Rabbit Resistant Plants

Rabbits can cause a lot of damage for something so small and cute. It can be difficult to keep them out of gardens with physical barriers due to their small size and flexibility. Repellents are a great way to keep them away from your existing garden but using rabbit-resistant plants can save you time, energy, and money!

Like deer, rabbits tend to avoid plants with strong fragrances. Marigolds, Daffodils, Butterfly Bush, and Daphne are all very fragrant plants that rabbits tend to steer clear of.  

Below is a list of some of the more popular varieties of rabbit-resistant plants we carry, however, all varieties listed may not be available at all times. Also, please be aware that while these plants are rabbit-resistant, they are not rabbit-proof. A hungry enough rabbit will eat just about anything, even plants that are poisonous.

Annuals & Herbs

Despite their shorter lifespans, annuals and herbs shouldn’t be forgotten! Annuals bloom from when they are planted plus they do well in containers and hanging baskets. Once harvested, herbs can be used in cooking and crafts like soapmaking and potpourri.

Begonia

Chives

Dahlia

Dusty Miller

Geranium

Lantana

Lavender

Lemon Balm

Lobelia

Marigold

Marigold

Mint

Oregano

Rosemary

Sage

Snapdragon

Thyme

Zinnia

Bulbs

Bulbs are one of the easiest plants to grow, but rabbits unfortunately love them too. Thankfully they tend to ignore the following bulbs.  

Allium

Daffodil

Freesia

Grape Hyacinth

Hyacinth

Iris

Lily of the Valley

Grasses

Rabbits are generally not fond of grasses, particularly those with feathery seedheads. 

Carex Grass

Fescue Grass

Fountain Grass

Maiden Grass

Muhly Grass

Liriope

Switchgrass

Rush Grass

Perennials & Vines

Once established, the following plants return year after year to provide your gardens with color and texture.

Acanthus

Agastache

Amsonia

Anemone

Armeria

Artemesia

Aruncus

Astilbe

Baptisia

Bee Balm

Blackeyed Susan

Bleeding Hearts

Brunnera

Bugleweed

Candytuft

Canna Lily

Catmint

Columbine

Coral Bells

Daisy

Daylily

Delphinium

Euphorbia

Ferns

Foxglove

Gailardia

Gaura

Goldenrod

Hibiscus

Honeysuckle

Hosta

Iris

Jasmine

Lamium

Lamb’s Ear

Lantana

Milkweed

Mums

Pachysandra

Penstemmon

Peony

Poppy

Redhot Poker

Ruellia

Salvia

Spiderwort

Tiarella

Verbena

Veronica

Yarrow

Trees & Shrubs

Due to their size, trees and shrubs generally don’t show up on a rabbit’s menu for dinner, but that doesn’t mean they won’t take a nibble. The following trees and shrubs are all varieties they tend to stay away from.

Anise

Birch

Boxwood

Butterfly Bush

Cotoneaster

Daphne

Deutzia

Dogwood

Forsythia

Holly

Hydrangea

Lilac

Mock Orange

Mountain Laurel

Osmanthus

Pine

Roses

Rose of Sharon

Spirea

Spruce

St John’s Wort

Weigela

Yew

Yucca

Further Reading

Rabbits aren’t the only animals happy to munch on your favorite plants, deer can be just as bad. While deer and rabbits tend to steer clear of similar plants, there are a few exceptions. Click the link for our list of deer resistant plants.