Plants that rabbits dislike can be a valuable addition to your garden or landscaping if you are dealing with these furry pests. As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can share with you some plants that rabbits tend to avoid. By incorporating these plants into your outdoor space, you can create a rabbit-resistant environment and preserve your beloved flowers and vegetables.
1. Lavender: Rabbits are not particularly fond of the strong scent and taste of lavender. Its aromatic qualities make it a great choice for deterring rabbits from your garden. Additionally, lavender is a beautiful and versatile plant that adds color and texture to any landscape.
2. Penstemon: This perennial flower, also known as beardtongue, is not a favorite of rabbits. Its tube-shaped flowers and tall spikes make it an attractive addition to a garden, while its bitter taste makes it unappealing to rabbits.
3. Artemesia: This silver-gray perennial plant has a strong scent that repels rabbits. It is known for its feathery foliage and can be a great addition to a garden border or as a ground cover. Artemesia varieties such as ‘Powis Castle’ and ‘Silver Mound’ are particularly effective in deterring rabbits.
4. Hyssop: Rabbits tend to avoid plants with strong, pungent scents, and hyssop falls into this category. This herbaceous perennial not only repels rabbits but also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a win-win addition to your garden.
5. Sages: Many varieties of sage, including common sage (Salvia officinalis) and Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), are disliked by rabbits. These plants have aromatic leaves and beautiful flowers, adding both fragrance and visual appeal to your garden while keeping rabbits at bay.
6. Shasta Daisy: This classic daisy variety is not a favorite of rabbits. Its large, white petals and yellow center create a cheerful display, and its rabbit-resistant nature makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to deter these pests.
7. Gaillardia: Also known as blanket flower, gaillardia is a colorful perennial that rabbits tend to avoid. Its bright, daisy-like flowers are not only attractive to humans but also deter rabbits from munching on your garden plants.
8. Common Butterfly Bush: Rabbits typically stay away from the common butterfly bush (Buddleja davidii). This shrub produces long, cone-shaped clusters of flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators while discouraging rabbits from feasting on nearby plants.
9. Blue Mist Spirea: This shrub, also known as bluebeard or Caryopteris, has aromatic foliage that rabbits find unappealing. Its blue-purple flowers and compact growth habit make it an excellent addition to any garden or landscape.
10. Columbine: Rabbits generally avoid columbine plants, known for their unique, bell-shaped flowers. These perennial plants come in various colors and add a touch of whimsy to any garden while keeping rabbits at bay.
Remember that while these plants are generally disliked by rabbits, there is no guarantee that they will completely deter them. Rabbits may still nibble on these plants if food sources are scarce or if they are particularly determined. However, incorporating these rabbit-resistant plants into your garden can significantly reduce the risk of damage caused by these furry invaders.
In my experience as a gardening and landscaping expert, I have found that a combination of deterrent plants, physical barriers (such as fences or chicken wire), and regular monitoring can help create a rabbit-resistant garden. Additionally, it is important to keep your garden clean and free of debris, as rabbits are attracted to hiding spots and sheltered areas.
By incorporating these rabbit-resistant plants into your garden and implementing preventive measures, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that is less appealing to rabbits. Happy gardening!
