Lavender, lamb’s ear, yarrow, yucca, daffodils, ornamental alliums, catmint and oregano are among the plants that rabbits are less likely to browse. None is rabbit-proof: feeding varies with local rabbit pressure and what else is available. If rabbits are causing serious damage, use fencing or other physical barriers rather than relying on plant choice alone.
What “rabbit-repellent” plants can—and cannot—do
These are best described as rabbit-resistant plants, not repellents. An expert response from Ask Extension states, “Unfortunately, there are no completely ‘rabbit proof’ plants.” The University of Maryland Extension similarly notes, “It is important to note that no plant is totally rabbit proof.” Ask Extension and University of Maryland Extension both make the limitation clear.
Rabbits tend to avoid some strongly aromatic plants and plants with dense, hairy leaves, according to Iowa State University Extension. But browsing depends on factors such as rabbit numbers and the availability of other food. A plant’s scent or texture may make it a less appealing choice; it does not create a reliable barrier.
Eight plants rabbits are less likely to browse
The choices below are listed as rabbit-resistant or seldom damaged by one or more extension sources. Use their light and moisture preferences to match plants to your site, and treat resistance as a tendency rather than a guarantee.
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| Plant | Growing conditions and habit | Why it may be less appealing | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | Perennial; sunny sites with average-to-dry soil. | Strong fragrance. | Sunny ornamental beds; Penn State lists it as rabbit-resistant. |
| Lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina) | Perennial; choose a site suited to its growing needs. | Dense, fuzzy leaves. | Ornamental planting where its distinctive foliage is welcome; listed by Penn State and Iowa State. |
| Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | Perennial; sunny sites with average-to-dry soil. | Listed as rabbit-resistant by multiple extension sources. | Sunny ornamental beds; named by Penn State, Maryland and Ask Extension. |
| Yucca (Yucca filamentosa) | Perennial; match the site to the plant’s needs. | Listed as less damaged or resistant by several sources. | Ornamental plantings; included by Penn State, Iowa State and Ask Extension. |
| Daffodil (Narcissus spp.) | Bulb; grows from bulbs rather than as a continuous herbaceous planting. | Iowa State lists daffodils among bulbs seldom damaged; Maryland lists Narcissus as resistant. | Flower beds and bulb plantings. |
| Ornamental onion/allium (Allium spp.) | Bulb or perennial, depending on species. | Ornamental onion and chives are listed among rabbit-resistant or seldom-damaged choices. | Ornamental beds; some alliums, such as chives, also have culinary use. |
| Catmint (Nepeta cataria and cultivars) | Perennial; Penn State lists it for average sun and dry-to-average conditions. | Included in Penn State’s rabbit-resistant choices; resistance is site-dependent. | Sunny to partly suited garden areas where its growth habit fits. |
| Oregano (Origanum spp.) | Herb; Penn State lists it for average sun. | Aromatic; Iowa State lists oregano among herbs seldom damaged. | Herb gardens and mixed plantings where edible use is desired. |
For fragrant foliage and herbs
Lavender and oregano are useful options when you want aromatic plants as part of the garden, not as a stand-alone rabbit deterrent. Penn State lists both among resistant choices, and Iowa State also names oregano as seldom damaged. Catmint is another option for suitable sunny, dry-to-average sites, though its listing does not make it a dependable barrier.
For distinctive leaves and structure
Lamb’s ear offers fuzzy foliage, a texture Iowa State describes as less attractive to rabbits. Yucca is another listed option for ornamental plantings. Neither should be assumed safe from browsing if rabbits are hungry or numerous.
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- 2000+ Mixed Candytuft Flower Seeds - Produces delicate blooms in white, pink, and lavender, adding charm to your garden and attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees
- Perennial Plant - Grows to a height of approximately 12 inches, perfect for ground cover, and thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions
- Summer Blooms - With proper care, Candytufts bloom profusely in spring and summer, creating stunning displays, ideal for borders, rock gardens, and containers
- Drought Tolerant & Low Maintenance - These plants are drought-resistant and require minimal care, thriving in dry conditions and offering long-lasting beauty with minimal water needs
- Ground Cover Use - Perfect for filling gaps in your garden, Candytufts spread to form a dense carpet, reducing weed growth and providing easy maintenance while adding vibrant color
For flowering beds and bulbs
Yarrow, daffodils and ornamental alliums give gardeners flowering choices across perennial and bulb plantings. Their inclusion in extension lists is a reason to consider them, not a promise that rabbits will leave them untouched.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to protect plants when rabbits keep feeding
When damage is serious, prioritize exclusion. UC IPM calls exclusion the surest way to protect a garden. UC IPM’s rabbit guidance and Ask Extension recommend physical barriers such as chicken wire or rigid polypropylene tubes.
Rank #3
- Blooming: Showy, fragrant purple flowers bloom from May to June. These bouquets are about the size of a softball and are very impressive.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun.
- Soil: Grows easily in fertile, sandy to sandy, dry to moderately moist, well-drained soil.
- Estimated flowering period: Blooms from late spring to early summer.
- Attract pollinators: They are deer resistant and perfect for pollinator gardens.
- Enclose vulnerable plants. Use chicken wire or a rigid polypropylene tube around the plant or bed. For chicken wire, bury the bottom edge at least six inches and use openings smaller than a rabbit’s head, as Ask Extension advises.
- Check the barrier. Make sure it remains in place and does not leave gaps where rabbits can reach the plant.
- Use sprays only as a secondary measure. UC IPM reports that dried-blood and putrescent-whole-egg products can reduce browsing, but they need frequent reapplication after rain, dew, irrigation or new growth. Many products cannot be applied to edible plant parts; follow the current product label.
Planting resistant species can reduce the number of tempting targets, while barriers protect the plants that matter most. No reliable percentage of protection is established for these plant choices, so do not plan a garden around an assumed success rate.
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Best Value
- Flower varieties included are known to deter deer and rabbits
Rank #4
- Known for its butter yellow, 6-inch petals, the Daylily "Buttered Popcorn" is a great flower. Known for its resilience, it thrives in drought conditions and is resistant to rabbits, making it ideal for areas with wildlife.
- Low Maintenance Perennial – Known for being easy to grow and maintain, this hardy perennial is perfect for beginner gardeners or anyone looking to add effortless beauty to their outdoor space. Simply plant the bare root, and enjoy the blooms year after year.
- Its butter yellow, 6-inch petals, makes the Daylily "Buttered Popcorn" a great flower. Known for its resilience, it thrives in drought conditions and is resistant to rabbits, making it ideal for areas with wildlife.
- This compact and re-blooming daylily is ideal for creating stunning garden borders, pathways, or landscape accents, with its vibrant flowers adding a cheerful touch to any outdoor space.
- Use daylilies as a naturalizing plant, a groundcover, in formal sweeps, or as a focal point in the perennial border. Also consider planting over and around Spring-flowering bulbs to hide the bulb's foliage as it matures naturally, while adding late spring and summer color.
Sources
- Ask Extension: rabbit-resistant plant guidance and physical barriers
- University of Maryland Extension: rabbit-resistant plants
- Iowa State University Extension: plants rabbits tend to avoid and factors affecting browsing
- Penn State Extension: deer- and rabbit-resistant plants
- UC IPM: rabbit management, exclusion and repellents
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