Ever walk outside and wonder where all your flowers or veggies disappeared to? Yep—rabbits strike again. They might look adorable, but those little garden bandits can do some serious damage. The great news? You don’t need to build a fortress or douse your plants in weird-smelling sprays. Mother Nature’s got your back with a bunch of plants that naturally keep bunnies at bay.
In this article, we’re sharing 12 awesome rabbit-repelling plants that not only protect your garden, but also bring color, scent, and even pollinators into the mix. Let’s get growing!
Why Rabbits Avoid Certain Plants
Before we jump into the plant list, it helps to understand a little bunny psychology. Rabbits might munch like machines, but they’re actually pretty picky about what they eat. If a plant smells too strong, tastes weird, or feels fuzzy or rough—chances are, they’ll hop right past it.
- Smell strong (like lavender or garlic)
- Taste bitter or spicy
- Have fuzzy, leathery, or prickly textures
- Are mildly toxic or make them feel sick
A lot of these plants pull double duty—they’re not only rabbit-resistant, but deer tend to avoid them too. Talk about a win-win! On top of that, they attract pollinators, make great companion plants, and totally level up your garden’s look.
12 Plants That Repel Rabbits (and Look Great Doing It)
Here are your garden’s new best friends—rabbit-resistant plants that can turn your yard into a no-bunny zone.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Why it works: Rabbits can’t stand lavender’s strong floral scent, but pollinators love it.
Bonus: Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and great for sensory gardens.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Why it works: This herb’s intense aroma is great in the kitchen and awful to bunnies.
Bonus: Evergreen in warmer climates, low-maintenance, and edible.
Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Why it works: Rabbits hate the pungent smell and bitter taste of these fiery blooms.
Bonus: Great for companion planting—they repel other pests too, like nematodes!
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Why it works: Toxic to rabbits, deer, and even squirrels. They’ll munch once and never again.
Bonus: One of the first signs of spring; super low effort to grow.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Why it works: Another smelly herb that rabbits avoid like the plague.
Bonus: Pretty purple blooms in summer and tasty for cooking. Win-win.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Why it works: Gorgeous but toxic. Rabbits know to stay far away.
Bonus: Adds height and drama to flower beds. Just be cautious—not safe for pets or kids.
Alliums (Chives, Garlic, Onion)
Why it works: Pungent oils and sulfuric compounds? Rabbits say, “Nope!”
Bonus: Useful in the kitchen and highly effective for natural pest control.
Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
Why it works: Strong scent and fuzzy leaves make these unappetizing to rabbits.
Bonus: Long blooming season and available in many vibrant colors.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Why it works: Rabbits dislike the scent and hairy stems.
Bonus: Attracts butterflies, thrives in dry soil, and looks great in cottage gardens.
Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
Why it works: Bitter taste + weird texture = bunny deterrent.
Bonus: Tons of colors, perfect for borders, and great in floral arrangements.
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
Why it works: Fuzzy, bitter leaves repel rabbits (and it smells kind of like old mint).
Bonus: Traditional medicinal herb and super low-maintenance.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Why it works: Rabbits don’t like it—but cats do! Use with caution if neighborhood felines hang around.
Bonus: Also deters aphids and squash bugs. Grows like crazy.
How to Use These Plants for Maximum Bunny Blocking
Alright, you’ve got your dream team of rabbit-repelling plants—now what? The secret’s in how you put them to work in your garden.
Here are a few clever ways to make the most of them:
Plant a Perimeter
Border your garden with strong-scented plants like marigolds or lavender. They’ll act like a natural fence, throwing off any curious bunny noses.
Mix and Match
Blend perennials and annuals so your rabbit defense lasts all year long. Try teaming up foxglove (a perennial) with snapdragons (an annual) for layers of color and protection.
Use Companion Planting
Sneak rabbit-repellent herbs like rosemary or sage next to your bunny favorites—think lettuce or beans. Their bold scents help mask the tasty stuff rabbits usually go for.
Plant in Clusters
Don’t go too dainty—a lonely lavender plant won’t do much. Group your repellents together for a stronger scent wall that says, “Not today, bunny.”
Other Ways to Keep Rabbits Out—Naturally
Plants are a great first line of defense, but adding a few extra tricks to your toolkit can really boost your bunny-proofing game:
- Physical barriers: A simple wire fence—about 2 feet tall and buried a few inches underground—can do wonders against determined bunnies trying to sneak in.
- Remove shelter: Tidy up areas with tall grass, brush piles, or woodpiles. These cozy hideouts are basically VIP lounges for rabbits.
- Natural sprays: Whip up a DIY rabbit repellent using garlic, hot pepper, or vinegar. Just be sure to test it on a small patch first to make sure your plants are cool with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plant keeps rabbits away?
Plants like lavender, rosemary, and marigolds are great at keeping rabbits away because of their strong smells and bitter flavors. Not only do they naturally deter bunnies, but they also add beauty to your garden. Placing them along your garden’s edges makes a perfect scent barrier that rabbits don’t want to cross.
What do rabbits hate the most?
Rabbits really can’t stand strong-smelling herbs, fuzzy or bitter plants, and anything a bit toxic like daffodils or garlic. They also avoid spicy or aromatic plants, plus places where they don’t have good hiding spots. Using these kinds of plants confuses their senses and makes your garden way less appealing to them.
How to bunny proof a garden?
Start by planting rabbit-repelling favorites like lavender, sage, and snapdragons around the spots rabbits love to nibble. Add a low fence buried a few inches underground to stop them from digging under. And don’t forget to keep your yard neat—clearing away brush, tall grass, and cozy hiding spots makes your garden less inviting for bunnies.
