Deer Resistant Plants for North Jersey Yards
Deer resistant plants are the ones deer usually leave alone, and in New Jersey that list matters. If deer walk through your yard in Wayne, Wyckoff or anywhere in Bergen and Passaic counties, the right plant choices save you a lot of replanting. Glenn Pond Nursery carries deer-resistant flowers and plants, and we are happy to help you pick.
No plant is deer proof
Hungry deer will try almost anything, especially in a hard winter. Rutgers Cooperative Extension rates landscape plants from "rarely damaged" to "frequently severely damaged" for this reason. Think of resistant as "last on the menu". Young plants and new plantings get nibbled most, so protect them for the first season or two.
Deer resistant plants for shade
Many shady yards in North Jersey also have deer. Common perennials like penstemon, allium, and astilbe are excellent choices because they are naturally deer resistant. Our nursery stocks these and other shade plants; bring a photo of your shady spot and we will help you match plants to the light you have.
Plan around the seasons
For when to plant, prune and mulch through the year, see our Local Garden Tips page.
Questions and answers
Q: What plants do deer not eat in New Jersey?
A: No plant is guaranteed, but deer usually leave alone plants with strong scents, fuzzy or prickly leaves, or bitter sap. Examples rated "rarely damaged" by Rutgers include barberry, bayberry, anise hyssop and bleeding heart.
Q: Are deer resistant plants really deer proof?
A: No. In a hard winter deer eat plants they normally skip. Protect new plantings for their first season or two.
Q: Can I grow deer resistant plants in shade?
A: Yes. Several rated plants, such as bleeding heart and barrenwort, suit shady beds. Ask us for what is in stock for shade.
Q: Do you carry these plants?
A: We carry a wide variety of deer-resistant flowers and plants. Stock changes with the season, so call 973-696-2497 before you drive over.
Next step
Tell us your yard's light and where the deer walk. Call 973-696-2497 or visit us at 580 Berdan Ave, Wayne, NJ 07470. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm and Sunday 8am to 5pm. Hours may vary by season.