Deer can be a real nuisance in gardens, especially when they start to feast on your plants. If you’re looking for a way to keep deer away from your garden, planting deer-resistant plants is a great solution. Ferns are a popular choice of deer-resistant plants, and for good reason. They’re easy to grow, versatile, and add a touch of elegance to any garden.
When it comes to deer-resistant ferns, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a fern that’s evergreen or deciduous, tall or short, there’s a fern out there that’s perfect for your garden. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 deer-resistant ferns that you can add to your garden to keep those pesky deer at bay.
Top 5 Deer Resistant Ferns
If you’re looking for deer-resistant ferns to add to your garden, you’re in luck! Ferns are a great choice for shady areas and can add texture and interest to your landscape. Here are the top 5 deer-resistant ferns that you should consider:
1. Japanese Painted Fern
The Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum) is a beautiful fern with silver-gray fronds that are tinged with purple and burgundy. It is a low-maintenance fern that can grow in zones 4-9 and prefers moist, well-drained soil. The Japanese Painted Fern is a great choice for adding color and texture to your garden.
2. Autumn Fern
The Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) is a deer-resistant fern that is native to eastern Asia. It is an evergreen fern that can grow in zones 5-8 and prefers moist, well-drained soil. The Autumn Fern is known for its coppery-red fronds that turn green as they mature. It is a great choice for adding color to your garden.
3. Cinnamon Fern
The Cinnamon Fern (Osmundastrum cinnamomeum) is a deer-resistant fern that is native to North America. It can grow in zones 3-9 and prefers moist, acidic soil. The Cinnamon Fern is known for its tall, cinnamon-colored fronds that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It is a great choice for adding height and texture to your garden.
4. Christmas Fern
The Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is a native North American fern that is evergreen and can grow in zones 3-9. It is a deer-resistant fern that prefers moist, well-drained soil. The Christmas Fern is known for its dark green fronds that stay green all year round, even during the winter. It is a great choice for adding texture to your garden.
5. Ostrich Fern
The Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) is a deer-resistant fern that is native to North America. It can grow in zones 3-7 and prefers moist, well-drained soil. The Ostrich Fern is known for its tall, feathery fronds that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It is a great choice for adding height and texture to your garden.
In conclusion, these are the top 5 deer-resistant ferns that you should consider adding to your garden. They are all low-maintenance and can add texture and interest to your landscape.
Other Deer Resistant Plants to Consider
While ferns are a great option for a deer-resistant garden, there are many other plants to consider. Here are some other options to consider when planning your garden:
Shrubs
Shrubs are a great option for adding structure and height to your garden. Some deer-resistant shrubs include boxwood, spirea, and Russian sage. Boxwood is a classic choice for formal gardens and can be shaped into hedges or topiaries. Spirea is a low-maintenance shrub that produces clusters of pink or white flowers in the spring. Russian sage is a tall, airy shrub with silvery-gray foliage and purple flowers.
Perennials
Perennials are a great way to add color and texture to your garden year after year. Some deer-resistant perennials include bee balm, catmint, and lamb’s ear. Bee balm, also known as Monarda, produces clusters of bright, fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. Catmint is a low-maintenance plant with gray-green foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. Lamb’s ear is a soft, fuzzy plant with silver-gray leaves that add texture to the garden.
Annuals
Annuals are a great way to add color to your garden for a single season. Some deer-resistant annuals include marigolds, verbena, and coleus. Marigolds are a classic garden flower that comes in shades of yellow, orange, and red. Verbena produces clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, and red. Coleus is a colorful plant with variegated leaves that come in shades of pink, red, purple, and green.
Bulbs
Bulbs are a great way to add early color to your garden. Some deer-resistant bulbs include daffodils, alliums, and snowdrops. Daffodils come in a variety of colors and produce clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. Alliums produce tall spikes of globe-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. Snowdrops are a small, delicate flower that blooms in late winter or early spring.
Groundcovers
Groundcovers are a great way to fill in empty spaces in your garden. Some deer-resistant groundcovers include juniper and sensitive fern. Juniper is a low-growing evergreen shrub that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Sensitive fern is a low-maintenance plant with delicate fronds that add texture to the garden.
In conclusion, there are many options to consider when planning a deer-resistant garden. By incorporating a variety of plants, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that is resistant to deer damage.
