If you’ve ever stepped outside to admire your landscape only to find nibbled stems, stripped bark, or missing blooms, you’re not alone. In North Carolina, rabbits and deer can cause significant damage to ornamental plants, especially in areas near woods, fields, or undeveloped land. While beautiful to observe in nature, these animals can be destructive guests in the garden.
Understanding the Problem
Rabbits tend to chew low-growing plants, especially tender shoots, young vegetables, and soft-stemmed flowers. They can be particularly damaging in early spring when new growth appears. Signs of rabbit damage include clean, angled cuts on stems and leaves, usually within a couple of feet from the ground.
Deer, on the other hand, browse higher and tend to tear foliage with their bottom teeth. You may see ragged edges on leaves, missing buds, and damage to tree bark, especially in the winter months. In landscapes with regular deer activity, entire sections of a garden can be stripped overnight.
Prevention Strategies
The best way to minimize damage is to use a layered approach:
Fencing: A physical barrier is the most effective solution. For rabbits, a 2-foot fence buried a few inches underground works well. For deer, fencing needs to be at least 7–8 feet tall to be effective.
Repellents: Commercial sprays that deter animals by scent or taste can help, but they often need reapplication after rain or new growth.
Smart Plant Selection: One of the most effective long-term strategies is choosing plants that are less appealing to deer and rabbits.
10 Deer- and Rabbit-Resistant Plants for North Carolina
While no plant is 100% pest-proof, these selections are known to be less preferred by deer and rabbits:
Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) – Aromatic foliage, silver color, drought-tolerant
Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina) – Soft texture, not tasty to critters
Ornamental Onion (Allium spp.) – Strong scent, colorful blooms
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Fern-like foliage, tough and drought-tolerant
Spirea (Spiraea spp.) – Woody shrub with seasonal color
Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii) – Attractive to pollinators, not deer
Ferns (many types) – Generally unpalatable, good ground cover
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.) – Bright blooms, deer and rabbit resistant
By combining thoughtful plant choices with practical deterrents, you can enjoy a beautiful, resilient landscape without the frustration of constant damage. If you’re dealing with wildlife issues in your yard, our team is here to help you find the right solutions for your property.