Perennials to Plant in Whiskey Barrels That Are Safe From Deer & Rabbits

• Wildlife such as deer and rabbits are finding it more and more difficult to find sufficient food sources in the wild, driving them into landscaped areas. A completely deer- or rabbit-resistant plant doesn't exist -- hungry animals will eat whatever they can find if they're hungry enough, but there are plenty of plants that they are more unlikely to eat than others. The best defense against them is still a tall, sturdy fence.

Thrillers

• Black-eyed Susans are one of a number of perennials that are less likely to be eaten by deer and rabbits. black-eyed susan image by Carol Tomalty from Fotolia.com

  The best-designed container gardens -- including rustic whiskey half-barrels -- include three key plant elements. The first element is often known as your "thriller" or focal plants. These are the plants that draw the attention to the container and are often tall, unique plants. Some perennial choices that may fit well in your growing zone could include purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, shasta daisy, Joe Pye weed, foxglove, Russian sage, bee balm and butterfly weed. Check with your full-service garden center or cooperative extension office for the best selection of plants right for your particular growing zone and sun and soil conditions.

Fillers

• The second component of a well-designed container can be the most important aspect of the design. Your filler plants are those that complement or contrast your thriller plants, depending on your personal tastes. Filler plants in one container can be a thriller in another and vice versa. Again, there are plenty of plants that are seldom damaged by wildlife to include in your whiskey barrel container to use as fillers. These can include coreopsis, blanket flower, dianthus, lamb's ear, columbine, yarrow, black-eyed Susans, shasta daisy, painted daisy and many types of ferns.

Spillers

• Plants that soften the edges by falling over and trailing out of the container comprise the final component. Known as "spillers," these plants can also add texture and color to the container. Perennial spillers that are not as likely to be eaten by deer and rabbit include ivy, hardy ice plant, verbena, sedum and veronica. Again, a visit to your full-service garden center will give you the best selection of plants available in your area. Check tags for "deer-resistant" labels, but remember that a hungry animal will eat anything he can find if he's starving.