Drought-tolerant annuals and perennials do more than endure when water is scarce, they continue to blossom. What’s more, many also turn deer away with features such as strong scents and bothersome textures. Following are some top choices of attractive plants with low-water needs and deer-deterring traits.

An Ideal Combination

You will spend less time on maintenance with water-wise plants and less money replacing specimens when deer damage is minimized. Given that under watering and deer destruction can both lead to plant failure, drought-tolerant, deer-resistant plants are an irresistible combination. Once these plants are established, they will fortify the garden.

Annuals That Stand Up to Drought and Deer

Ageratum is one of the few annuals that yields true blue flowers. Other colors include lavender, pink and white. Fuzzy, fragrant blooms fill the garden with delights for the senses. These same features keep deer from exploring the plants.

Marigolds are very easy to grow, and bloom until frost in copper, gold, orange, red, white, and yellow. They make great garden companions given their resistance to diseases. A strong scent keeps deer from sampling them.

Zinnia bring colorful cheer to the garden summer through fall. Their thick flowers are lovely in bouquets, and also difficult for deer to munch.

Drought-Tolerant, Deer-Resistant Perennials

Alliums add texture and whimsy to the garden with globe-shaped blooms on upright stems. They beckon pollinators to visit and sip the sweet nectar. However, deer can’t tolerate the onion scent, so they avoid Alliums.

Catmint is a long-blooming pollinator favorite that fills the garden with fragrant Indigo blue flowers. The scent is a delight for people and an annoyance to deer.

Coreopsis blooms are daisy-like and enjoyed by bees and butterflies in summer. Birds love eating the seed heads in fall and winter. Extremely adaptable, Coreopsis plants fill the garden with sweet, colorful flowers that deer tend to ignore.

Resources for Powerhouse Plants

Do you want drought-tolerant, deer-resistant plants specific to your climate? Your local Agriculture Extension Office is a good source. And garden centers in your area should have some reliable recommendations as well.

Another option for finding plants that combine drought-tolerant and deer-resistant is to review deer-resistant varieties first. This list Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance can help. After you’ve made selections, check plant profiles to find those that thrive in full sun. Now, you will have even more options of plants that don’t mind drought and won’t feed deer!

Shield Your Garden Heroes

Water conservation is a major plus for gardeners and the environment. And, keeping deer from devouring your treasures is a must. The key to ensuring powerhouse plants are protected is Bobbex Deer Repellent. Eco-friendly, number-one ranked Bobbex can and should be applied to plants all year. Made of organic ingredients including garlic, cloves and fish oil, Bobbex is easy to apply, dries on clear, is long-lasting and safe for people, animals, plants, and aquatic life.

A Successful Trifecta

Reap big benefits when you plant drought-tolerant varieties that also deter deer. Protect these jewels with Bobbex. And you’ll enjoy garden beauty and bounty even when water is absent and deer are present.