Japanese Aralia is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its bold, tropical-looking foliage and remarkable adaptability to shaded gardens. Its large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves create a lush architectural effect that instantly transforms woodland gardens, foundation plantings, courtyards, and shaded borders into elegant landscape features. Mature plants develop a dense, rounded habit that provides year-round beauty while requiring surprisingly little maintenance.
One of the outstanding qualities of Japanese Aralia is its excellent reputation as a deer-resistant landscape plant. The thick, leathery texture of its foliage, combined with naturally occurring plant compounds, makes it far less appealing to browsing deer than many broadleaf ornamentals. Although no shrub can be guaranteed completely deer-proof, Fatsia japonica is consistently recommended for gardens where deer are a persistent challenge, particularly in shaded areas where suitable deer-resistant plants are often limited.
In autumn, mature plants produce rounded clusters of creamy-white flowers that attract late-season pollinators before developing attractive black berries enjoyed by songbirds during winter. The dramatic evergreen foliage serves as an excellent backdrop for hostas, ferns, hellebores, hydrangeas, and other shade-loving plants, while its bold texture provides year-round interest even when neighboring perennials are dormant. Japanese Aralia is equally effective as a specimen, foundation shrub, or informal screen.
Thriving in partial to full shade, Japanese Aralia prefers fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture but becomes remarkably tolerant once established. It performs exceptionally well in mild climates and protected garden settings where its glossy evergreen foliage remains attractive throughout the year. Its combination of dramatic appearance, dependable deer resistance, shade tolerance, and ease of care has made it one of the finest ornamental shrubs for woodland landscapes.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Fatsia japonica
- Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
- Height: 6–10 feet
- Spread: 5–8 feet
- Bloom Season: Fall
- Sun Requirements: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil Preference: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate
- Uses: Shade gardens, foundation plantings, woodland gardens, tropical landscapes, specimen plants, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Late-season pollinators and songbirds
Deer Resistance
Japanese Aralia is considered an excellent deer-resistant evergreen shrub. Its large, leathery leaves and naturally occurring plant compounds make it considerably less attractive to browsing deer than many other broadleaf ornamentals. While no plant is entirely immune under severe feeding pressure, Fatsia japonica is widely recognized as one of the most dependable choices for shaded landscapes where deer are common.
Seedman Notes
Japanese Aralia offers gardeners something few ornamental shrubs can match: bold tropical foliage combined with dependable performance in shaded locations. We especially recommend it for woodland gardens, foundation plantings, and protected courtyards where its impressive evergreen leaves provide year-round structure and beauty. Its outstanding deer resistance, attractive flowers and berries, and exceptional shade tolerance make it one of the finest foliage plants available for challenging landscape situations.
Korean Mint is a graceful, long-blooming perennial prized for its upright spikes of lavender-blue flowers and delightfully fragrant foliage. The attractive leaves release a pleasant mint and licorice fragrance when gently brushed, while the dense flower spikes provide a spectacular display from midsummer well into autumn. Growing 24 to 48 inches tall, this elegant perennial adds height, texture, and continuous color to borders, cottage gardens, herb gardens, and pollinator plantings while remaining remarkably easy to grow.
One of Korean Mint's greatest strengths is its outstanding reputation as a deer-resistant perennial. The foliage is rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils that browsing deer generally find unpalatable, encouraging them to seek softer, less fragrant vegetation instead. While no ornamental plant can be considered completely deer-proof, Agastache rugosa consistently ranks among the most dependable flowering perennials for landscapes where deer are a regular challenge.
The nectar-rich blossoms are among the finest available for attracting beneficial wildlife. Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and countless other pollinators visit the flowers continuously throughout the blooming season, making Korean Mint an exceptional choice for gardeners wishing to support local pollinator populations. The long-lasting flower spikes also make attractive cut flowers and blend beautifully with coneflowers, rudbeckias, salvias, ornamental grasses, and other late-season perennials.
Korean Mint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating summer heat, humidity, and periods of drought once established. Easy to grow from seed and requiring very little maintenance, it returns reliably year after year with increasing vigor. Its combination of fragrant foliage, outstanding pollinator value, prolonged blooming season, and dependable deer resistance has earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest perennials for wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Agastache rugosa
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Height: 24–48 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Midsummer through fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, herb gardens, borders, cut flowers, wildlife gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Korean Mint is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial. Its strongly aromatic foliage is rich in natural essential oils that browsing deer generally avoid. This characteristic makes it one of the most dependable flowering perennials for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Agastache rugosa is consistently recommended as one of the best choices for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Korean Mint is one of our favorite pollinator plants because it combines exceptional ornamental beauty with remarkable garden performance. The fragrant foliage, months of lavender-blue blooms, and constant activity from bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds make it an indispensable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a hardy perennial that provides dependable deer resistance while contributing outstanding ecological value to the landscape.
Queen Mix Cleome is an outstanding blend of tall, elegant Spider Flowers that produces a breathtaking display of lavender, rose, pink, and white blossoms held above attractive, deeply divided foliage. The unique flowers, with their long, graceful stamens, seem to float above the garden on sturdy stems, creating an airy, informal appearance that is perfect for cottage gardens, pollinator borders, and naturalized landscapes. Blooming continuously from early summer until frost, this colorful mixture provides months of spectacular garden interest.
Queen Mix Cleome is widely recognized as a dependable deer-resistant annual. The aromatic foliage, slightly sticky stems, and distinctive plant texture make it considerably less attractive to browsing deer than many traditional bedding plants. Although no ornamental flower can be considered completely deer-proof, Cleome consistently performs well in landscapes where deer are a recurring problem, allowing gardeners to enjoy impressive floral displays with minimal browsing damage.
The nectar-rich flowers are irresistible to butterflies, honeybees, hummingbirds, and numerous native pollinators, bringing constant movement and activity to the garden throughout the growing season. The tall flowering stems create excellent vertical accents in mixed borders while blending beautifully with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, ornamental grasses, zinnias, and other summer annuals. Their graceful, open habit also makes them valuable as background plants behind lower-growing flowers.
Easy to grow from seed, Queen Mix thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating summer heat, humidity, and occasional dry conditions once established. The vigorous plants require little maintenance beyond occasional watering during extended drought and continue producing fresh flower spikes until frost. Their combination of dramatic beauty, exceptional pollinator value, and dependable deer resistance has made Queen Mix one of the finest annual flower mixtures for sunny landscapes.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Cleome hassleriana
- Plant Type: Annual
- Height: 36–60 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Early summer until frost
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Average, well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, cutting gardens, background plantings, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Butterflies, honeybees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Queen Mix Cleome is considered a very good deer-resistant annual. Its aromatic foliage, sticky stems, and naturally coarse plant texture are generally avoided by browsing deer, making it a reliable choice for landscapes where deer pressure is moderate to heavy. While extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any plant, Cleome is consistently recommended among the best flowering annuals for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Queen Mix combines the graceful elegance of Spider Flowers with a beautiful blend of complementary colors that brighten the garden from summer until frost. We especially recommend this mixture for gardeners seeking dramatic height, outstanding pollinator activity, and dependable deer resistance in one easy-to-grow planting. Whether used as a colorful background border or planted in sweeping drifts, Queen Mix creates a spectacular display that brings beauty, wildlife, and season-long performance to the landscape.
Melton Fire Potentilla is a dazzling perennial that produces masses of vivid crimson-red blossoms highlighted by darker, velvety centers. Blooming generously from late spring through much of the summer, this compact, free-flowering variety creates a brilliant display of color that brightens borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and perennial beds. Its low, mounding habit and continuous flowering make it an outstanding choice for gardeners seeking dependable color with minimal maintenance.
Melton Fire has earned a reputation as a moderately deer-resistant perennial. Its slightly hairy, coarse-textured foliage is generally less attractive to browsing deer than softer, more succulent plants, encouraging them to feed elsewhere under normal conditions. Although no ornamental perennial can be considered completely deer-proof, Potentilla nepalensis is frequently recommended for gardens where occasional deer browsing is a concern, particularly when combined with other deer-resistant companions.
The brilliant scarlet flowers attract honeybees, butterflies, and a variety of beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. Its compact size makes it an excellent edging plant while also blending beautifully with salvias, catmint, yarrow, coreopsis, and ornamental grasses. The vibrant blossoms provide striking contrast against rich green foliage, creating eye-catching displays in both formal and informal garden settings.
Easy to grow and highly adaptable, Melton Fire thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating summer heat and brief periods of drought once established. The plants require little attention beyond occasional deadheading to encourage additional blooms. Their long flowering season, bright coloration, pollinator value, and moderate deer resistance make them an excellent addition to perennial landscapes seeking both beauty and practicality.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Potentilla nepalensis
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Height: 12–18 inches
- Spread: 15–18 inches
- Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained garden soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, edging, pollinator gardens, perennial beds, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Butterflies, honeybees, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Melton Fire Potentilla is considered moderately deer resistant. Its slightly hairy foliage and somewhat coarse texture are generally less appealing to browsing deer than tender garden plants. While hungry deer may occasionally sample it during periods of limited food availability, this perennial is widely regarded as a dependable choice for gardens experiencing light to moderate deer pressure.
Seedman Notes
Melton Fire is one of the brightest flowering Potentillas available, producing an abundance of rich crimson blooms that stand out beautifully in sunny borders and cottage gardens. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a long-blooming perennial that attracts pollinators, requires very little maintenance, and offers a practical level of deer resistance. Its cheerful flowers and compact habit make it an excellent companion to many other deer-resistant perennials throughout the growing season.
Lavender Hyssop is a beautiful native perennial that combines fragrant foliage with graceful spikes of soft lavender-blue flowers, creating a spectacular display from midsummer well into autumn. Its upright habit, aromatic leaves, and long-lasting blooms make it equally valuable in cottage gardens, prairie plantings, herb gardens, and pollinator landscapes. Growing 24 to 48 inches tall, Lavender Hyssop provides both architectural interest and months of dependable color while filling the garden with the pleasant fragrance of sweet anise.
Lavender Hyssop has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant flowering perennials. The foliage is rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils that browsing deer generally find unpalatable, encouraging them to feed elsewhere. While no ornamental plant is completely deer-proof, Agastache foeniculum is consistently recommended by extension services and experienced gardeners as one of the most dependable choices for landscapes where deer are a recurring challenge.
The nectar-rich flower spikes are among the most valuable nectar sources available for beneficial wildlife. Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and countless other pollinating insects visit the flowers continuously throughout the blooming season. The blossoms also make excellent cut flowers, while the fragrant foliage adds another dimension of interest to the garden. Combined with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, yarrow, salvias, and ornamental grasses, Lavender Hyssop creates colorful late-season displays that remain alive with pollinator activity.
Easy to grow from seed, Lavender Hyssop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating heat, drought, poor soils, and summer humidity once established. It is remarkably hardy, requires very little maintenance, and often self-sows lightly under favorable conditions. Its exceptional combination of ornamental beauty, fragrance, wildlife value, and dependable deer resistance has made it one of the most rewarding native perennials for home landscapes.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Agastache foeniculum
- Plant Type: Native perennial
- Height: 24–48 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Midsummer through fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Pollinator gardens, prairie gardens, herb gardens, cottage gardens, borders, cut flowers, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Lavender Hyssop is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial. Its strongly aromatic foliage contains natural essential oils that browsing deer generally avoid, making it one of the most dependable flowering perennials for gardens experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of extreme food shortages, Agastache foeniculum consistently ranks among the best choices for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Lavender Hyssop is one of our highest recommendations for gardeners seeking a perennial that excels in every category. Its fragrant foliage, months of beautiful lavender-blue blooms, remarkable ability to attract pollinators, and outstanding deer resistance make it an exceptional addition to nearly any sunny landscape. Whether planted in native meadows, pollinator gardens, or traditional perennial borders, Lavender Hyssop delivers reliable beauty and ecological value season after season.
Seed packs will contain many dormant seeds that may take until second second season to germinate, in addition to seeds that will germinate the first seaon, so be patient with them.
Orange Butterfly Milkweed is one of North America's most spectacular native wildflowers, producing brilliant clusters of glowing orange blossoms that illuminate the garden from early to midsummer. Its vibrant flowers stand above attractive narrow foliage, creating eye-catching displays in borders, prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Unlike many other milkweeds, this species forms neat, upright clumps that blend beautifully into both formal and informal garden settings while providing outstanding seasonal color.
Butterfly Milkweed has earned an exceptional reputation as one of the most dependable deer-resistant native perennials. Its foliage contains naturally occurring cardiac glycosides and produces a bitter milky sap that browsing deer generally avoid. These natural plant defenses make Asclepias tuberosa one of the most reliable choices for landscapes where deer are a persistent challenge. While no plant is entirely deer-proof under extreme conditions, Butterfly Milkweed consistently performs exceptionally well in gardens experiencing moderate to heavy browsing pressure.
Few native flowers can equal Butterfly Milkweed for supporting beneficial wildlife. The nectar-rich blossoms attract butterflies, honeybees, native bees, hummingbirds, and numerous other pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. Most importantly, the foliage serves as an essential larval host plant for Monarch butterflies, providing a place for females to lay their eggs and nourishing the developing caterpillars. By planting Butterfly Milkweed, gardeners play a direct role in supporting one of North America's most beloved butterfly species.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Butterfly Milkweed is remarkably tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils once established. Its deep taproot allows the plant to flourish with very little supplemental watering, making it an outstanding choice for low-maintenance landscapes, native gardens, and prairie restorations. With its brilliant flowers, exceptional wildlife value, outstanding drought tolerance, and remarkable deer resistance, Orange Butterfly Milkweed is one of the finest native perennials available for today's gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Asclepias tuberosa
- Plant Type: Native perennial
- Height: 18–36 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Early to midsummer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy and average soils
- Water Requirements: Low once established; highly drought tolerant
- Uses: Pollinator gardens, prairie plantings, native landscapes, cottage gardens, meadow gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Monarch butterflies, butterflies, honeybees, native bees, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Orange Butterfly Milkweed is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial. The foliage contains naturally occurring cardiac glycosides and a bitter latex that discourage browsing by deer and other mammals. These natural defenses make it one of the most dependable native wildflowers for landscapes where deer are common. Although no plant can be guaranteed completely deer-proof, Asclepias tuberosa is consistently ranked among the best perennial choices for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Orange Butterfly Milkweed is one of our highest recommendations for gardeners who want to combine outstanding ornamental beauty with meaningful ecological value. The brilliant orange blooms attract an incredible diversity of pollinators while providing essential habitat for Monarch butterflies. Add in its exceptional drought tolerance and dependable deer resistance, and it becomes one of the most rewarding native wildflowers any gardener can grow. Few plants contribute more to both the beauty and health of the landscape.
Cannot ship to HI
Heavenly Mix Linaria produces an enchanting display of delicate snapdragon-like flowers in a brilliant blend of lavender, violet, rose, crimson, yellow, white, and pastel shades. Blooming abundantly from spring into early summer, these graceful annuals create airy drifts of color that sway gently in the breeze, bringing a light, natural elegance to borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and wildflower plantings. Their slender stems and vibrant blossoms provide a charming old-fashioned appearance that has delighted gardeners for generations.
Heavenly Mix is regarded as a moderately deer-resistant annual. The fine-textured foliage and naturally occurring bitter plant compounds are generally less attractive to browsing deer than the lush, tender growth of many bedding plants. While no flowering annual can be considered completely deer-proof, Linaria maroccana is often recommended as a dependable addition to gardens experiencing light to moderate deer pressure, particularly when combined with other well-known deer-resistant companions.
The colorful blossoms are rich in nectar and attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinating insects throughout their blooming season. Their graceful flower spikes blend beautifully with poppies, larkspurs, sweet alyssum, bachelor's buttons, and other cool-season annuals, creating colorful cottage-style displays that appear both natural and effortless. The flowers also make delicate additions to spring bouquets and informal floral arrangements.
Easy to grow from seed, Heavenly Mix performs best in full sun to light afternoon shade and well-drained soil. The plants establish quickly, require very little maintenance, and often reseed lightly under favorable conditions, providing welcome color in succeeding seasons. Their cheerful blooms, excellent pollinator value, ease of cultivation, and moderate deer resistance make them an excellent choice for gardeners seeking reliable spring and early summer color.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Linaria maroccana
- Plant Type: Annual
- Height: 12–18 inches
- Spread: 8–12 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring through early summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to light shade
- Soil Preference: Well-drained garden soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate
- Uses: Borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, wildflower plantings, cut flowers, pollinator gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Heavenly Mix Linaria is considered moderately deer resistant. Its fine foliage and naturally bitter plant compounds generally discourage browsing under normal garden conditions. While hungry deer may occasionally sample the plants during periods of food scarcity, Linaria maroccana is commonly recommended as a dependable annual for landscapes experiencing light to moderate deer pressure.
Seedman Notes
Heavenly Mix is one of our favorite cool-season annuals for creating colorful cottage garden displays with very little effort. The soft blend of vibrant flower colors, graceful flower spikes, and excellent pollinator value make it an outstanding choice for borders and naturalized plantings. Combined with its moderate deer resistance and reliable garden performance, Heavenly Mix brings both beauty and practicality to spring landscapes.
Cherokee Sunset Mix Rudbeckia is an award-winning heirloom selection celebrated for its spectacular double and semi-double blooms in rich shades of golden yellow, bronze, mahogany, russet, copper, orange, and bicolor combinations. The large, fully double flowers resemble miniature chrysanthemums, creating an unforgettable display that blooms continuously from early summer until frost. Whether planted in cottage gardens, perennial borders, prairie plantings, or cutting gardens, Cherokee Sunset delivers exceptional color and old-fashioned charm throughout the growing season.
Cherokee Sunset has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant flowering plants available. Its coarse, slightly hairy foliage, sturdy stems, and naturally bitter plant compounds make it far less attractive to browsing deer than many tender ornamental flowers. Although no plant is completely deer-proof during periods of severe food shortages, Rudbeckia hirta is consistently recommended by horticultural experts as one of the most dependable choices for gardens where deer are a recurring problem.
The richly colored blossoms are highly attractive to butterflies, honeybees, native bees, and numerous beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. As autumn arrives, the mature seed heads become a valuable food source for goldfinches and other songbirds, extending the plant's wildlife value well beyond flowering. The long, sturdy stems also make outstanding cut flowers, providing weeks of colorful bouquets while encouraging additional blooms in the garden.
Cherokee Sunset thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating summer heat, drought, and a wide range of growing conditions once established. Easy to grow from seed and requiring very little maintenance, it performs beautifully in formal borders, naturalized meadows, wildlife gardens, and roadside plantings. Its remarkable combination of brilliant flowers, outstanding pollinator value, dependable deer resistance, and season-long beauty makes it one of the most rewarding garden flowers available.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Rudbeckia hirta
- Plant Type: Short-lived perennial or biennial, often grown as an annual
- Height: 24–36 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Early summer through frost
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Average, well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Cottage gardens, prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, cut flowers, wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Butterflies, honeybees, native bees, goldfinches, and other songbirds
Deer Resistance
Cherokee Sunset Mix is considered an excellent deer-resistant flowering plant. Its coarse foliage, rough texture, and naturally bitter compounds discourage browsing under normal conditions, making it one of the most dependable Rudbeckias for gardens experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. While extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation, Rudbeckia hirta is consistently ranked among the best ornamental flowers for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Cherokee Sunset is one of the most spectacular Rudbeckias we offer, producing an extraordinary range of warm autumn colors on large, fully double flowers that continue blooming for months. We especially recommend this variety for gardeners seeking dramatic color, outstanding cut flowers, abundant pollinator activity, and dependable deer resistance. Its combination of ornamental beauty, wildlife value, and exceptional garden performance makes Cherokee Sunset a standout choice for nearly any sunny landscape.
Texas Bluebonnet is the beloved state flower of Texas and one of North America's most spectacular native wildflowers. Its brilliant spikes of rich royal-blue blossoms, each accented with a distinctive white tip, transform fields, roadsides, and gardens into breathtaking displays each spring. Growing 12 to 24 inches tall, this iconic annual is equally at home in wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, native landscapes, and sunny borders, where it brings vibrant color and unmistakable Texas character to the landscape.
Texas Bluebonnet has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant native wildflowers available. Its slightly hairy foliage and naturally occurring bitter alkaloids discourage browsing, causing deer to seek more palatable vegetation. Although no plant can be considered completely deer-proof during periods of severe food shortages, Lupinus texensis is consistently recommended by horticultural experts and native plant specialists as one of the most dependable flowering plants for landscapes where deer are a regular challenge.
The vibrant spring flowers provide an important early-season nectar source for honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects. As flowering concludes, the attractive seed pods develop, completing the plant's natural life cycle while often allowing future generations to establish through self-seeding under favorable conditions. Bluebonnets combine beautifully with Indian Paintbrush, Coreopsis, Gaillardia, and other native wildflowers to create colorful spring displays that celebrate the beauty of the American Southwest.
Easy to grow from seed, Texas Bluebonnet thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, performing exceptionally well in sandy, rocky, and limestone-based soils with excellent drainage. Once established, it requires very little maintenance and is highly tolerant of drought and heat. Its remarkable beauty, outstanding wildlife value, dependable deer resistance, and importance as a treasured native wildflower make Texas Bluebonnet one of the most rewarding annuals for naturalized landscapes and home gardens alike.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Lupinus texensis
- Plant Type: Native annual
- Height: 12–24 inches
- Spread: 8–12 inches
- Bloom Season: Spring
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, sandy, rocky, or limestone soils
- Water Requirements: Low once established
- Uses: Wildflower meadows, native gardens, prairie plantings, roadside plantings, pollinator gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Texas Bluebonnet is considered an excellent deer-resistant native wildflower. Its slightly hairy foliage and naturally occurring bitter alkaloids make it considerably less attractive to browsing deer than many spring-flowering annuals. While extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation, Lupinus texensis is consistently recognized as one of the most dependable native flowers for reducing browsing damage in deer-prone landscapes.
Seedman Notes
Few flowers capture the spirit of spring more beautifully than Texas Bluebonnet. We especially recommend this iconic native wildflower for gardeners seeking breathtaking seasonal displays, exceptional pollinator value, and dependable deer resistance. Whether planted in sweeping meadows or incorporated into cottage gardens and native landscapes, Texas Bluebonnet rewards gardeners with unforgettable color while celebrating one of America's most cherished wildflowers.
Rocky Mountain Juniper is a rugged, evergreen conifer native to the western United States, admired for its attractive blue-green foliage, naturally graceful form, and remarkable adaptability. This hardy tree develops into a stately specimen with a narrow to broadly pyramidal habit, making it an excellent choice for windbreaks, privacy screens, wildlife plantings, and ornamental landscapes. Its year-round evergreen color provides lasting beauty while adding structure and texture to gardens in every season.
Rocky Mountain Juniper has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant evergreen trees available. Its aromatic resinous foliage, tough needle-like texture, and naturally occurring plant oils make it highly unappealing to browsing deer. While no landscape plant can be guaranteed completely deer-proof under extreme feeding conditions, Juniperus scopulorum is consistently recommended as one of the most dependable evergreens for properties where deer are a frequent concern.
Beyond its ornamental value, Rocky Mountain Juniper provides exceptional benefits for wildlife. The dense evergreen branches offer year-round nesting sites and protective cover for songbirds, while the attractive blue berry-like cones provide an important winter food source for cedar waxwings, robins, bluebirds, and many other native birds. Its drought tolerance and adaptability also make it an outstanding choice for naturalized landscapes, conservation plantings, and low-maintenance gardens.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Rocky Mountain Juniper tolerates drought, poor soils, heat, cold, wind, and challenging growing conditions once established. It requires very little maintenance beyond occasional pruning if shaping is desired and remains attractive throughout the year. Its exceptional hardiness, dependable deer resistance, wildlife value, and evergreen beauty have made it one of North America's most respected native conifers for ornamental and conservation plantings.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Juniperus scopulorum
- Plant Type: Native evergreen conifer
- Height: 30–50 feet
- Spread: 10–20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; adaptable to rocky, sandy, and poor soils
- Water Requirements: Low once established
- Uses: Windbreaks, privacy screens, wildlife habitat, specimen trees, conservation plantings, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Songbirds and other wildlife
Deer Resistance
Rocky Mountain Juniper is considered an excellent deer-resistant evergreen. Its resinous aromatic foliage, sharp needle-like texture, and tough evergreen growth are naturally avoided by browsing deer, making it one of the most reliable landscape trees for areas with moderate to heavy deer populations. Although hungry deer may occasionally browse almost any vegetation during periods of severe food scarcity, Juniperus scopulorum consistently ranks among the most dependable evergreen choices for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Rocky Mountain Juniper is one of our favorite native evergreens because it combines rugged durability with year-round beauty and outstanding wildlife value. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a hardy, low-maintenance tree that provides shelter for birds, excellent drought tolerance, and dependable deer resistance. Whether planted as a specimen tree, privacy screen, or windbreak, it delivers decades of reliable performance in a wide range of climates.
Colorado Blue Spruce is one of the world's most admired ornamental evergreens, prized for its magnificent pyramidal form and striking silver-blue needles that provide year-round beauty. Native to the Rocky Mountains, this stately conifer develops into an impressive specimen tree with dense, symmetrical branching that adds elegance, structure, and lasting color to landscapes of every style. Whether planted as a focal point, windbreak, privacy screen, or living Christmas tree, Colorado Blue Spruce delivers timeless beauty in every season.
Colorado Blue Spruce has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant evergreen trees available. Its stiff, razor-sharp needles, aromatic resin, and dense branching create a combination that browsing deer generally avoid. While no tree can be considered completely deer-proof during periods of extreme food shortages, Picea pungens is consistently recommended by horticultural experts as one of the most dependable landscape evergreens for areas where deer are a recurring challenge.
Beyond its exceptional ornamental value, Colorado Blue Spruce provides outstanding habitat for wildlife throughout the year. Its dense evergreen branches offer shelter and nesting sites for songbirds, while the mature cones provide food for finches, chickadees, nuthatches, squirrels, and other native wildlife. The beautiful blue foliage creates a dramatic backdrop for flowering shrubs, perennial borders, and native plantings while maintaining its impressive appearance through every season of the year.
Easy to establish and remarkably hardy, Colorado Blue Spruce thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating cold winters, summer heat, wind, and periods of drought once established. It requires little maintenance beyond occasional removal of damaged branches and develops into a magnificent long-lived specimen with minimal care. Its outstanding hardiness, striking evergreen beauty, wildlife value, and exceptional deer resistance make it one of the finest ornamental conifers available for home landscapes.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Picea pungens
- Plant Type: Evergreen conifer
- Height: 40–70 feet
- Spread: 15–25 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; adaptable to a wide range of soil types
- Water Requirements: Moderate during establishment; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Specimen tree, windbreak, privacy screen, living Christmas tree, wildlife habitat, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Songbirds, finches, chickadees, nuthatches, and other wildlife
Deer Resistance
Colorado Blue Spruce is considered an excellent deer-resistant evergreen. Its stiff, sharp needles, resinous aromatic foliage, and dense branching discourage browsing, making it one of the most dependable conifers for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although extremely hungry deer may occasionally investigate almost any plant, Picea pungens consistently ranks among the very best evergreen trees for minimizing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Colorado Blue Spruce has long been one of our favorite evergreen trees because it combines spectacular year-round beauty with exceptional toughness. The brilliant blue foliage, naturally symmetrical form, and remarkable adaptability make it an outstanding choice for both ornamental landscapes and functional plantings. For gardeners seeking an evergreen that provides decades of beauty while standing up exceptionally well to deer, Colorado Blue Spruce remains one of the finest selections available.
Hyssop is a handsome, aromatic perennial herb that produces graceful spikes of rich violet-blue flowers above neat mounds of fragrant evergreen foliage. Blooming from midsummer into early autumn, this attractive garden favorite has been cultivated for centuries as both an ornamental and culinary herb. Its compact, upright habit makes it an excellent choice for herb gardens, cottage gardens, pollinator borders, and perennial landscapes where both beauty and fragrance are appreciated.
Hyssop has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennials available. Its narrow leaves contain high concentrations of naturally occurring aromatic essential oils that browsing deer generally find unpleasant. Combined with its strong herbal fragrance and slightly woody stems, these natural characteristics make Hyssopus officinalis one of the most dependable plants for gardens where deer are frequent visitors. While no plant is completely deer-proof, Hyssop consistently ranks among the very best choices for reducing browsing damage.
The nectar-rich flower spikes are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. The flowers also make excellent cut flowers, while the aromatic foliage has long been valued in herbal gardens for its pleasant fragrance and traditional culinary and ornamental uses. Hyssop combines beautifully with lavender, salvias, yarrow, coneflowers, and ornamental grasses to create colorful, wildlife-friendly plantings.
Easy to grow from seed, Hyssop thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating heat, drought, poor soils, and summer humidity once established. It requires very little maintenance, forms tidy clumps, and provides years of dependable performance in a wide range of climates. Its fragrant foliage, abundant flowers, outstanding pollinator value, and exceptional deer resistance make it one of the finest perennial herbs for both ornamental and practical gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Hyssopus officinalis
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 18–30 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Midsummer through early fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Herb gardens, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, borders, medicinal and culinary herb gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Hyssop is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its strongly aromatic foliage contains abundant natural essential oils that browsing deer generally avoid, making it one of the most dependable flowering herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of extreme food shortages, Hyssopus officinalis is consistently recognized as one of the best perennial herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Hyssop has been treasured in gardens for centuries for its remarkable combination of beauty, fragrance, and usefulness. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow perennial that supports pollinators, provides aromatic foliage, and offers outstanding deer resistance. Whether planted in traditional herb gardens, pollinator borders, or cottage landscapes, Hyssop rewards gardeners with years of dependable performance and timeless garden charm.
Lemon Catnip is a delightful aromatic herb that combines attractive gray-green foliage with spikes of delicate white flowers touched with pale lavender. Unlike common catnip, this selection offers a refreshing lemon fragrance that perfumes the garden while adding ornamental beauty to herb gardens, cottage landscapes, pollinator borders, and perennial plantings. Blooming from early summer well into autumn, Lemon Catnip provides months of graceful flowers and fragrant foliage that remain attractive throughout the growing season.
Lemon Catnip has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its foliage is rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils that produce its characteristic citrus fragrance but are generally unappealing to browsing deer. These powerful natural oils, combined with the plant's slightly fuzzy foliage and strong herbal scent, make Nepeta cataria citriodora one of the most dependable choices for landscapes where deer are a recurring concern.
The abundant flowers are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects, making Lemon Catnip an outstanding addition to wildlife-friendly gardens. The fragrant foliage has long been appreciated in herbal gardens for teas, sachets, and potpourri, while its tidy, bushy habit blends beautifully with lavender, hyssop, salvias, coneflowers, and other sun-loving perennials. The plant also provides enjoyment for many cats, which are attracted to its aromatic foliage.
Easy to grow from seed, Lemon Catnip thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating heat, drought, and poor soils once established. It requires very little maintenance, often self-seeds lightly under favorable conditions, and continues flowering over an exceptionally long season. Its fragrant foliage, outstanding pollinator value, culinary and herbal usefulness, and dependable deer resistance make it one of the most rewarding perennial herbs for both ornamental and practical gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria var. citriodora
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 24–36 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Early summer through fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Herb gardens, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, borders, teas, sachets, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, beneficial pollinators, and many cats
Deer Resistance
Lemon Catnip is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its strongly aromatic lemon-scented foliage contains abundant natural essential oils that browsing deer generally avoid. These fragrant compounds make it one of the most dependable herbs for gardens experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. While no plant is entirely immune under severe feeding conditions, Nepeta cataria var. citriodora consistently ranks among the best perennial herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Lemon Catnip is an outstanding addition to any sunny garden, combining fragrant foliage, months of delicate blooms, and exceptional wildlife value in one easy-to-grow perennial. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a versatile herb that supports pollinators, offers traditional herbal uses, and provides dependable deer resistance. Whether planted in a dedicated herb garden or mixed among flowering perennials, Lemon Catnip rewards gardeners with beauty, fragrance, and reliable performance year after year.
Mexican Hat is a striking native prairie wildflower celebrated for its unique sombrero-shaped blossoms featuring drooping petals in brilliant shades of mahogany-red and golden yellow surrounding tall central cones. Blooming continuously from early summer well into autumn, this graceful perennial creates colorful drifts that bring movement and natural beauty to prairie gardens, wildflower meadows, cottage landscapes, and pollinator plantings. Its distinctive flowers are unlike any other garden perennial, making it an unforgettable addition to sunny landscapes.
Mexican Hat has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant native wildflowers available. Its finely divided but somewhat coarse foliage contains naturally occurring bitter compounds that browsing deer generally avoid. Although no ornamental plant can be considered completely deer-proof, Ratibida columnaris consistently ranks among the most dependable native perennials for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure, making it a favorite for both rural and suburban gardens.
The colorful flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting butterflies, honeybees, native bees, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. As autumn arrives, the mature seed heads provide valuable food for goldfinches and other songbirds while adding winter interest to naturalized landscapes. Mexican Hat combines beautifully with purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, blazing stars, ornamental grasses, and other native prairie species to create spectacular long-lasting displays.
Easy to grow from seed, Mexican Hat thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating heat, drought, wind, and poor soils once established. It requires very little maintenance, often self-sows lightly, and flourishes in challenging growing conditions where many traditional garden flowers struggle. Its remarkable durability, exceptional wildlife value, prolonged blooming season, and dependable deer resistance make it one of the finest native wildflowers for sustainable landscapes.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Ratibida columnaris
- Plant Type: Native perennial
- Height: 24–36 inches
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Bloom Season: Early summer through fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, rocky, and average garden soils
- Water Requirements: Low once established; highly drought tolerant
- Uses: Prairie gardens, pollinator gardens, wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, naturalized landscapes, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Butterflies, honeybees, native bees, goldfinches, and other beneficial wildlife
Deer Resistance
Mexican Hat is considered an excellent deer-resistant native perennial. Its coarse foliage, naturally bitter compounds, and rugged prairie characteristics make it generally unappealing to browsing deer. While hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Ratibida columnaris is consistently recognized as one of the best native wildflowers for reducing browsing damage in sunny landscapes.
Seedman Notes
Mexican Hat is one of our favorite North American prairie flowers because it offers extraordinary beauty with very little maintenance. The distinctive sombrero-shaped blooms provide months of brilliant color while supporting butterflies, native bees, and songbirds throughout the seasons. We especially recommend this hardy native perennial for gardeners seeking exceptional drought tolerance, dependable deer resistance, and authentic prairie character that returns year after year.
Lavender Lady is a classic English Lavender prized for its fragrant silver-green foliage and elegant spikes of richly colored lavender-blue flowers. Blooming from late spring through summer, this timeless perennial fills the garden with its unmistakable fragrance while adding graceful beauty to borders, herb gardens, cottage landscapes, and pollinator plantings. Its neat, mounding habit and evergreen foliage provide year-round interest, making it one of the most beloved ornamental herbs in the world.
Lavender Lady has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennials available. The foliage is exceptionally rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils that produce the familiar lavender fragrance but are generally offensive to browsing deer. Combined with its somewhat woody stems and narrow, resinous leaves, these natural characteristics make Lavandula angustifolia one of the most dependable choices for landscapes where deer are a persistent concern. While no plant is completely deer-proof, lavender consistently ranks among the very best ornamental plants for minimizing browsing damage.
The fragrant flower spikes are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and countless other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. The flowers are also prized for fresh bouquets, dried arrangements, sachets, potpourri, and culinary uses, while the aromatic foliage perfumes the garden whenever it is brushed or touched. Lavender Lady blends beautifully with roses, salvias, yarrow, catmint, ornamental grasses, and countless other sun-loving perennials, creating gardens rich in both color and fragrance.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Lavender Lady performs exceptionally well in hot, dry conditions and requires very little maintenance once established. It tolerates drought, poor soils, and summer heat with ease, making it an ideal choice for water-wise landscapes and Mediterranean-style gardens. Its remarkable combination of fragrance, ornamental beauty, pollinator value, drought tolerance, and exceptional deer resistance has made Lavender Lady one of the finest perennial herbs available for modern gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Lavandula angustifolia
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial herb
- Height: 18–24 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
- Water Requirements: Low once established; highly drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, cottage gardens, borders, pollinator gardens, dried flowers, sachets, culinary herb gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Lavender Lady is considered one of the finest deer-resistant perennials available. Its highly aromatic foliage contains abundant essential oils that browsing deer instinctively avoid, making it one of the most dependable plants for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although no plant can be guaranteed completely deer-proof during periods of extreme food shortages, Lavandula angustifolia is consistently recognized as one of the premier choices for reducing browsing damage while providing outstanding ornamental value.
Seedman Notes
Lavender Lady is one of our highest recommendations for gardeners seeking a beautiful, fragrant, and dependable perennial. Its soothing fragrance, elegant flower spikes, exceptional pollinator value, and remarkable drought tolerance have made English Lavender a favorite for centuries. Add its outstanding deer resistance, and Lavender Lady becomes one of the most rewarding plants for sunny gardens where beauty, fragrance, and practicality are equally important.
Lavender Vera is the classic true lavender, treasured for centuries for its intensely fragrant silver-gray foliage and graceful spikes of rich violet-blue flowers. This timeless perennial brings beauty, fragrance, and elegance to herb gardens, cottage landscapes, borders, and Mediterranean-style plantings. Blooming from late spring into summer, Lavender Vera fills the garden with its soothing aroma while providing a refined appearance that complements both formal and informal landscapes.
Lavender Vera has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennials available. The narrow evergreen leaves are rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils that browsing deer generally find offensive. Combined with its woody stems and resinous foliage, these natural defenses make Lavandula vera one of the most dependable ornamental herbs for gardens where deer are a persistent challenge. Although no plant is completely deer-proof, true lavender consistently ranks among the very best landscape plants for reducing browsing damage.
The fragrant flower spikes are magnets for honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. The blossoms are prized for fresh bouquets, dried arrangements, sachets, potpourri, essential oils, and culinary uses, while the aromatic foliage perfumes walkways and garden paths whenever it is gently brushed. Lavender Vera combines beautifully with roses, salvias, hyssop, catmint, yarrow, and ornamental grasses, creating landscapes rich in fragrance, texture, and pollinator activity.
Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil, Lavender Vera performs exceptionally well in hot, dry climates and requires very little maintenance once established. It tolerates drought, poor soils, and summer heat with remarkable ease while maintaining its attractive evergreen foliage throughout much of the year. Its outstanding fragrance, remarkable durability, exceptional pollinator value, and dependable deer resistance have made it one of the world's most beloved perennial herbs.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Lavandula vera
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial herb
- Height: 18–30 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil
- Water Requirements: Low once established; highly drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, dried flowers, essential oils, sachets, culinary herb gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Lavender Vera is considered one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its foliage contains abundant aromatic essential oils that browsing deer instinctively avoid, making it an exceptionally reliable choice for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. While extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Lavandula vera consistently ranks among the most dependable ornamental plants for minimizing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Lavender Vera represents the traditional lavender that has delighted gardeners, herbalists, and perfumers for generations. We especially recommend this variety for gardeners seeking exceptional fragrance, elegant flowers, outstanding pollinator value, and dependable deer resistance. Whether planted along sunny walkways, incorporated into herb gardens, or featured in classic cottage landscapes, Lavender Vera provides timeless beauty while remaining one of the most reliable deer-resistant plants available.
Lemon Mint is a beautiful native annual wildflower admired for its striking tiers of lavender-pink flower clusters and delightfully fragrant citrus-scented foliage. Blooming continuously from late spring through summer, this distinctive member of the mint family creates an eye-catching display in wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, cottage landscapes, and native plantings. Its unique whorled blossoms and aromatic leaves provide exceptional ornamental value while filling the garden with a refreshing lemon fragrance.
Lemon Mint has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant native annuals available. The foliage contains abundant naturally occurring aromatic essential oils that produce its pleasant lemon scent but are generally unappealing to browsing deer. Combined with its strongly aromatic stems and foliage, these natural defenses make Monarda citriodora one of the most dependable flowering plants for landscapes where deer are a persistent concern. While no plant is completely deer-proof, Lemon Mint consistently ranks among the best native annuals for minimizing browsing damage.
The nectar-rich flower clusters are irresistible to honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects. Throughout the blooming season the plants remain alive with activity, making them one of the finest choices for wildlife-friendly gardens. The fragrant foliage also has a long history of use in herbal teas and potpourri, while the colorful flower spikes combine beautifully with bluebonnets, Indian Blanket, Mexican Hat, coneflowers, and other native wildflowers.
Easy to grow from seed, Lemon Mint thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating heat, drought, and poor soils once established. It often reseeds naturally, allowing attractive colonies to develop under favorable growing conditions with very little maintenance. Its exceptional fragrance, outstanding pollinator value, dependable deer resistance, and adaptability make Lemon Mint one of the finest native annuals for sustainable gardens and natural landscapes.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Monarda citriodora
- Plant Type: Native annual
- Height: 18–36 inches
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; adaptable to sandy and average garden soils
- Water Requirements: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Pollinator gardens, native gardens, wildflower meadows, cottage gardens, herb gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Lemon Mint is considered an excellent deer-resistant native annual. Its strongly aromatic lemon-scented foliage contains abundant natural essential oils that browsing deer instinctively avoid. This makes it one of the most dependable native flowering plants for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of extreme food shortages, Monarda citriodora consistently ranks among the best choices for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Lemon Mint is one of our favorite native wildflowers because it brings together fragrance, beauty, and tremendous ecological value in a single easy-to-grow plant. The unusual lavender flower clusters provide months of color while supporting an incredible diversity of pollinators, and the aromatic foliage offers outstanding natural deer resistance. We especially recommend Lemon Mint for gardeners who want to create vibrant, wildlife-friendly landscapes that are both beautiful and remarkably resilient.
Spearmint is a vigorous, fragrant perennial herb cherished for its bright green leaves, refreshing mint aroma, and remarkable versatility in the garden. Its upright stems produce attractive spikes of soft lavender-pink flowers during summer, adding ornamental beauty while providing fresh leaves for teas, culinary dishes, beverages, and herbal preparations. Whether grown in herb gardens, cottage borders, containers, or pollinator plantings, Spearmint offers beauty, fragrance, and usefulness throughout the growing season.
Spearmint has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its foliage is exceptionally rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils, including carvone, which create the familiar mint fragrance that gardeners enjoy but browsing deer generally avoid. Combined with its strong herbal aroma and vigorous growth, these natural defenses make Mentha spicata one of the most dependable plants for landscapes where deer are a persistent challenge. Although no plant can be considered completely deer-proof, Spearmint consistently ranks among the best perennial herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
The nectar-rich flower spikes attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and many other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. The fragrant foliage has long been prized for fresh and dried teas, fruit salads, desserts, sauces, and refreshing summer beverages, while the attractive flowers add ornamental interest to herb gardens and mixed borders. Spearmint pairs beautifully with lavender, hyssop, lemon balm, oregano, and other aromatic herbs to create productive and wildlife-friendly gardens.
Easy to grow and exceptionally hardy, Spearmint thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Once established it spreads readily by underground runners, making it an excellent choice for contained herb gardens, raised beds, or large naturalized plantings where its vigorous growth can be appreciated. Its outstanding fragrance, culinary usefulness, exceptional pollinator value, and dependable deer resistance have made Spearmint one of the world's most widely cultivated garden herbs.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Mentha spicata
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 18–36 inches
- Spread: Spreading by underground runners
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Preference: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate to high
- Uses: Herb gardens, culinary herb, teas, containers, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Spearmint is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its strongly aromatic foliage contains abundant natural essential oils that browsing deer instinctively avoid, making it one of the most dependable herbs for gardens experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Mentha spicata is consistently recognized as one of the best herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Spearmint has been a garden favorite for centuries because it combines exceptional fragrance, culinary usefulness, and effortless cultivation. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a productive perennial herb that supports pollinators while providing dependable deer resistance. Whether harvested fresh for the kitchen or enjoyed simply for its refreshing aroma and attractive flowers, Spearmint is an indispensable addition to herb gardens and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Horehound is a time-honored perennial herb prized for its soft gray-green foliage, clusters of delicate white flowers, and long history as a traditional medicinal and culinary plant. Forming attractive mounded clumps 18 to 30 inches tall, Horehound brings old-world charm to herb gardens, cottage landscapes, pollinator borders, and naturalized plantings. Its softly textured foliage provides ornamental interest throughout the growing season, even before the flowers appear.
Horehound has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. The woolly, aromatic leaves contain naturally occurring bitter compounds, particularly marrubiin, that browsing deer generally find highly unpalatable. Combined with its fuzzy leaf texture and distinctive herbal fragrance, these natural defenses make Marrubium vulgare one of the most dependable plants for landscapes where deer are a recurring concern. While no plant is entirely deer-proof, Horehound consistently ranks among the most reliable perennial herbs for discouraging browsing.
The small white flowers are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and numerous beneficial pollinating insects throughout the summer months. Long valued in traditional herbal gardens, Horehound has been used for generations in teas, candies, and herbal preparations, while its attractive silvery foliage provides excellent contrast when planted alongside lavender, hyssop, sage, thyme, and other aromatic herbs. Its compact habit also makes it an attractive edging plant for sunny herb gardens.
Easy to grow from seed, Horehound thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating drought, poor soils, heat, and neglect once established. It requires very little maintenance and often naturalizes gently without becoming troublesome. Its exceptional hardiness, historical significance, outstanding pollinator value, and dependable deer resistance make Horehound one of the finest traditional herbs for modern gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Marrubium vulgare
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 18–30 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; thrives in average, sandy, and rocky soils
- Water Requirements: Low once established; drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, medicinal herb gardens, borders, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Horehound is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its fuzzy aromatic foliage contains naturally occurring bitter compounds, including marrubiin, that browsing deer generally avoid. These characteristics make it one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Marrubium vulgare consistently ranks among the best perennial herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Horehound is one of the oldest cultivated medicinal herbs, valued for centuries for both its practical uses and its rugged garden performance. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a hardy perennial that combines attractive silvery foliage, abundant pollinator activity, and outstanding deer resistance. Whether incorporated into a traditional herb garden or planted among flowering perennials, Horehound provides dependable beauty, historical interest, and exceptional durability year after year.
True Greek Oregano is the classic culinary oregano, treasured for its intensely aromatic foliage, attractive mounding habit, and abundant clusters of delicate white flowers. Long regarded as one of the world's finest herbs for cooking, this hardy perennial is equally valuable as an ornamental garden plant. Its fragrant leaves, neat growth, and extended blooming season make it an outstanding choice for herb gardens, cottage landscapes, borders, rock gardens, and pollinator plantings.
True Greek Oregano has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. The foliage contains exceptionally high concentrations of naturally occurring aromatic essential oils, including carvacrol and thymol, which browsing deer generally find highly offensive. Combined with its strong herbal fragrance and slightly woody stems, these natural defenses make Origanum heracleoticum one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes where deer are a recurring concern. While no plant can be considered completely deer-proof, Greek Oregano consistently ranks among the very best choices for minimizing browsing damage.
During summer, the abundant flower clusters become magnets for honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects. The flavorful foliage is indispensable in Mediterranean cuisine, adding its unmistakable aroma to pizzas, pasta sauces, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and countless other dishes. The attractive flowers and tidy habit also make Greek Oregano an excellent companion for lavender, thyme, sage, hyssop, and other aromatic herbs in productive kitchen gardens.
Easy to grow from seed, True Greek Oregano thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating heat, drought, rocky soils, and dry conditions once established. It requires very little maintenance, forms dense, attractive clumps, and provides years of dependable performance in a wide range of climates. Its outstanding culinary quality, exceptional pollinator value, aromatic foliage, and remarkable deer resistance make it one of the most rewarding perennial herbs available.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Origanum heracleoticum
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 12–24 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy and rocky soils
- Water Requirements: Low once established; drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, culinary herb, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, cottage gardens, borders, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
True Greek Oregano is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its intensely aromatic foliage contains abundant natural essential oils, particularly carvacrol and thymol, that browsing deer instinctively avoid. These powerful compounds make it one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Origanum heracleoticum consistently ranks among the finest perennial herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
True Greek Oregano is one of our highest recommendations for gardeners who want a plant that is equally valuable in the kitchen and the landscape. Its exceptional culinary flavor, fragrant foliage, abundant pollinator activity, and outstanding deer resistance make it an indispensable addition to herb gardens. Whether harvested fresh for cooking or enjoyed simply for its beauty and fragrance, Greek Oregano provides years of reliable performance while naturally helping to discourage deer browsing.
Pennyroyal is a charming, low-growing perennial herb prized for its intensely aromatic foliage and delicate lavender-lilac flowers that bloom in profusion during summer. Forming dense mats of bright green leaves, this attractive member of the mint family is ideal for herb gardens, rock gardens, pathways, borders, and containers where its pleasant fragrance can be appreciated. Its compact growth habit and colorful flowers make it both an ornamental and practical addition to sunny landscapes.
Pennyroyal has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its foliage contains abundant naturally occurring aromatic essential oils, particularly pulegone, which produce its characteristic mint fragrance while making the plant highly unappealing to browsing deer. Combined with its strong herbal aroma and vigorous growth, these natural defenses make Mentha pulegium one of the most dependable choices for gardens where deer are a persistent concern. Although no plant is completely deer-proof, Pennyroyal consistently ranks among the best herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
The small lavender flowers are rich in nectar and attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and many other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. The fragrant foliage has long been appreciated in traditional herb gardens and releases its refreshing scent whenever lightly brushed or walked near. Pennyroyal pairs beautifully with thyme, oregano, lavender, hyssop, and other Mediterranean herbs, creating attractive, aromatic plantings filled with pollinator activity.
Easy to grow from seed, Pennyroyal thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Once established it spreads gradually to form attractive groundcover-like colonies while remaining easy to maintain with occasional trimming. Its delightful fragrance, compact habit, excellent pollinator value, and dependable deer resistance make Pennyroyal an outstanding choice for herb gardens and ornamental landscapes alike.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Mentha pulegium
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 6–12 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, moderately moist soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate
- Uses: Herb gardens, rock gardens, borders, containers, groundcover, pollinator gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Pennyroyal is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its strongly aromatic foliage is rich in natural essential oils, particularly pulegone, which browsing deer generally avoid. These compounds make it one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. While hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Mentha pulegium consistently ranks among the finest perennial herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Pennyroyal is a wonderful choice for gardeners who appreciate fragrant herbs that are both ornamental and practical. Its low-growing habit, attractive lavender flowers, and refreshing mint fragrance make it a valuable addition to herb gardens, borders, and pathways. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a compact perennial that supports pollinators while providing exceptional deer resistance and season-long beauty.
Rosemary is a timeless evergreen herb celebrated for its intensely aromatic needle-like foliage, delicate blue flowers, and remarkable versatility in both the garden and the kitchen. Native to the Mediterranean region, this handsome shrub forms dense, evergreen mounds that provide year-round beauty while filling the air with its refreshing herbal fragrance. Whether planted in herb gardens, borders, rock gardens, containers, or Mediterranean landscapes, Rosemary offers exceptional ornamental appeal in every season.
Rosemary has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its evergreen foliage is exceptionally rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils, including cineole, camphor, and borneol, which browsing deer generally find highly objectionable. Combined with its woody stems and resinous needle-like leaves, these natural defenses make Rosmarinus officinalis one of the most dependable landscape plants for gardens where deer are a persistent concern. While no plant is completely deer-proof, Rosemary consistently ranks among the very best ornamental herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
In addition to its culinary importance, Rosemary is an outstanding pollinator plant. The delicate blue flowers attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and numerous beneficial insects, often blooming during seasons when other nectar sources are limited. The fragrant foliage is indispensable for seasoning meats, vegetables, breads, and soups, while the attractive evergreen form provides excellent structure in herb gardens and ornamental landscapes. Rosemary pairs beautifully with lavender, thyme, oregano, sage, and other Mediterranean herbs to create fragrant, drought-tolerant garden displays.
Rosemary thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, performing exceptionally well in hot, dry climates and poor soils once established. Highly tolerant of drought, heat, salt spray, and coastal conditions, it requires very little maintenance beyond occasional pruning to maintain its attractive shape. Its evergreen beauty, culinary usefulness, outstanding pollinator value, remarkable drought tolerance, and exceptional deer resistance have made Rosemary one of the world's most cherished garden herbs.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial herb/shrub
- Height: 24–60 inches, depending on variety
- Spread: 24–48 inches
- Bloom Season: Late winter through spring, with additional blooms in mild climates
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- Water Requirements: Low once established; highly drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, culinary herb, borders, containers, Mediterranean gardens, pollinator gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Rosemary is considered one of the finest deer-resistant herbs available. Its intensely aromatic evergreen foliage contains abundant essential oils, including cineole, camphor, and borneol, that browsing deer instinctively avoid. These powerful natural compounds, combined with the plant's resinous needle-like leaves, make Rosemary one of the most dependable choices for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Rosmarinus officinalis consistently ranks among the premier ornamental herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Rosemary is one of our highest recommendations for gardeners seeking a plant that combines beauty, fragrance, and practical usefulness. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, the aromatic leaves are indispensable in the kitchen, and the delicate blue flowers support valuable pollinators throughout the seasons. Add its outstanding drought tolerance and exceptional deer resistance, and Rosemary stands as one of the most rewarding herbs any gardener can grow.
Rue is a distinctive evergreen perennial herb admired for its finely divided blue-green foliage, airy sprays of cheerful yellow flowers, and long history as both an ornamental and traditional garden herb. Its attractive rounded habit and unusual silvery-blue leaves provide outstanding texture and contrast in herb gardens, cottage landscapes, Mediterranean gardens, and perennial borders. Blooming throughout the summer months, Rue adds a refined architectural quality that complements both flowering plants and ornamental shrubs.
Rue has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. The aromatic foliage contains naturally occurring essential oils and intensely bitter plant compounds that browsing deer generally find highly objectionable. Combined with its strong herbal fragrance and slightly leathery foliage, these natural characteristics make Ruta graveolens one of the most dependable plants for gardens where deer are a persistent concern. While no ornamental plant is completely deer-proof, Rue consistently ranks among the very best perennial herbs for discouraging browsing.
The bright yellow flower clusters are highly attractive to honeybees, butterflies, hoverflies, and numerous beneficial insects throughout the blooming season. Rue also serves as a larval host plant for several species of swallowtail butterflies, increasing its value in wildlife-friendly landscapes. The attractive blue-green foliage provides beautiful contrast when planted alongside lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, and other aromatic herbs, creating gardens that are rich in fragrance, texture, and pollinator activity.
Easy to grow from seed, Rue thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating drought, heat, poor soils, and dry conditions once established. It requires very little maintenance and develops into a handsome, long-lived perennial that remains attractive throughout much of the year. Its ornamental foliage, exceptional hardiness, valuable wildlife benefits, and remarkable deer resistance make Rue one of the finest traditional herbs for modern gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Ruta graveolens
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial herb
- Height: 24–36 inches
- Spread: 24–36 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, rocky, and average garden soils
- Water Requirements: Low once established; drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, cottage gardens, Mediterranean gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, companion planting, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, butterflies, hoverflies, beneficial insects, and swallowtail butterflies
Deer Resistance
Rue is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its strongly aromatic foliage contains abundant essential oils and naturally bitter compounds that browsing deer instinctively avoid. These powerful natural defenses make it one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Ruta graveolens consistently ranks among the finest perennial herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Rue has been valued in gardens for centuries for its striking blue-green foliage, bright summer flowers, and remarkable durability. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking an attractive ornamental herb that supports beneficial insects while providing exceptional deer resistance. Whether incorporated into traditional herb gardens, Mediterranean plantings, or perennial borders, Rue offers season-long beauty, outstanding resilience, and one of the highest levels of natural deer resistance available.
Sage is one of the world's most treasured culinary and ornamental herbs, admired for its soft silver-gray foliage, attractive spikes of lavender-blue flowers, and unmistakable aromatic fragrance. This handsome evergreen perennial forms neat, rounded clumps that provide year-round beauty while serving as an indispensable herb in kitchens around the world. Whether planted in herb gardens, cottage landscapes, borders, or Mediterranean-style plantings, Sage offers a perfect combination of beauty, fragrance, and practical usefulness.
Sage has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its velvety gray-green leaves are exceptionally rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils, including thujone, camphor, and cineole, which browsing deer generally find highly objectionable. Combined with its strong herbal fragrance and slightly woolly foliage, these natural defenses make Salvia officinalis one of the most dependable plants for gardens where deer are a recurring concern. Although no ornamental plant can be considered completely deer-proof, Sage consistently ranks among the premier herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
The beautiful lavender-blue flower spikes are highly attractive to honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and many other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. Beyond its ornamental appeal, Sage remains one of the most valued culinary herbs, adding rich flavor to poultry, stuffing, vegetables, soups, and countless traditional recipes. The attractive foliage pairs beautifully with lavender, rosemary, thyme, oregano, and hyssop, creating fragrant herb gardens that are both productive and visually stunning.
Easy to grow from seed, Sage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating drought, heat, rocky soils, and dry conditions once established. It requires very little maintenance and develops into an attractive evergreen shrublet that provides beauty throughout the year. Its remarkable combination of culinary value, fragrant foliage, exceptional pollinator activity, and dependable deer resistance has made Sage one of the most rewarding herbs for both ornamental and edible landscapes.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial herb
- Height: 18–30 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Late spring through early summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy and rocky soils
- Water Requirements: Low once established; drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, culinary herb, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, borders, Mediterranean gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Sage is considered one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its highly aromatic foliage contains abundant essential oils, including thujone, camphor, and cineole, that browsing deer instinctively avoid. These natural compounds, combined with the plant's woolly leaves and strong fragrance, make it one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Salvia officinalis consistently ranks among the very best perennial herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Sage has earned its place as one of the essential herbs for every garden, combining timeless culinary value with exceptional ornamental beauty and outstanding garden performance. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a fragrant evergreen perennial that supports pollinators while providing dependable deer resistance. Whether grown for its flavorful leaves, beautiful flowers, or handsome silver-gray foliage, Sage remains one of the most versatile and rewarding herbs in the Seedman collection.
Catnip is a vigorous, aromatic perennial herb prized for its soft gray-green foliage, delicate white flowers lightly marked with lavender, and refreshing mint-like fragrance. Blooming continuously from early summer into fall, this easy-to-grow member of the mint family forms attractive clumps that are equally at home in herb gardens, cottage landscapes, pollinator borders, and naturalized plantings. Its ornamental beauty, pleasant fragrance, and exceptional hardiness have made Catnip a favorite garden herb for generations.
Catnip has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its foliage is rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils, particularly nepetalactone, which browsing deer generally find highly objectionable. Combined with its softly textured leaves and strong herbal fragrance, these natural defenses make Nepeta cataria one of the most dependable plants for landscapes where deer are a recurring challenge. While no ornamental plant can be considered completely deer-proof, Catnip consistently ranks among the premier perennial herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
The nectar-rich flowers attract honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the blooming season. The fragrant foliage is perhaps best known for its irresistible appeal to many domestic cats, while gardeners appreciate its long history as a traditional herbal tea and ornamental garden plant. Catnip combines beautifully with lavender, hyssop, oregano, salvias, and ornamental grasses, creating colorful, wildlife-friendly plantings filled with fragrance and pollinator activity.
Easy to grow from seed, Catnip thrives in full sun to partial shade and performs well in a wide range of well-drained soils. Once established it tolerates drought, heat, and neglect with remarkable ease while often reseeding lightly under favorable conditions. Its outstanding adaptability, abundant flowers, exceptional pollinator value, and dependable deer resistance make Catnip one of the most rewarding perennial herbs for both ornamental and practical gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Nepeta cataria
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 24–36 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Early summer through fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Herb gardens, pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, borders, herbal teas, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, hoverflies, other beneficial pollinators, and many domestic cats
Deer Resistance
Catnip is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its strongly aromatic foliage contains abundant natural essential oils, particularly nepetalactone, that browsing deer instinctively avoid. These fragrant compounds make it one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Nepeta cataria consistently ranks among the finest perennial herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Catnip is one of our favorite traditional herbs because it offers outstanding ornamental beauty, remarkable toughness, and tremendous value for both wildlife and gardeners. The fragrant foliage, months of delicate blooms, and exceptional ability to attract beneficial pollinators make it an outstanding addition to herb gardens and perennial borders. Add its dependable deer resistance and famous appeal to feline companions, and Catnip becomes one of the most versatile herbs in the Seedman collection.
Soapwort is a charming, low-growing perennial that blankets the garden with masses of brilliant rosy-pink flowers from late spring into early summer. Its cascading habit makes it an exceptional choice for rock gardens, retaining walls, borders, alpine gardens, and containers, where it quickly forms colorful carpets of blooms. The delicate flowers nearly conceal the attractive green foliage during peak bloom, creating one of the most eye-catching displays among spring-flowering groundcovers.
Soapwort has earned a reputation as a moderately deer-resistant perennial. Its foliage contains naturally occurring saponins, soap-like compounds that browsing deer generally find less palatable than the tender leaves of many ornamental plants. Although no perennial can be considered completely deer-proof, Saponaria ocymoides is frequently recommended for gardens where deer pressure is light to moderate, especially when incorporated into mixed plantings with other well-established deer-resistant species.
The abundant blossoms attract honeybees, butterflies, native bees, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects throughout the flowering season. Its spreading habit allows it to soften stone walls, spill gracefully over borders, and weave naturally among rocks and stepping stones. Soapwort also combines beautifully with creeping thyme, candytuft, alyssum, dianthus, and other low-growing perennials to create colorful, pollinator-friendly garden displays.
Easy to grow from seed, Soapwort thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Once established it tolerates drought surprisingly well and requires very little maintenance beyond occasional trimming after flowering if desired. Its cheerful blooms, attractive spreading habit, valuable pollinator appeal, and moderate deer resistance make Soapwort a dependable choice for gardeners seeking beauty with practical landscape performance.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Saponaria ocymoides
- Plant Type: Perennial
- Height: 6–10 inches
- Spread: 18–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Late spring through early summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil
- Water Requirements: Moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Rock gardens, borders, retaining walls, alpine gardens, containers, groundcover, pollinator gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Soapwort is considered moderately deer resistant. Its foliage contains naturally occurring saponins that generally discourage browsing under normal garden conditions. While hungry deer may occasionally sample the plant during periods of food scarcity, Saponaria ocymoides is widely regarded as a dependable perennial for landscapes experiencing light to moderate deer pressure.
Seedman Notes
Soapwort is one of our favorite flowering groundcovers because it combines effortless beauty with outstanding versatility. The brilliant pink blooms create a spectacular spring display while attracting beneficial pollinators and helping fill difficult landscape spaces with long-lasting color. We especially recommend it for rock gardens, cascading borders, and sunny slopes where its spreading habit and moderate deer resistance provide both ornamental appeal and dependable garden performance.
Winter Savory is a hardy evergreen perennial herb valued for its glossy dark green foliage, delicate white to pale lavender flowers, and wonderfully spicy fragrance. Long prized in European herb gardens, this compact, bushy plant provides year-round ornamental interest while producing flavorful leaves that have been used for centuries in soups, meats, vegetables, stuffing, and savory dishes. Its neat habit and evergreen foliage make it equally attractive in herb gardens, borders, rock gardens, and Mediterranean-style landscapes.
Winter Savory has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its small evergreen leaves are rich in naturally occurring aromatic essential oils, including carvacrol and related compounds, which browsing deer generally find highly objectionable. Combined with its strong herbal fragrance and woody stems, these natural characteristics make Satureja montana one of the most dependable herbs for gardens where deer are a persistent concern. While no ornamental plant can be considered completely deer-proof, Winter Savory consistently ranks among the premier perennial herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
During summer, the abundant white to pale lavender blossoms become magnets for honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and numerous beneficial pollinating insects. The aromatic foliage is highly regarded in the kitchen for its bold, peppery flavor and complements a wide variety of culinary dishes. Winter Savory blends beautifully with rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, lavender, and hyssop, creating productive herb gardens that are as attractive as they are useful.
Easy to grow from seed, Winter Savory thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating drought, rocky soils, heat, and poor growing conditions once established. Its evergreen habit provides year-round interest, and the plants require very little maintenance beyond occasional light pruning to encourage compact growth. Its culinary excellence, exceptional pollinator value, evergreen beauty, and remarkable deer resistance make Winter Savory one of the finest perennial herbs available for home gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Satureja montana
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial herb
- Height: 10–18 inches
- Spread: 12–24 inches
- Bloom Season: Summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- Water Requirements: Low once established; drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, culinary herb, rock gardens, borders, Mediterranean gardens, pollinator gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
Winter Savory is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial herb. Its highly aromatic evergreen foliage contains abundant essential oils that browsing deer instinctively avoid. These natural compounds, together with the plant's woody growth habit, make it one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Satureja montana consistently ranks among the finest perennial herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Winter Savory is one of our favorite perennial herbs because it provides outstanding flavor, evergreen beauty, and exceptional garden performance in one compact plant. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a hardy herb that supports pollinators while offering dependable deer resistance. Whether grown for its aromatic culinary leaves or its attractive evergreen habit, Winter Savory delivers year-round beauty and reliable performance in herb gardens, borders, and sunny landscapes.
Tansy is a vigorous old-fashioned perennial admired for its handsome fern-like foliage and distinctive clusters of bright golden button-shaped flowers that bloom from midsummer into early autumn. The rich yellow blossoms rise above attractive deep green foliage, creating a cheerful display that has graced cottage gardens, herb gardens, and country landscapes for generations. Its upright growth habit and unique flower form make Tansy an outstanding choice for borders, naturalized plantings, and dried flower arrangements.
Tansy has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs and ornamental flowers available. Its aromatic foliage contains naturally occurring essential oils, including thujone, along with other bitter plant compounds that browsing deer generally find highly objectionable. Combined with its strong herbal fragrance and finely divided foliage, these natural defenses make Tanacetum vulgare one of the most dependable plants for gardens where deer are a persistent concern. While no ornamental plant can be considered completely deer-proof, Tansy consistently ranks among the premier perennials for minimizing browsing damage.
The bright golden flower clusters attract honeybees, native bees, hoverflies, and numerous beneficial insects throughout the blooming season. The long-lasting flowers are excellent for fresh bouquets and retain their color exceptionally well when dried, making them favorites for everlasting arrangements and wreaths. Tansy blends beautifully with yarrow, echinacea, rudbeckia, ornamental grasses, and other prairie-style perennials, adding texture, color, and historical charm to the landscape.
Easy to grow from seed, Tansy thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating drought, heat, poor soils, and a wide range of growing conditions once established. It requires very little maintenance and develops into long-lived clumps that provide dependable beauty year after year. Its outstanding durability, ornamental appeal, exceptional pollinator value, and remarkable deer resistance have made Tansy one of the most enduring favorites for traditional gardens.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Tanacetum vulgare
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Height: 24–48 inches
- Spread: 24–36 inches
- Bloom Season: Midsummer through early fall
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained soil; adaptable to average and poor soils
- Water Requirements: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
- Uses: Cottage gardens, herb gardens, pollinator gardens, dried flowers, naturalized areas, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects
Deer Resistance
Tansy is considered an excellent deer-resistant perennial. Its aromatic foliage contains abundant essential oils, including thujone, along with naturally bitter compounds that browsing deer instinctively avoid. These characteristics make it one of the most dependable perennial herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Tanacetum vulgare consistently ranks among the finest perennial choices for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
Tansy is one of the great heritage garden plants, combining centuries of gardening tradition with outstanding modern landscape performance. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking an easy-to-grow perennial that offers brilliant golden flowers, excellent dried flower potential, abundant pollinator activity, and dependable deer resistance. Its distinctive button-like blooms and aromatic ferny foliage make Tansy a timeless addition to cottage gardens, wildlife plantings, and perennial borders.
English Thyme is one of the world's most treasured culinary and ornamental herbs, prized for its dense evergreen foliage, delicate lavender-pink flowers, and wonderfully aromatic leaves. Forming compact mounds of tiny gray-green foliage, this versatile perennial provides year-round beauty while serving as an indispensable herb in kitchens around the world. Whether planted in herb gardens, borders, rock gardens, pathways, or containers, English Thyme combines timeless beauty with remarkable usefulness.
English Thyme has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its tiny evergreen leaves contain exceptionally high concentrations of naturally occurring aromatic essential oils, particularly thymol, that browsing deer generally find highly objectionable. Combined with its woody stems and intensely fragrant foliage, these natural defenses make Thymus vulgaris one of the most dependable plants for landscapes where deer are a persistent concern. While no ornamental plant is completely deer-proof, English Thyme consistently ranks among the premier perennial herbs for minimizing browsing damage.
During late spring and early summer, the delicate blossoms become magnets for honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and numerous other beneficial pollinating insects. The flavorful foliage remains one of the most valued culinary herbs for seasoning meats, poultry, vegetables, soups, sauces, breads, and Mediterranean cuisine. Its compact evergreen habit makes it an excellent edging plant and a beautiful companion for lavender, rosemary, sage, oregano, winter savory, and other aromatic herbs in both ornamental and productive gardens.
Easy to grow from seed, English Thyme thrives in full sun and well-drained soil while tolerating drought, heat, rocky soils, and poor growing conditions once established. It requires very little maintenance and develops into long-lived evergreen clumps that remain attractive throughout the year. Its exceptional culinary quality, outstanding pollinator value, evergreen beauty, and remarkable deer resistance make English Thyme one of the finest perennial herbs for gardens of every size.
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
- Plant Type: Evergreen perennial herb
- Height: 6–12 inches
- Spread: 12–18 inches
- Bloom Season: Late spring through summer
- Sun Requirements: Full sun
- Soil Preference: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- Water Requirements: Low once established; highly drought tolerant
- Uses: Herb gardens, culinary herb, rock gardens, borders, pathways, containers, pollinator gardens, deer-resistant landscapes
- Attracts: Honeybees, native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
Deer Resistance
English Thyme is considered one of the finest deer-resistant perennial herbs available. Its intensely aromatic evergreen foliage contains abundant essential oils, particularly thymol, that browsing deer instinctively avoid. These powerful natural compounds, together with the plant's compact woody growth habit, make it one of the most dependable herbs for landscapes experiencing moderate to heavy deer pressure. Although extremely hungry deer may occasionally sample almost any vegetation during periods of severe food shortages, Thymus vulgaris consistently ranks among the premier herbs for reducing browsing damage.
Seedman Notes
English Thyme has remained an essential garden herb for centuries because it combines outstanding culinary quality with exceptional ornamental value and remarkable durability. We especially recommend it for gardeners seeking a fragrant evergreen perennial that supports pollinators while providing dependable deer resistance. Whether harvested fresh for the kitchen, planted along sunny pathways, or incorporated into Mediterranean herb gardens, English Thyme delivers year-round beauty and dependable performance with very little maintenance.
It is deer/rabbit resistant, blooms in early summer, and is often hardy to Zones 2–8.
Fragrant, sky-blue clusters with yellow anthers. Foliage is green, fern-like, arranged in a ladder-like fashion.
Light: Part sun to light shade; prefers dappled light.
Soil/Water: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil.Size: 9–12 inches tall, 15–18 inches wide (can reach 24-30 inches depending on conditions).
Maintenance: Low maintenance. Cutting back after the first bloom may encourage a second flush.
Hardiness: Zones 2–8.
Contact Us | Privacy Policy | About Us
| Returns
Serving gardeners since 1992
State of Mississippi Seedmen's Permit #C-391, Ohio 90152, Minnesota 20086777