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Rabbit repellent flowers


Best Plants to Repel Rabbits 2022 (Rabbit Resistant Plants)

Though rabbits may look cute and meek, they can easily graze on clusters of ornamental flowering plants overnight! pete beard / CC BY 2.0

Don’t be fooled by their meek appearance – a cluster of rabbits can graze through small gardens, leaving them bereft of blooms overnight! Patches of ornamental flowering plants, especially those with petunias, tulips, pansies, and baby’s breath, can fall to a rabbit’s hunger. If these furry creatures regularly visit your garden (telltale signs are clean-cut plant damage, small paw prints, and round droppings), you may find that these plants are consumed before they even have a chance to bloom.

As temperatures warm in spring and plants begin to sprout new shoots, rabbits come out of hiding in search of fresh greens. A sturdy, fine-mesh fence may keep them out of your property, but some do find ways to navigate past this barrier. Rabbits can dig underneath or jump over fences, and not everyone has the time or resources for fence reinforcement. Instead, a smart way to repel them would be to use some carefully selected plants.

When strategically placed, a handful of highly textured or fragrant plants can effectively keep rabbits away from your precious flowerbeds. Many of these species are readily available throughout temperate zones and have various growth forms. Some are flowering perennials that would undoubtedly look great next to vulnerable vegetable and herb patches. Others are tall shrubs that can be cultivated along your garden’s points of entry. There’s a rabbit-deterrent plant to meet every type of need!

1) English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)Lavender has a pungent smell to many wild animals, including rabbits, so they’ll usually stay away! Sanja565658, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native to the Mediterranean

Though incredibly appealing to us, the scent of lavender can be described as pungent to many wild animals. Rabbits will generally keep away from fragrant patches of lavender, even though the plant itself is non-toxic, tender, and can safely be consumed. Also known as garden lavender or common lavender, L. angustifolia can be grown as shrubs that reach a mature height of up to 2 meters (6 feet)! To effectively deter potential grazers, these can be situated along the perimeter of your garden.

Several L. angustifolia hybrids are recipients of the RHS Award of Garden Merit due to their durability and ease of care. As there are dwarf and giant cultivars as well, it is a versatile landscape favorite. For best results, lavender should be grown in well-draining, neutral to alkaline soil. It can persist through wet cold periods and notably dry summers.

This natural rabbit repellent is great for adding muted color to the garden all year round. Its leaves are evergreen and are able to tolerate low winter temperatures. In summer, lovely purple blooms arise on the tips of slender spikes, perfectly complementing the late sunsets!

2) Purple rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense)Purple rhododendron is hard to miss in a garden, as it can reach heights of up to 3 meters (9. 8 feet). Jerzy Opioła, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native to the eastern US

Rarely damaged by rabbits, rhododendrons are perennial shrubs that produce fragrant and leathery leaves. R. catawbiense is one of the most popular ornamental species due to its many cultivars and its stunning display of flowers each spring. The purple blooms look incredibly delicate and can attract honey bees and birds to the garden. Its mature shoots can be hard to miss as they grow to a height of 3 meters (9.8 feet)!

Like those of lavender plants, rhododendron leaves are evergreen and maintain excellent winter interest. R. catawbiense should be cultivated in partially shaded and consistently moist parts of the garden. Its best features are brought out when grown in mass plantings or well-maintained hedges. A location that is fairly protected from winds will also benefit the plant, maximizing its potential to keep curious cottontails away.  

3) Common sage (Salvia officinalis)Common sage leaves have tiny hairs called trichomes that deter rabbits and other animals. Liné1, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native to the Mediterranean

Sage is known for warding off just about all potential grazers. Even hungry herbivores find its fragrant and slightly bitter leaves extremely unappetizing. To top it off, the fine trichomes covering both upper and lower leaf surfaces are a known adaptation for deterring animals. This is one plant that has definitely evolved the means to protect itself from rabbits with the use of relatively harmless features.

Sage isn’t just great at repelling rabbits; it has ornamental and medicinal properties too. The plant can be pruned each year to maintain a desirable height and spread. Its blue to lavender flowers make a distinctly lush appearance in early summer each year. They attract a wealth of pollinators – from native bees and butterflies to hoverflies and hummingbirds. Sage is also fairly drought-tolerant, which means it can persist through dry summers.

Sage can be planted around vegetable patches and flowers that are especially susceptible to rabbits. Its strong scent can serve as a protective barrier. Simply make sure that nearby plants have similar substrate and exposure requirements for ease of care.

4) Bigleaf periwinkle (Vinca major)Bigleaf periwinkle is known for having tough and unpalatable leaves & shoots. G.Hagedorn, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native to the western Mediterranean region

Vinca major is commonly known as greater, blue, or bigleaf periwinkle. It is an evergreen perennial with a penchant for spreading extensively and indefinitely. Due to this growth habit, it is often used as a groundcover plant or trained to grow like a vine. In areas where it is allowed to spread freely, it can, unfortunately, become a noxious weed and can quickly outgrow or smother less aggressive species. Its potential to repel rabbits must be highlighted, however, as its leaves and shoots are considered tough and unpalatable.

If you intend to grow this rabbit-proof flowering plant, consider restricting its spread to within pots or large containers. Note that vegetative fragments or garden waste can spread colonies of this species to natural areas, where they can quickly form dense mats. A single year of cultivation can achieve complete coverage for a spread of more than 2 meters (6 feet). If you have a serious rabbit problem, this plant may just be worth the maintenance challenge.

5) Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)Columbine may not be the safest option for your garden if you own pets because the roots, seeds, and leaves contain toxic compounds. Amanda Slater / CC BY-SA 2.0

Native to the Northern Hemisphere

Columbines are a group of flowering perennials that typically occur in areas where rabbits are abundant. They are found in alpine meadows and cool woodlands, where their delicate flowers stand out in partly shaded to fully exposed areas. Rabbits and other mammalian grazers likely avoid these plants due to their toxic contents. Aquilegia roots, leaves, and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds that can cause heart palpitations and gastroenteritis. If you have pets that frequently roam your garden, this may not be the safest option.

There are around 60 columbine species to choose from. Hardy to USDA zone 3, they are fairly cold and drought-tolerant. Many cultivars produce attractive flowers that are surprisingly edible, though caution is still advised. The blooms and foliage are known for attracting butterflies and noctuid moths, which can feed on the toxic plant without consequence. A patch dedicated to various columbines would be an attractive way to show off variety and color in this genus.

6) Ornamental onion (Allium giganteum)Ornamental onion has lengthy stalks that can be destroyed by harsh outdoor elements, so you may want to plant them in a more protected area of your garden. Mith, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native to southwest and central Asia

The ornamental onion is a true multi-purpose plant. It can repel rabbits and other grazers due to its highly pungent scent and strong taste. Dense stands can be planted around patches with tender bulbs. It’s amusing to think that this could create the scent-equivalent of a force field around susceptible species. A. giganteum is also an attractive flowering species that can add a dash of whimsy to your garden. Its tall bloom stalks, topped with globe-shaped flower clusters, may appear to defy gravity.

Hardy to USDA zones 5 – 8, this giant onion favors medium to well-draining soil and full sun exposure. Its 2 to 3-inch (5 – 7.6 cm) bulbs initially produce basal rosettes with lengthy leaves. Flower stems begin to grow in spring and produce blooms in summer, after which the leaves slowly die back. The vegetative parts of this plant produce the typical onion-garlic scent, yet they are not used in the kitchen. Instead, bulbs are only dug out of the ground for either transplantation or propagation purposes.

Though this species is generally unsusceptible to grazing, pests, or diseases, it could easily suffer due to bulb rot or root-related problems. Its lengthy stalks may also be destroyed by harsh outdoor elements, so it may be necessary to stake plants or locate them in protected zones of the garden.

7) Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)Daffodils aren’t just pretty flowers, they also deter rabbits & other animals due to their unappealing fragrance and toxins! Amanda Slater / CC BY-SA 2.0

Native to Europe and North Africa

Daffodils are bulbous perennials that are known across the globe for their attractive flowers. Considering their similarity to tulips, an absolute treat for rabbits, one would think that they would easily fall to grazers as well. Unlike tulips, daffodils have an unappealing fragrance and harbor toxins. Lycorine, most concentrated in the bulb but present throughout the plant, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Even dogs, horses, and cats are known for being highly sensitive to this toxin.

As they have similar growth requirements, a wall of daffodils can actually be used to protect your tulip patches! This wouldn’t be a surefire way to keep rabbits out, but it may at least dissuade them from feeding on the tulips. To grow daffodils, plant good quality bulbs in mid to late fall. They should be situated in an area that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Do keep in mind that daffodil foliage will die back after the plant has bloomed, so they cannot be expected to deter rabbits all year round.

8) Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)The Madagascar periwinkle plant produces gorgeous pink blooms and also contains compounds that are used in cancer drugs. Anik Sarker, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native to Madagascar

The Madagascar periwinkle is also known as vinca as it was formerly classified under a genus of this same name. It is frequently cultivated as an ornamental and medicinal plant because it produces elegant blooms and contains compounds used in cancer drugs. The endemic population of this herbaceous evergreen plant is now endangered in the wild. Nonetheless, it has become naturalized in many other parts of the world.

A recipient of the RHS Award of Garden Merit, the Madagascar periwinkle has tough stems and leathery leaves. The presence of several alkaloids in all of its organs has rendered the plant wholly toxic. Ingestion can lead to digestive problems, heart complications, paralysis, and even death! It’s no wonder why rabbits know better than to graze on its leaves and flowers, which come in all sorts of colors!

Despite its toxicity, this species is now a common garden plant. Do be wary about curious pets and children that may attempt to consume its parts. Moreover, this highly adaptable plant has the potential to become invasive in optimal conditions. Regularly prune its shoots, deadhead flowers, or restrict its growth to within pots to prevent its spread.

9) Wolfsbane (Aconitum napellus)Wolfsbane is an attractive but toxic plant species that should be handled carefully! Rüdiger, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Native to Europe

The toxic potential of this flowering herb is definitely not one to take lightly. Its common name, coupled with its lethal effects, seem to have been pulled straight out of a morbid tale. Wolfsbane contains aconitine, a neurotoxin that can quickly result in death when consumed in large quantities. Even handling leaves or scarred plant tissues without gloves can cause tingling and numbness, as the toxin makes its way through the skin. This plant is definitely not for the faint of heart, let alone hungry rabbits!

Worrisome facts aside, wolfsbane is actually an attractive species and is widely cultivated for its foliage and colorful blooms. It performs best in consistently moist, yet well-draining substrates, and may struggle through notably hot summers. Wolfsbane should be planted close to water sources, such as ponds, bog gardens, or streams. Though it would be a great repellent to protect vegetable patches, avoid growing it next to tubers that must be harvested by hand.

10) West Indian lantana (Lantana camara)West India lantana is a beautiful plant that can bring pops of color to your garden, though some people find its fragrance rather unappealing. Photo from Hippopx

Native to Central and South America

If your rabbit-resistant garden is in need of pops of color and a few more friendly pollinators, this flowering plant may just be the missing ingredient. The West Indian Lantana is a tropical species that produces multicolored inflorescences. A single flower cluster can have as many as 4 colors, ranging from deep red to light yellow and white.

Lantana is notable for its fragrance, which some may describe as rank (though, much like an acquired taste, others may approve of it)! The Malaysian name for this species is ‘Bunga Tahi Ayam’, which translates to ‘chicken dung flower’. Rabbits, with their aversion to strong scents, will understandably want to stay away!

Though this tropical plant is often cultivated indoors in temperate zones, it can survive without issues when provided with protection outdoors. It is highly sensitive to frost, however, and will have to be overwintered properly. In some warm parts of the world, lantana has become an invasive species. Unsurprisingly, it contains pharmacological compounds (i.e. pentacyclic triterpenoids) that may harm grazers as well.

Coffee grounds may deter rabbits, but be sure to only place them in areas with plants that prefer slightly acidic substrates. Dennis Tang / CC BY-SA 2.0

There are no truly rabbit-resistant plants as these furry animals will give almost anything a try. They may occasionally nibble on toxic plants before determining them unfit for consumption! Keep in mind that even strong fragrances may fail at deterring rabbits. If you have a serious pest problem, the plants listed above may not be 100% effective at repelling them. Consider protecting your garden by using some of the tips and tricks below.

27 Plants That Repel Rabbits

If you have a rabbit problem, you understand how challenging it can be to keep your plants and shrubs healthy, growing, and keep the rabbits away so they don’t make a meal out of them. Did you know that there are plants that repel rabbits? What’s even better, many of them produce beautiful flowers that can bloom from the spring to the summer months to add a welcome splash of color and fragrance to your garden or landscape. However, knowing which plants that repel rabbits and which don’t do the job is important. The last thing you want to do is spend money, sweat, tears, and time planting these flowers and finding that the rabbits came in and destroyed them.

This is why I’m going to outline a host of plants that repel rabbits in this post. You can use it to figure out which ones work best for your environment, and you can space them around your yard. They work for traditional landscaping, xeriscaping, edging, and more. I’ll show pictures of each plant or flower so you can get a good idea on where you would incorporate them into your landscape design, and I’ll outline helpful tips to ensure they grow and thrive once you plant them.

breakfast snacks by Marilylle Soveran / CC BY-NC 2.0

1. Sweet Alyssum

The first plant that repels rabbits is Sweet Alyssum. You’ll get tiny clusters of pink, violet, lavender, or white flowers starting in the early spring and going well into the summer months. You’ll want to grow this plant in full sun to partial shade, and it grows well in almost any type of soil. It’s drought-resistant and heat tolerant, and this makes it excellent for beginners. You can sow them from seed as soon as the last frost threat is gone, and you’ll get a very dense flower carpet. If you live in warmer climates, you’ll get blooms all year round, and it works very well in mixed beds, rock gardens, and borders.

Lobularia maritima – Sweet Alyssum by Sean A. O’Hara / CC BY 2.0

2. Pot Marigold

Pot Marigold is on the list of plants that repel rabbits because they hate how it smells. Also called English marigolds, these plants are direct relations to the African and French marigolds. They produce larger orange or yellow blooms that look very similar to chrysanthemums or daisies, and they start to bloom in the middle of June and continue on until the first frost hits to provide cheerful pops of color. Marigolds also have a very bitter taste that rabbits don’t like, so they tend to avoid it. You’ll want to plant these flowers in a location that gets full sun in a rich but well-drained soil.

Marigold by Subash BGK / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

3. Lantana

This is a sun-loving plant that repels rabbits, and it produces clusters of flowers that look like bright and cheerful confetti pieces. You can overwinter them if you live in southern regions, but they’re typically grown as annuals in colder climates. The leaves have a very strong scent associated with them, and this can help to keep the rabbits away from the flowers. The foliage will produce small berries that are toxic if you ingest them. Hummingbirds and butterflies love this plant, and you want to put it in an area that gets full sun to partial shade with a soil that drains well.

Lantana by Peter Miller / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

4. Ageratum

If you’re looking for a plant that repels rabbits and mosquitoes, Ageratum is the one for you. Also known as Floss Flower, this is one of the few annual plants that will bloom very well in light shade. It does like to have at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, and it’ll produce bright white, blue, or pink flowers. The blooms are fringed and fuzzy, and this is what is believed to keep the rabbits away. They’ll start to flower in the early summer months and go to the fall if you deadhead the plants to encourage repeat blooming. They’re a low-growing plant that works well as edging for orders, beds, or walkways with rich but well-drained soil.

Ageratum… by digitearte / CC BY-NC 2.0

5. Cleome

Cleome is one plant that repels rabbits that you’ll either like the smell of or hate. Some gardeners claim that it has a light mint smell, but other people claim that it has a catty or skunk-like odor associated with it. It also has prickly stems that can poke you if you get too close, so plant it with care. This plant is native to South American and to the southern United States. It grows large flower clusters from the middle of summer until the first frost rolls in, and it needs partial shade to full sun with rich but well-drained soil and medium moisture.

cleome by zenia / CC BY-NC-ND 2. 0

6. Geranium

It may surprise many people that Geraniums are one plant that repels rabbits, but it does have a strong scent associated with it. You can get varieties of this plant that have rose, citrus, or other appealing fragrances. These are bushy plants that usually produce rounded, soft leaves that have a dark band in them. You should keep them in an area that gets full sun, and you can remove any flowers that fade to encourage them to bloom again. You can bring them inside and overwinter them, and they’ll bloom all year-round if you do. The soil should be rich, and you can add fertilizer in the spring.

Geraniums by Mike Mozart / CC BY 2.0

7. Strawflower

If you live in zones 8 to 11, this is a short-lived plant that repels rabbits. However, other zones treat these plants like annuals. They have very stiff petals that look like daisies, but they’re leaves better known as bracts. Since these leaves are papery and stiff, they can turn rabbits away because they’re not comfortable to eat. The flowers come in cream, yellow, orange, purple, and pink shades. They like sandy or rocky soil instead of rich soil, and they need good drainage. Plant them in an area that gets between four and six hours of sun a day to keep them blooming from spring until fall.

Straw Flower by Audrey / CC BY 2.0

8. Salvia

This plant that repels rabbits also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Salvia is one plant that rabbits and deer usually won’t eat due to the strong scent associated with it. Your Saliva can bloom in shades of blue, purple, pink, red, cream, lavender, or orange, and it also produces green-grey, green, or silver-tinged leaves. Most varieties of this plant are very tolerant to drought, and they need partial shade to full sun to grow the best. You should put them in slightly-rich soil that drains very well between watering sessions, and they’ll add height with spiked flowers to your garden or landscape.

Salvia by Jim, the Photographer / CC BY 2.0

9. Vinca

Anyone looking for a tough groundcover plant that repels rabbits can consider adding Vinca to their yard. This plant will produce pretty blue or white flowers in the early spring until the end of summer. It likes shaded areas in your yard. This plant does tend to spread very fast if you leave it unchecked, and it can easily take over areas of your yard. This is why it’s considered to be invasive in some areas. Plant it in an area that has rich soil that drains very well, and make a point to prune it if you notice it starting to grow out of control a few times during the summer months.

Vinca by John Munt / CC BY-NC 2.0

10. Begonias

Begonias are a pretty plant that repels rabbits, but it’s hit and miss for how effective it is because some rabbits seem to enjoy it. This plant also works very well in companion planting. They’re very easy to grow because they’ll accept sun or shade without a problem, but this plant is one that doesn’t like heat and it prefers cooler temperatures. You can get begonias with foliage that is maroon, bronze, or green, and the flowers come in a huge range of colors. Make sure the soil drains very well, but keep it slightly moist at all times. Shield them from the direct sunlight in the afternoon.

Begonias by Jim, the Photographer / CC BY 2.0

11. Snapdragon

Many people like snapdragons because you can gently squeeze the small flowers to make them snap open, but this is one plant that repels rabbits because they find them unpalatable. Snapdragons have many parts that are toxic to rabbits if they ingest them, so rabbits give them wide berth. You can get miniature varieties to larger ones that grow up to four feet tall. Plant them in a sunny space in your yard or garden in a rich but well-draining soil. If you want to enjoy the colorful blooms longer in the summer, deadhead them when they start to fade to encourage new growth.

SNAPDRAGONS by Tony Alter / CC BY 2.0

12. Poppy

This is a shade plant that repels rabbits, and they produce a milky sap with a strong smell that many rabbits tend to avoid. This is a very drought-tolerant and forgiving annual that comes in a bright red color that is instantly recognizable to many people. They love cool weather, but they can’t survive if you live in an area that gets very humid or hot. They need cooler weather with full sun, and you should plant them in a well-drained garden soil. They’ll bloom into the early summer months, and then come in other colors like violet, orange, white, and yellow with gray-green, fern-like foliage.

Poppies by Joe Flintham / CC BY-SA 2.0

13. Sunflowers

Although sunflowers are plants that repel rabbits and they do tend to avoid the blooms, rabbits do like to eat this plant’s leaves and seeds. You could get away with sprinkling cow manure, blood meal, fox urine, or other repellants around them to keep the rabbits away. They love to be in the full sun, and the bright yellow flowers will turn toward the light. They do well with sandy soil that you keep relatively moist, but they’re also tolerant of drought, and this makes them good for new gardeners. They can grow over six feet high, and they’ll produce a lot of seeds in the fall.

Sunflower by Tony Donnelly / CC BY-SA 2.0

14. Milkweed

Butterflies will flock to Milkweed, but it produces a very milky and sticky sap that turns it into an effective plant that repels rabbits. The milky sap is actually poisonous to rabbits and other animals, so you should keep it away from any pets you have at your home. This plant can easily grow up to three feet tall, and it’ll produce large blooms in the summer months that come in yellow, red, pink, cream, and two-toned varieties. It requires full sun to grow the best and you can get away with a slightly sandy or rocky soil as long as it drains very well between watering sessions.

Milkweed by Salim Virji / CC BY-SA 2.0

15. Peppers

Did you know that your common variety of garden peppers are one plant that repels rabbits? Spicy peppers have a strong scent that rabbits tend to avoid. Almost any pepper variety you choose to grow will have to have full sunlight and hotter weather to help them develop their signature flavors. As the pepper ripens, the colors and flavor will change. If you’re looking to keep the peppers as hot as possible, try reducing how much you water it by up to 50%. Most peppers do like a rich but sandy soil, and you should be careful when you pick them. Use gloves to stop the oils from irritating your skin.

Thai Peppers by VasenkaPhotography / CC BY 2. 0

16. Tomatoes

No matter if you grow your tomatoes indoors or outdoors, this is a plant that repels rabbits due to their unique scent. This plant traditionally loves to be in direct sunlight for four to six hours a day, and they really like higher levels of heat. You can start your tomato plants early indoors with a rich but well-draining potting soil mix, and this will help them grow a very strong root system. After the final frost of the season passes, you can transfer them outside and plant them deeply in the ground and water them thoroughly. They produce tomatoes you can pick in the late summer months.

Tomatoes by Bjorn Rudberg / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

17. Globe Thistle

This plant produces a spray of hairy, spiny green-grey leaves to make it a plant that repels rabbits. It also has slightly wooly grey stems, and it has blue, spherical-like flowers that bloom throughout the summer months. Both the foliage and the blooms can last for weeks at a time, and this makes them very popular for cut flowers or bouquets. You’ll want to plant them in an area of your yard that gets sunlight for four to six hours every day, and they like a slightly sandy soil mix that drains very well. Make a habit to water them routinely to keep the soil moderately moist.

Globe Thistle by Daniel McDermott / CC BY-ND 2.0

18. Catnip

Catnip is popular for both people and felines, and it’ll start to produce lavender-blue hued flowers in the late spring months that go well into the fall. When you brush against the foliage on this plant, it’ll produce a very strong floral scent. Additionally, it’ll attract cats to the area, and rabbits see them as a threat so they’ll stay far away. This plant grows in a bush-like formation in rich but well-draining soil, and it needs full sun to partial shade. As a bonus, you can easily dry the flowers out and periodically crush them to encourage them to release the strong scent.

catnip by Samantha Forsberg / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

19. Crown of Thorns

Better known as Euphorbia Milli, this plant gives you a huge advantage over common garden pests. This is a wonderful plant that repels rabbits because it has spiny stems and branches, but it also produces a sticky sap that is toxic to rabbits and other animals. So, keep it away from your pets. This plant is native to Madagascar, and it’s an evergreen perennial in zones 10 and 11. It works as a patio or houseplant in cooler zones, and it’s related to the Poinsettia. Plant it in a rich soil that drains well, and give it a place that gets partial shade to full sun each day.

Euphorbia millii (Crown of Thorns) – Cultivated by Arthur Chapman / CC BY-NC 2.0

20. Wormwood

Wormwood is one plant that repels rabbits and ticks. While you may adore having this plant in your yard or garden due to the silver, fragrant foliage, rabbits and ticks can’t stand the smell. Also, every part of this plant is very poisonous, so this wards pests off. However, this also means that you have to keep it away from children and pets. It produces bright yellow blooms, and it’s a compact shrub that will grow up to three feet high at full maturity. Put it in a rich soil and in a place that gets a decent amount of sunlight. You can easily grow it in containers as well as in the ground.

wormwood by Joan / CC BY-NC 2.0

21. Ajuga

This plant that repels rabbits is better known as the Bugleweed plant, and it works wonderfully as a groundcover in your yard. This is a great plant for beginners to grow because it does very well in every lighting condition, from full sun to partial shade. Don’t plant it in full shade. This is a very hardy plant that is drought-tolerant, but it does like routine watering sessions. Plant it in a rich soil that drains well, and it’ll produce waxy, small leaves that have gently rounded edges. They look maroon or dark green, and it has blue-purple spikes for flowers that bloom throughout the summer.

ajuga by Storm / CC BY-SA 2.0

22. Bee Balm

Bee Balm is better known to many people as horsemint. This plant will attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, but it’s an excellent plant that repels rabbits. It’s very easy to grow in a variety of environments, and it will give you showy blooms in violet, red, white, or pink coloring in the early spring through the summer months. It is best planted in zones three to nine, and it does best in full sun. Sunlight is what encourages the plant to release the scent that keeps rabbits away. The soil should drain well and be very rich, and the flowers and leaves on this plant are edible.

Bergamot by John Munt / CC BY-NC 2.0

23. Juniper

Juniper is a creepy plant that repels rabbits, and this is excellent news for your garden. The leaves on this plant are very needle-like. When you plant them in partial shade or in a place that gets at least four hours of sunlight a day, they can thrive. These plants love moist soil that drains very well, but giving them too much water can encourage rot. Keep the plant away from constant water sources. This is a compact shrub that also produces blue-colored berries. It has a pleasant scent that rabbits don’t like since it’s so strong, and it’ll stay green year-round.

Juniper by Dan Keck / CC0 1.0

24. Lavender

It won’t surprise many people that Lavender is on the list of plants that repel rabbits. It produces purple flower spikes with silver-green foliage in a small clump that looks great. Also, it has a very strong floral fragrance that it’ll release each time you brush past it or crush it. This fragrance will help attract butterflies to your garden or yard, and it likes slightly sandy soil that drains well. It has an extreme drought tolerance that is very nice for arid climates, and it needs full sun to grow well. If the soil is very heavy, you’ll have to mix in things like peat moss to help lighten it up.

Lavender by Elena Savelyeva / CC BY-NC 2.0

25. Red Hot Poker

If you’re trying to add drama and a vibrant color to your space while looking for plants that repel rabbits and other pests, try the Red Hot Poker plant. It has a very strong odor that rabbits hate, and it gets stronger when the plants are in full bloom in the middle of the summer months. It produces red flowers on tall spikes that fade to yellow or orange on the bottom. They need very little water but full sun exposure to grow and thrive, and they’ll attract a host of butterflies to your garden. The soil should be well-drained and on the dry side, and they’re very drought-tolerant.

Red Hot Poker Kniphofia species by Brenda Dobbs / CC BY-NC 2. 0

26. Yarrow

Yarrow is a perennial flower that comes back every year, and it’s also the perfect plant that repels rabbits. This plant has a very nice fragrance that rabbits don’t like, but butterflies will flock to this plant when it blooms. It’ll produce tiny clusters of flowers in white, pink, yellow, cream, purple, and more during the summer months, and it’ll keep blooming well into the fall until the first frost. They like to be in an area that has a soil that drains very well, and you must put them in full sun to encourage healthy growth.

Yarrow by Kerttu / CC0 1.0

27. Lenten Rose

This pretty plant that repels rabbits is the Lenten Rose. Every part of this plant is highly toxic, and this can be enough to keep rabbits far away from any area you plant it in. This plant is also excellent for a beginner gardener because it doesn’t need much attention to thrive and do very well once you plant it. Plant it in an area in your yard that has a well-drained soil, and it’s not picky if it’s rich or not. It’ll scorch in the full sun, so try to find an area in your yard that is at least partial shade. You’ll get dark green foliage with soft peach roses that bloom all summer long.

Lenten Rose by Pauline Rosenberg / CC BY-NC 2.0

These 27 plants that repel rabbits are all excellent additions to your yard or garden, and you can put most of them in containers to move them around on your porch or patio if you have a severe rabbit problem. You can mix and match several of these plants that repel rabbits throughout your landscape design to make them more effective, and I invite you to choose the ones that will work best for your environment.

How to get rid of rabbits: the best ways

The rabbit is one of the cutest and funniest creatures in the world. But only if you meet him online. Watching funny photos and videos with these fluffies is a pleasure.

A meeting with this "cute" in real life promises us quite different perspectives. In it, rabbits turn into a real problem for gardeners, residents of small villages and even big cities. This is why it happens:

We will teach you this tricky science and tell you the tricky balance of fencing, home remedies and chemical repellants. But first, let's get to know the enemy of all gardeners and farmers - the rabbit!

9 useful facts about rabbits that will help you effectively deal with them

Most often, rabbits appear on the “human territory” at night, and also in winter, when gardens and orchards are idle without our attention. So, not everyone can look at the habits of this beast. We will make this task easier for you. Here are 9important facts to know about the behavior of most rabbit species.

How to get rid of rabbits in summer

Each season has its own peculiarities of dealing with these dangerous animals. In summer, everything is quite simple, especially if you are not annoyed by rainy weather. In this season, you can use all existing methods of dealing with rabbits. We will divide them into lethal (with the killing of animals) and non-lethal. Let's start with humane methods.

Fencing of the entire area. Even the smallest fence will save you from rabbits in summer. If in winter the animals can use a snowdrift as a springboard, then in the heat they cannot even overcome a meter-long fence. It is not necessary to make it solid: a mesh with cells less than 3 cm will do. By the way, rabbits dig well, so it is better to deepen the fence into the ground.

Fencing of specific plants, bushes and flower beds. A simple principle applies here. For bushes, valuable herbs and berries, you need to use borders or a net. The mesh material of the fence will allow air to circulate and prevent rabbits from ruining your crop or favorite flowers. But it is better to wrap the trees with aluminum foil or other protective coating.

Repellents. Repellents can be divided into two categories: natural and chemical.

Humane traps. Only death traps like traps can be called effective. And there is too much fuss with humane traps. Installation, search for bait, removal of the victim for 3 km ... Even with direct contact with the rabbit, you can pick up some unpleasant disease from him. But if you are ready to take the caught rabbits somewhere in the forest, then we advise you to pay attention to traps like Havahart 1083 Easy Set One-Door Cage Trap for Squirrels and Small Rabbits . This manufacturer specializes in the humane capture of various animals, including rabbits. See similar items on MARKET .

Various little things can be used as additional actions to reduce the population of these rodents. For example, hold a subbotnik in the vicinity and clean up all the places where animals can hide. A good option is to get a dog, though rabbits are not so afraid of chained empty spaces. And hunting dogs already take us to the section of “lethal means”, which we will write about with less pleasure.

Death traps. Rabbits will never eat trees if they have carrots or fresh greens under their noses. This is what lovers of bloody traps use. Rabbits easily fall into such traps: it remains only to dispose of the corpse and not get infected from contact with it.

You can use a trap like 1 Dz Dakotaline Rabbit Snares, which is designed specifically for catching rabbits. It is a wire noose that is pulled around the rodent's throat and deprives it of oxygen. In order for a rabbit to fall for such a cunning bait, such snares must be well camouflaged in the grass. And do not touch it with your hands, use gloves - rabbits can smell the human smell.

Poisons. Scientists do not advise using poisons: this is not the coolest way, and it brings a lot of problems. So, the carcasses of dead rabbits can attract predators to your land, and the poison itself is fraught with threats to pets. Yes, and we did not find any worthy poisons designed specifically for rabbits on the market.

Shooting and hunting. In most regions, the shooting of rabbits is officially allowed. But this method is troublesome and costly. Although it allows you to deal a serious blow to the entire population of eared, as well as get a certain buzz from the process.

How to get rid of rabbits in winter

It cannot be said that winter radically changes the conditions and rules of war with rabbits. But some seasonal changes still exist.

Firstly, the natural food stock of rabbits is significantly reduced in winter. Because of this, they are increasingly approaching human habitation and are no longer afraid of external stimuli. Secondly, snow plays on their side: it washes away traces of poisons, and also helps to overcome artificial barriers.

No problem: knowledge will help us!

  1. Repellents. Most of these funds are significantly lost in winter. They dissolve in endless precipitation, hide under a cap of snow, freeze with a crust of ice and stop working. So in choosing "winter chemistry" you need to be very careful.
  2. Fencing of the site and individual plants. This variant does not lose its power in winter. But you need to remember a simple rule: all fences “increase” by the size of a possible snowdrift that will lie nearby.
  3. Traps and shooting. And only in this cruel part of our guide nothing fundamentally changes. The main thing is not to leave your victims to rot at the scene of the murder, so as not to additionally attract hungry predators to your house.

Also, remember that in winter the appetite of rabbits is focused on young trees. Take care of their safety in the first place. And also make sure that huge snowdrifts, bumps and heaps of brushwood do not appear on the land.

How to keep rabbits away from the garden?

  1. Use water! If your lawn has automatic watering systems, just set them up properly. It is necessary that the optical sensor respond to movement in the area of ​​​​the site and open the “shower watering”. Powerful jets of water will surely scare away the rodent!
  2. But don't let them drink it. Water not only repels, but also attracts rabbits. A small pond, lake, or ornamental body of water on your property is another attraction for animals. They may well jump up to him to drink. Do not forget to enclose areas with water with fences and curbs.
  3. Call the professionals. If the invasion of rabbits promises to develop into a real siege, and your hand does not rise to kill these cuties, then you need to contact the experts.
  4. Feed them! The kindest and most controversial method is to install rabbit feeders in the area. Animals feed in them all summer and winter and do not think to touch green spaces. After all, food in feeders is both tastier and more affordable. However, in some cases, such good nature can attract more animals than you can feed.

How to scare rabbits away from the garden area

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Rabbits are beautiful, fluffy gentle creatures. But these animals can be a real problem for gardeners. Their constant raids on gardening lead to a deplorable result: the plants die under the strong teeth of rabbits. By nibbling the bark of trees, they reduce the immunity of woody plants, so the garden will no longer be able to fight pests or resist diseases and adverse climatic factors.

In addition to the fact that there are many chemicals that can scare rabbits away from the garden, gardeners also use natural methods. Here are just seven ways to help your garden resist furry infestations.

1. Spread over hair

Rabbits do not like the smell of human hair or pet hair. Having smelled the smell of a person or cattle, they do not even try to get into the territory that is seductive for them. Spread the hair evenly around the fence of the site (around the perimeter). The smell of animals or people will instantly spread, and the rabbits will bypass the area.

2. Planting special plants

It is believed that rabbits do not like the smell of dahlias and marigolds. By planting these plants around the perimeter of the garden plot, you can prevent their invasion. In nature, there are many other plants that repel rabbits with their smell, for example, verbena, St. John's wort, balsam, honeysuckle, echinacea, large periwinkle, etc.

3. Get snakes in the area

Don't be scared, the snakes are not real - they are toys. Buy rubber snakes from the store and scatter them around the site. Many gardeners claim that this unusual trick really works - rabbits, having seen a snake once, no longer enter the garden.

4. "Voice" section

Noise repels wild animals. Make devices that will make noise from the slightest breath of wind. For example, tin cans hanging around the perimeter on ropes will make noise both from the wind and from animals or people touching them.

5. Close site gates and burrows


Close the area. This rule will work especially well if applied with others: planting with repellent plants, hanging around the perimeter of noise devices, etc. And minks found under a fence or on a site should be covered with wire, or thrown with earth and stones.

6. Fence - wire mesh

Wire mesh is an effective protective tool against raids by wild animals, including rabbits. Protect the garden plot with a net, digging it a few centimeters into the ground. Rabbits dig minks very well, so they can easily penetrate the site, breaking through under the manhole fence.

7. Tree wrapping with netting

The same wire mesh can also be used as a protective agent for trees.

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