When you live in the mountains as I do, deer and other creatures like them become frequent visitors to your garden. These creatures are cute, so it’s unfortunate that they cause such gardening havoc! These little animals love to eat all of my favorite plants. Fortunately, over the last few years, my husband and I have discovered a handful of shrubs that look AMAZING in the shade (shade plants can be hard to find) and are deer resistant. Deer hate the way these plants taste!

Also, check out my DIY Deer Resistant Spray!

Deer Resistant Shrubs For Shade

Winter Daphne

Winter Daphne can be grown anywhere in growing zones 7-9. This shade shrub is incredibly fragrant but only smells good to humans. Deer can’t smell the odor of this plant, so they won’t even come near it! Plus, this shrub will bloom in late winter and early spring, giving your garden that much-needed boost of color.

Boxwood

Boxwood is the classic front-yard shrub. Chances are if you’ve ever traveled to Europe, or to any well-landscaped home on the East Coast, you’ve probably seen some of these somewhere. Boxwoods are incredible because you can prune them into virtually any shape imaginable. These deer resistant shrubs do great in growing zones 5 to 9.

Wax Myrtle

Wax Myrtle plants are known for their slightly spicy aroma. While it may remind you of an Italian kitchen, it’s smell makes deer steer clear. Wax Myrtle should be grown in areas of the sun to partial shade. These babies can grow anywhere from 8-12 feet tall, so make sure that you are planning accordingly!

Holly

Not only are Holly plants the perfect tool for landscaping in the shade, Holly also has the ability to stay green far into winter. Depending on the variety you choose, Holly can grow to be around 12 feet tall. And while Holly looks gorgeous, the spiky leaves and bitter berries will keep deer at bay!

Oregon Grape

On a recent trip to Oregon, I saw these gorgeous bushes everywhere. Grow the wily bush in areas of partial sun to full shade in zones 5-9. The best part about this deer resistant shade bush is that it’s hardy in temperatures of minus twenty degrees. Plant this beauty in late fall for best-growing results.

Doghobble

I know, I know, this sounds like a made up plant name! I can assure you that Doghobble is a real plant, and it’s really deer resistant. Doghobble is extremely fast-growing and great for areas that need help with erosion control. This beautiful brush is also cold-hardy to minus twenty degrees. Awesome!