Deer tend to avoid certain flowers due to their scent, texture, taste, or toxicity. Here are some common flowers that deer generally do not eat:

• Poppies (Papaver) : Toxic alkaloids make them unappealing to deer, and if eaten, they often regrow new flowers

• Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis) : Aromatic, fuzzy leaves and strong scent deter deer

• Irises (Iris germanica) : Their fragrance and tough, sword-shaped leaves are disliked by deer

• Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) : The fuzzy, velvety leaves and spiky flowers repel deer

• Lavender : Strong scent keeps deer away

• Marigolds, Petunias, Snapdragons, and Pansies : These flowers have scents or textures that deer avoid

• Daffodils and Foxglove : Contain toxic compounds that make deer avoid them

• Buddleia (Butterfly Bush) : Not appealing to deer, with colorful flowers and fast growth

• Hellebores, Herbaceous Peonies, Rhubarb, Skimmia, and Jasmine : Identified as deer-resistant plants by the Royal Horticultural Society

Deer generally dislike plants with strong fragrances, fuzzy or spiky textures, and toxic chemicals. However, deer feeding habits can vary depending on hunger levels and local conditions, so even deer-resistant plants might be nibbled if food is scarce

. In summary, planting flowers with strong scents, tough or fuzzy textures, and toxicity can help deter deer from eating your garden plants. Examples include poppies, sage, irises, lamb’s ear, lavender, marigolds, snapdragons, and daffodils.