High-desert garden list

Flowers worth trying when the deer treat the yard like a salad bar.

Deer-resistant does not mean deer-proof. These flowers are a practical starting point for sunny Genoa gardens.

Echinacea

Sturdy coneflower, drought tolerant once established, loved by pollinators.

Green-eyed Susan

Golden meadow color and a good candidate for sunny edges.

Lavender

Fragrant, useful, and often ignored by deer once mature.

Yarrow

Tough, flat-topped blooms for dry corners and casual bouquets.

Salvia

Spiky color, aromatic leaves, and a good companion for cottage beds.

Poppy

Cool-season drama with delicate petals and a habit of looking accidental in the best way.

Start with the season

Choose a sunny spot, plant with the season, and keep notes on what thrives in your own yard.