5 Rabbit-Resistant Perennials for Your Garden
Rabbits can be one of the biggest threats to a beautiful garden. While there are many products available to deter them, these solutions only work when applied consistently and rotated regularly. Rabbits quickly learn when deterrents wear off.
To help reduce damage, here are five rabbit-resistant perennials to consider. Keep in mind, no plant is completely rabbit-proof. If food is scarce, rabbits may still sample these plants.
Characteristics of Rabbit-Resistant Plants
Rabbit-resistant plants are typically chosen for their:
Unappealing taste
Strong scent
Coarse or fuzzy texture
Popular options like geraniums, sedum, and astilbe combine pest resistance with visual appeal, offering a range of colors and bloom times for a well-rounded landscape.
Top Rabbit-Resistant Perennials
Astilbe ‘Peach Blossom’
Tolerates sun or shade
Grows up to 24 inches tall
Blooms in early summer with soft peach flowers
Dried blooms provide fall interest
Zone 4 hardy
Attracts pollinators
Resistant to deer and rabbits
Coreopsis ‘Berry Chiffon’
Blooms from summer through early fall
Features pink and white flowers
Soft, feathery foliage
Attracts pollinators
Resistant to deer and rabbits
Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Low-growing, spreading perennial
Reaches 18 inches tall and 36 inches wide
Blooms purple flowers all season
Foliage turns red in fall
Thrives in full sun to part shade
Ideal for borders or mass plantings
Resistant to deer and rabbits
Phlox paniculata ‘Glamour Girl’
Produces vibrant pink flowers
Blooms from midsummer into fall
Grows 32 inches tall and 20 inches wide
Prefers full sun
Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees
Great for cottage gardens and cut flowers
Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
Prefers full sun and dry soil
Grows 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide
Blooms late summer to mid-fall with pink flowers
Forms dried seed heads for seasonal interest
Works well in borders, containers, and mass plantings
Attracts pollinators
Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbit-Resistant Plants
What perennials are best for a rabbit-resistant garden?
Perennials like astilbe, coreopsis, and geraniums such as ‘Rozanne’ are strong choices. Their scent and texture make them less appealing to rabbits.
Do rabbits eat geraniums?
Rabbits typically avoid geraniums due to their smell and leaf texture. While not completely immune, they are a reliable option.
What flowers help keep rabbits and deer away?
Lavender, allium, and daylilies are commonly used because their scent and texture discourage both rabbits and deer.
Do rabbits eat black-eyed Susans?
Black-eyed Susans are generally avoided due to their coarse texture.
Will rabbits eat hostas?
Yes. Hostas are highly attractive to rabbits and are not recommended for rabbit-resistant gardens.
What plants help deter rabbits and squirrels?
Strong-scented plants like lavender, sage, and euphorbia can help repel both.
Are there flowers rabbits strongly dislike?
Yes. Allium and daffodils are often avoided due to their strong scent and taste.
