If you’ve ever stepped outside to admire your thriving garden only to find it’s turned into an all-you-can-eat buffet for bunnies—you’re not alone. Cute as they may be, rabbits can cause major damage to flower beds, vegetable patches, and tender young plants overnight. But before you reach for harsh chemicals or build a fence worthy of Fort Knox, there’s a simpler trick: grow plants that rabbits just don’t like.
Yep, that’s right—some plants naturally repel rabbits thanks to their strong scents, fuzzy textures, or unappealing tastes. And the best part? These plants don’t just deter bunnies—they’re also gorgeous additions to your garden.
Let’s hop into 8 rabbit-repelling plants your garden will absolutely love (but rabbits will quickly learn to avoid).
1. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Oh, lavender. It smells divine to us—but to rabbits? Not so much. Its strong fragrance is like a big “Keep Out” sign for bunnies.
Why it works: Rabbits have sensitive noses, and the powerful oils in lavender are just too much for them.
Bonus points: Lavender thrives in full sun, adds a soft purple hue to your beds, and even attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Grow tips: Make sure it’s in well-draining soil. Too much water and lavender gets cranky.
2. Marigolds (Tagetes)
Bright, bold, and bunny-proof. Marigolds are practically the bodyguards of the flower world.
Why it works: Their pungent smell deters rabbits (and deer and some insects, too). Some gardeners even line their veggie patches with marigolds as a protective border.
Bonus points: Easy to grow from seed, and they bloom all season long.
Grow tips: Deadhead often for nonstop blooms. Plant in sunny spots for best results.
3. Catmint (Nepeta)
Catmint is like the cool cousin of lavender—fragrant, pretty, and tough as nails.
Why it works: Its minty smell isn’t bunny-approved, plus the soft gray-green leaves don’t appeal to picky rabbit palates.
Bonus points: Drought-tolerant, long-blooming, and cat-friendly (as the name suggests).
Grow tips: Trim it back after the first bloom to encourage a second flush.
4. Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia)
This one’s a stunner—airy lavender-blue flowers that dance in the breeze.
Why it works: Strong scent, slightly woody texture, and feathery foliage—rabbits pass it right by.
Bonus points: Extremely drought-tolerant and perfect for hot, dry areas.
Grow tips: Loves full sun. Once established, it’s basically a set-it-and-forget-it plant.
5. Lamb’s Ear (Stachys byzantina)
This plant is all about the texture—thick, fuzzy leaves that look (and feel) like a lamb’s ear.
Why it works: Rabbits don’t like fuzzy or hairy leaves. They’re too hard to chew and digest.
Bonus points: Works well as a groundcover, and adds a silvery contrast to green foliage.
Grow tips: Avoid overwatering. Lamb’s ear prefers it dry and well-drained.
6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow’s ferny foliage and flat, colorful blooms make it a visual standout. Rabbits, however, think otherwise.
Why it works: Bitter taste + strong scent = rabbit no-go.
Bonus points: Attracts pollinators and thrives on neglect. It’s practically unkillable.
Grow tips: Give it space—it spreads easily. Loves full sun and dry soil.
7. Bee Balm (Monarda)
Want to keep rabbits away and draw hummingbirds in? Bee balm’s your best friend.
Why it works: Its spicy scent and textured leaves make it less than appetizing to rabbits.
Bonus points: Wild, vibrant blooms in red, pink, or purple add serious wow factor to any garden.
Grow tips: Prefers moist, rich soil and some space to breathe (air circulation prevents mildew).
8. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
These old-fashioned beauties bring charm and color—and happen to be low on the bunny buffet list.
Why it works: Rabbits don’t usually like the taste or texture of snapdragons, especially the thicker-stemmed varieties.
Bonus points: Tons of colors, and they’re easy to grow from seed or starter plants.
Grow tips: Full sun and well-drained soil will keep them happy and blooming.
Pro Tips to Keep Bunnies at Bay (Even More!)
While these plants are helpful, no plant is completely rabbit-proof. Hungry bunnies will sometimes nibble on anything—especially young or stressed plants. So here’s a few extra moves to protect your garden:
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Interplant rabbit-repellent varieties: Mix them throughout your garden beds, especially around more vulnerable plants like lettuce or beans.
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Use natural deterrents: Crushed garlic, hot pepper spray, or even sprinklings of human hair can confuse a bunny’s nose.
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Try garden fencing: A short chicken wire fence (about 2 feet tall and buried a few inches deep) works wonders for keeping rabbits out.
Final Thoughts: Grow Smart, Not Just Pretty
You don’t have to give up on a beautiful garden just because of a few furry intruders. By choosing rabbit-repelling plants that are both beautiful and functional, you can strike the perfect balance—lush, colorful beds that bunnies won’t touch with a ten-foot paw.
So go ahead—plant that lavender, tuck in some marigolds, and give your garden a fighting chance. Your flowers will thank you. The rabbits? Not so much.
Ready to reclaim your garden from rabbits? Start with any of these plants and watch your bunny battles start to disappear—no traps or drama required.