10 Flower Bulbs That Deer Usually Don’t Eat
If you share your garden with deer, you might be tired of them eating your precious plants! But there’s no need to worry, as we’ve put together a list of the ten flower bulbs that deer won’t eat, so you can have peace of mind that your plants are protected.
This perennial, Glory of the snow or Scilla luciliae gets its name because it blooms so early in the spring or late winter that the light blue blossoms sometimes appear poking up through the snow. Grown from bulbs, it tolerates full sun to partial shade and can be used as a cut flower.
Common hyacinth is one of the heralds of spring. The name hyacinth comes from the Greek name Hyákinthos. According to Greek legend, Hyákinthos was admired by both Apollo and Zypherus. Hyákinthos ended up being killed out of jealousy and a flower bloomed on the spot where his blood was spilled. Apollo named the flower after his lost love.
Regal crowns of flowers perch atop tall stems of the Crown imperial, or Fritillaria imperialis. Bulbs can be planted in mass plantings, flowerbeds, and container gardens. These striking flowers grow from bulbs and bloom in early spring. The skunk-like fragrance is a great pest repellent.
A herald of spring, the Snowdrop grows up to around 7–15 cm tall. Sprouting from bulbs, the drooping bell-shaped white flowers are accompanied by two slender, erect leaves. These flowers have been noted throughout history, with references going as far back as the fourth century.
Wild daffodil (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) is a perennial flower that grows from bulbs. It is a common ornamental plant, famous for its pale-yellow flowers with a bright-yellow central trumpet. In the wild, Narcissus pseudonarcissus can be found in forests, grasslands, and rocky terrains. Its bulbs and leaves are poisonous when ingested.
Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) belongs to the lily family. Its common name is a misnomer, since it’s not native to Siberia. Siberian squill originated in other parts of Russia. It’s a plant that’s been cultivated since 1796 and grows best in partial sunlight.
Lily of the valley is highly poisonous and originates in Euroasia. Although it is toxic, it is popular in gardens and perfume industry for its charming flowers and fragrance. Lily of the valley is the national flower of Finland and was the national flower of former Yugoslavia.
Dutch crocus (Crocus vernus) is an early spring blooming bulb with large flowers that range in color from yellow, white, and purple to striped or bronze. The plant grows 4 to 6 inches tall in full sun or partial shade. Makes a colorful display when planted under trees, in rock gardens, or in flower beds.
Armenian grape hyacinth is an easy to grow spring favorite flower. These little bell-shaped blue flowers grow in clusters under trees, in pots, and also work well in cut arrangements. These little beauties can thrive in both full sun or part shade, as long as soil is moist but well-draining. For a striking visual effect, plant at least 25 bulbs close together. Armenian grape hyacinths are deer and rabbit resistant.
Giant onion, Allium giganteum, or ornamental onion, is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. This hardy perennial grows large purple clusters of tiny florets. It’s the largest of the ornamental onions, and although it produces onion-like fragrances, it is not grown for consumption.