Agastache is a dependable perennial to grow in pollinator and ornamental gardens. This member of the mint family is rarely bothered by diseases or pests including deer and other mammals. The spiky flower stems and highly scented leaves of Agastache make them unappealing to browsing deer. Anise Hyssop, Hummingbird Mint, or any other Agastache variety can be planted in areas with high populations of deer with little chance of them being bothered.
According to Rutgers University, this plant is Rarely Damaged on their rating scale from Rarely Damaged to Frequently Severely Damaged.
| Rarely Damaged |
| Seldom Severely Damaged |
| Occasionally Severely Damaged |
| Frequently Severely Damaged |
Keeping Deer Away From Agastache
Because Agastache seems to be almost immune to deer browsing, some gardeners use this plant as a repellent to protect other less deer-resistant plants. While no plant is absolutely immune to deer, the more heavily scented ones are typically less likely to entice deer into the garden.
Will Agastache Come Back After Deer Eat Them?
Agastache that do end up getting a nibble here or there will quickly recover. Browsed stems are likely to bush out and reflower. Always cut back the ragged, browsed stem tips to ensure that no diseases or pests have an easy entrypoint. Continue regular watering until the end of the summer when the Agastache will begin to die back for winter dormancy. As with all herbaceous perennials, Agastache will lose its top growth over winter and emerge with fresh growth in the early spring.
Sources: Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station ‘Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance’ 2018
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Author Robbin Small - Published 7-16-2023 |