Did the rabbits eat your plants again? Before you buy any replacements, read this. We are going to go over 8 beautiful garden plants for a sunny garden that your friendly neighborhood cottontail will skip. As a bonus, we'll also include some plants for a shady garden.
Problem: The Bunny Buffet
You dream of a yard full of tulips and hostas, but every time you plant them, you find them leveled the next day. That's because hostas are like a fresh salad to them, and tulips are the cherry on top. Coneflowers, roses, lilies, pansies, and everyone's beloved hydrangeas are appetizing as well. If you feel like you’re running a buffet for the local rabbit population, it’s time to change the menu.
Creating a "rabbit-resistant" garden doesn't mean building a fortress or using ugly chicken wire. It’s about choosing plants that rabbits find bitter, smelly, or physically unpleasant. Here are beautiful, sun-loving plants that will keep the bunnies at bay while looking professionally landscaped.
Sun-loving, Rabbit-resistant Plants
These plants are the backbone of a resilient, sun-drenched, bunny-free border. Here is why they work:
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Lilac: Rabbits don't like strong scents, even the divine scent of lilac will deter them. Try a reblooming variety for extended fragrance.
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Boxwood: Rabbits generally find the woody stems and leathery leaves of boxwood (all the reasons we humans love them) unappealing. NewGen boxwood varieties are resistant to boxwood blight and leaf miner damage.
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Allium: When it comes to bulbs, the "onion" family is your best friend. Rabbits hate the smell of onions, and will typically avoid them. They in bulbs and grow in a variety of sizes and heights. If you can't decide what to get, try an mixture like this one from Eden Brothers!
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Daffodils: Daffodils contain lycorine, which is toxic and bitter. They won’t even take a "test bite." And listen, if you're like me and don't love yellow in your garden, daffodils come in a lot more colors, like these Apricot Whirl daffodils from Eden Brothers.
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Catmint: While cats love it, rabbits hate the aromatic oils in the foliage. Plus, it provides a gorgeous purple haze all summer. Cat's Pajamas is great for making a big impact in small gardens.
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Foxglove: These quintessential cottage-core blooms contain a chemical called digitalis, making it naturally toxic to most animals. Rabbits know to stay away, but be mindful of curious pets!
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Lamb’s Ear: It’s all about the texture. Lamb's Ear is known for their super soft, fuzzy leaves and medicinal qualities, but rabbits generally hate the texture of mature leaves. That said, they might nibble new growth if food is scarce.
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Stonecrop: While they might nibble on new growth, rabbits generally hate the thick, rubbery leaves of mature stonecrop. You'll love their drought tolerance and fall color. Autumn Joy Sedum is a great, reliable variety.
What About the Shade?
If your garden is tucked under trees or on the north side of your house, you aren't out of luck. You can still have a lush look without the damage. Here are my favorite rabbit-resistant picks for the shade:
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Hellebores (Lenten Rose): These have tough, leathery leaves and bloom in late winter when rabbits are hungriest—yet they still get ignored!
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Bleeding Heart: A whimsical shade staple that rabbits tend to dislike.
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Astilbe: These offer fluffy plumes of color and fern-like foliage that rabbits rarely touch unless food is especially scarce.
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Ferns: Most varieties (like Japanese Painted Fern or Ostrich Fern) are completely off the menu for rabbits.
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Monkshood: Similar to Foxglove, this is a tall, striking plant that is naturally toxic and highly avoided.
Bunny-proofing Basics for Gardeners
Did you notice the pattern? Bunnies hate anything strong smells or weird textures (leathery or fuzzy). If you can't live with out hostas, hydrangeas, or other bunny favorites, try planting rabbit-resistant plants in front of or around those as a form of barricade. If you're still noticing damage, there are sprays and other deterrents you can buy.
Want a Custom Plan for Your Space?
Every yard has its own unique "microclimate" and its own set of hungry visitors. If you’re tired of the guesswork and want a garden designed specifically for your soil, sun, and local wildlife, I can help.
Click here to request a custom garden design quote, and let’s build a landscape you can actually keep!
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