Rabbits can be one of the biggest threats our beautiful gardens face. Many products are available on the market to deter rabbits from damaging or completely devouring our beloved plants. However, if products are not consistently applied or even rotated, they are not effective. Those pesky rabbits are fully aware the day the rabbit deterrent wears off. Therefore, we have created a list of five rabbit resistant perennials. Now, keep in mind that rabbits may taste test these plants or still choose to munch on them if other food sources are scarce. No plant is ever 100 percent rabbit proof!
Top Characteristics of Rabbit Resistant Plants
These rabbit resistant plants are chosen for their resilience against pests, including rabbits. Varieties like geraniums, sedum, and astilbe are popular choices due to their unappealing taste and texture to rabbits, making them suitable for creating a rabbit-proof garden. With a selection of colors and bloom times, these plants bring beauty and pest resistance to any landscape.
Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’
Astilbe tolerate the sun or shade and grow up to 24 inches tall. They flower in several colors and incorporate well into any landscape, but this variety has a peach flower. The bloom time is in early summer. The aged bloom head persists into fall for extended seasonal interest. This zone 4 plant attracts pollinators, but is deer and rabbit resistant.
Coreopsis ‘Berry Chiffon’
Berry Chiffon Coreopsis is a soft and delicate perennial. It flowers in summer, but continues to bloom through early fall. The flowers attract pollinators, but resist deer and rabbits. Berry Chiffon Coreopsis is a new variety of tickseed that has long lasting vibrant pink and white flowers. The foliage on this plant is thin and feathery which will soften up any landscape.
Geranium x ‘Rozanne’
This is a low spreading perennial that works well as a border plant or in a mass planting setting. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ will grow 18” tall and 36” wide, therefore thoughtful spacing of plants is needed. This perennial has purple flowers all growing season and has a beautiful red foliage color during the fall. It is one of the longest flowering perennials available on the market. This plant can handle full sun to part shade. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is resistant to deer and rabbits.
Phlox paniculata ‘Glamour Girl’
The Tall Garden Phlox shows off vibrant pink flowers from midsummer into fall. They grow 32” tall and 20” wide with rich green foliage. These perennials prefer full sun and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Phlox is commonly used in cottage style gardens. Also, the flowers and foliage are fantastic for fresh flower arrangements.
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Autumn Joy Sedum prefer dry soil and full sun. These plants grow 24” tall and 18” wide. They bloom from late summer to mid fall with pink flowers. The blooms attract pollinators and remain on the plant to form dried seed heads. Autumn Joy Sedum are commonly used in borders, containers, and in mass plantings. Also, they are great for fresh flower arrangements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbit Resistant Plants
What perennials are best for a rabbit-resistant garden?
Many perennials, such as astilbe, coreopsis, and geraniums like ‘Rozanne,’ are excellent for deterring rabbits. These plants are often unappealing to rabbits due to their strong scents or textures.
Do rabbits eat geraniums?
Generally, rabbits avoid geraniums, especially varieties like ‘Rozanne,’ due to their odor and leaf texture. While no plant is completely rabbit-proof, geraniums are a reliable choice for a rabbit-resistant garden.
What flowers are effective at keeping rabbits and deer away?
Flowers like lavender, allium, and daylilies are known to deter both rabbits and deer. These plants either have strong scents or textures that discourage nibbling.
Do rabbits eat black-eyed Susans?
Black-eyed Susans are generally rabbit-resistant. Their coarse texture makes them less appealing to rabbits, making them a good option for rabbit-proofing your garden.
Will rabbits eat hostas?
Yes, rabbits are often attracted to hostas due to their tender leaves, so they aren’t ideal for rabbit-resistant landscaping.
What plants can help keep rabbits and squirrels away?
A: Strong-scented plants like lavender, sage, and euphorbia tend to repel both rabbits and squirrels, making them valuable additions to pest-resistant gardens.
Are there any flowers that rabbits hate?
Flowers like allium and daffodils are disliked by rabbits due to their strong scents and unappealing flavors, helping to naturally repel them from gardens.
