Top 10 Blooming Perennials in The Catskills

In our latest Country Ed, we’re looking at a selection of perennials that both the new and seasoned gardener in The Catskills and Hudson Valley can look to for impressive blooms and, importantly, for deer’s reluctance to decimate. Starting a garden as a newbie can be overwhelming. The garden centers have SO many irresistible offerings. But we’re here to tell you that unless you have a fenced garden (and you do not need to), choose wisely and you can have a thrilling, dramatic garden that offers color and satisfaction for months. To strike a balance between beauty and resilience, consider our (very subjective) Top Ten Blooming Perennials that are generally deer-resistant. Remember, even with this label, occasional browsing might still occur, especially from curious fawns who haven't yet learned the menu of what they shouldn't eat.

Below, the Top 10 Blooming Perennials in The Catskills.

10. Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida)

Black-Eyed Susan is a classic garden favorite, featuring bright yellow petals surrounding a dark brown center. Deer typically avoid its rough, hairy leaves. These cheerful flowers bloom from mid-summer to fall, elevating the late-season garden, and thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, providing a long-lasting display.

9. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

At this time of year, blooming lilac bushes are omnipresent, one of the pleasures of springtime. They are known for their fragrant clusters of purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom in late spring. Their strong scent and woody stems make them less appealing to deer. Lilacs prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can grow into substantial shrubs, providing both beauty and privacy.

8. Allium (Allium spp.)

Alliums, or ornamental onions, are a kind of unusual plant to be included in a list like this. But for gardeners looking to add early-season drama to a bed that’s still waking up from dormancy, these are show-stoppers. They produce globes of tiny star-shaped flowers on tall stems and have a strong onion-like scent that deters deer. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil and add an architectural element to gardens.

7. Forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia)

Here is another you-can’t-go-wrong plant for our area. Like lilacs above, forsythia is an even earlier-blooming plant that alerts us Upstaters that winter really is over and spring is on its way. It’s is a deciduous shrub that bursts into bright yellow blooms before its leaves emerge. Its arching branches and rapid growth make it a stunning hedge plant. Deer typically avoid forsythia due to its slightly bitter taste. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.

6. Iris (Iris germanica)

There is a wide variety of irises, which are prized for their intricate, colorful blooms that come in nearly every hue imaginable. Their sword-like foliage and fragrant flowers are generally deer-resistant. Blooming in late spring to early summer, irises prefer full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought. Pro Tip: Plant yellow iris across a pond, where their reflection adds to the impact, with zero-maintenance.

5. Astilbe (Astilbe spp.)

Astilbe offers feathery plumes of flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple from late spring to mid-summer. Its fern-like foliage and preference for shady, moist conditions make it a versatile garden plant. It’s not always easy to find a shade-happy plant with great blooms. They’ll spread over time too. Deer tend to avoid astilbe due to its coarse texture and somewhat bitter taste.

4. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)

Bee Balm, with its vibrant, shaggy flowers in red, pink, purple, and white, adds a splash of color to any garden. Its strong, minty fragrance deters deer but attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It self-sows, so you’ll see its territory expand with time. This plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and can thrive in full sun to partial shade.

3. Butterfly Bush (Buddleia davidii)

Butterfly Bush produces elongated panicles with clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Blooming from summer to fall in shades of purple, pink, white, and yellow, this shrub is usually ignored by deer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate drought once established.

2. Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)

Purple Coneflower is a beloved Catskills staple for its large, daisy-like flowers with purple petals and prominent, spiky centers. Its coarse foliage is usually unpalatable to deer. It self-sows, so this cheerful plant will spread. This hardy perennial blooms from early summer to fall, preferring full sun and well-drained soil.

1. Peony (Paeonia spp.)

Peonies are just the most divine (IMHO) bloom in the Upstate perennial garden, and are tops as a cut flower, filling your house with scent. They are cherished for their large, fragrant blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow, while their thick, leathery leaves are not a favorite of deer. Blooming in late spring to early summer, peonies prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Once established, they are long-lived and require minimal care.

A Note on Deer Resistance

While these perennials are known for their deer-resistant properties, it's important to note that no plant is entirely deer-proof. Deer, especially the inquisitive fawns, may still sample these plants. Factors such as food scarcity, plant location, and individual deer preferences can influence browsing behavior. Therefore, consider using additional deer deterrents, such as fencing, repellents (Liquid Fence and others are great), or companion planting with particularly unpalatable plants, to protect your garden.

By selecting these resilient, deer-resistant perennials, you can enjoy a beautiful and enduring garden in the Catskills, even amidst the local wildlife. Happy gardening!

And The List Goes On

You can expect a follow-up to this list, as there are so many others we were eager to include. Spoiler alert: Catmint and yarrow are absolute staples. Which would you include? Tell us in the comments section below.