddy, Bubble bath. Shade to Full sun 2’ clumps 4 Season
Baptisia (False Indigo) Native Hybrids in yellow and purple. Shade to Part Sun 3’ -3.5’
Butterfly Weed - Native Monarch host. Beautiful orange blooms. Full sun 2’
Dicentra (Bleeding Hearts) - New varieties bloom all season. Shade to Part Sun. Range from 1’-3’ depending on the plant.
Ferns - Lots of varieties available. Easy care and spread slowly. Shade to Part sun. Range from 2’-3’
Helenium (Sneezeweed) - Very Deer Resistant! Blooms late summer to Fall. Full to Part sun 3-4’
Hellebores (Lenten Rose) - Great substitution for Hosta plants. Shade to Part Sun 4 Season - 2’ Clumps
Here are a few upcoming sales that will have some of these varieties. Going to local plant sales is usually more cost effective than chain plant stores. Keep your eyes out for future local sales in the area as well.
Cranbrook Annual Plant Sale - May 19 and 20
https://housegardens.cranbrook.edu/events/spring-plant-sale
Salem Church Native Plant Sale - May 27th. You can come and browse or order in advance and pickup plants. This link takes you to the order form and list. The Address of the church is at the bottom.