Flowers That Deer Don't Like

• Deer damage landscapes by eating garden or ornamental plants and rubbing their antlers on trees and soil. Homeowners can protect their properties by using fences and deer repellents and/or planting species deer prefer not to eat, according to the University of Minnesota Extension. In general, deer prefer young, tender plants over the older, tougher varieties and avoid thorny and evergreen species. Less is known about the flower preferences of deer as opposed to other types of plants.

Four O'clock Flowers

• Deer do not prefer four o'clock flowers (Mirabilis jalapas), though the University of Minnesota Extension admits deer will eat nearly anything if they are hungry enough. Four o'clock flowers thrive in hot weather and do not do well in poor soils, though they benefit from a caretaker adding moisture. They are fragrant, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies alike.

Verbenas

• Verbena flowering plants do well in poor soils and hot, dry climates, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Like four o'clock flowers, they attract welcome garden visitors like hummingbirds and butterflies.

Marigold

• Marigolds, or Calendula officinalis, are hardy plants that can be sown directly from seeds outdoors in the fall. They are often used for cut flower bouquets. Deer, however, prefer not to eat them.

Morning Glories and Dahlias

• Morning glories and dahlias both do well in hot weather. Dahlias are often used in cut flower arrangements and morning glories may reseed for multiple years. Reseeding plants that deer tend to bypass may be particularly convenient for long-term homeowners with a consistent seasonal problem with deer damaging their properties.

Lobelia

• Lobelia flowering plants can be used to create shade or partial shade in a landscape and can be started as transplants in the fall, late winter or early spring, depending on the area. Deer also tend to avoid eating them.

Plants and Repellents

• According to the University of Minnesota Extension, deer repellents work best when applied to plants deer do not prefer. Repellents work by emitting an offensive smell and their active ingredients range from capsicum to rotten eggs to dirty human hair.