Sloat Garden Centers logo

Deer and gopher tolerant flowering shrubs and fruit-bearing trees

Home | Pest Problems | Deer and gopher tolerant flowering shrubs and fruit-bearing trees

Question

Hi - I'm looking for deer and gopher tolerant flowering shrubs and fruit-bearing trees. I have a southwest facing backyard that's very sloped. Any ideas?
Cynthia

Answer

We'vee found that what deer leave alone also holds true for gophers. Here is our deer resistant plant list.  https://sloatgardens.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Deer-Resistant-Plants.pdf Our picks for the steep slope in full sun are: Rosemary, Lavender, Euphorbia, Oregano/Marjoram, Salvia (including culinary), Thyme, Coleonema (breath of heaven), Grevillea, and Correa. As far as resistant trees, most fruit trees would require protection when young with some type of fencing around them. Persimmon, Olive, Pineapple guava (Feijoa), and Fig are kinds that are considered the most deer resistant. Older citrus is usually left alone but young plants are fair game, especially when other browse plants are not available.  

Share this post

More From Ask the Garden Guru

Newsletter Sign Up

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Copyright ©2026 Sloat Garden Center