Your cooperative extension service should have a list. Google them.

Just off the top of my head, I would imagine Monarda (bee balm) would do great in a situation like that. Also, some types of iris.

I have a deer-proof rain garden in full sun, zone 7.

I have written about it on my blog a few times with photos of how it looks. Monarda, perennial ageratum, echinacea, bog salvia, are among my plants.

The Japanese irises are hit and miss with the deer. Sometimes they will pick the blooms, sometimes they don't. I've not had them eat the foliage or the buds in the 3+ years.

Hope this helps,
Cameron

Here is a link that might be useful: The Rain Garden in Action

Hi rain garden enthusiasts. I am going to invite my Master Rain Gardener class to post in the Great Lakes Gardening forum here. Please come and help out newbie rain gardeners! I'd love your support and help from experienced gardeners. Sometimes the questions are general gardening, like how to remove sod, or more rain-garden-specific. Your comments are welcome!