Rabbit Resistant Flowers
Rabbits are prolific eaters that can make a quick salad out of your plants, so it's important to be aware of some rabbit resistant flowers that the cuddly bunnies won't be tempted to eat. While you may not be able to eliminate rabbits from your garden entirely, with a little planning you can make your flowerbeds less attractive to the critters and ensure that your flowers will bloom as you had planned.
Rabbits tend to avoid plants that are fuzzy, prickly or rough textured. Every rabbit is different, however, and some rabbits may dine on the rabbit-resistant choices we outline below. Begin by planting small numbers of plants, and watching your flowerbeds closely for tell-tale signs of rabbit dining, including droppings and stems and buds sheared off about 2 feet from the ground. If rabbits in your neighborhood dine on a particular plant you've chosen, switch to a less-attractive option.
Flashy and tall flower choices include iris, alliums, dahlia, foxglove and peony. Add in the small and bushy bleeding heart plant, or the clever and jaunty snapdragon. For a dash of feathery texture, choose the astilbe plant in pink or white. Sprinkle in spring-blooming daffodils for added early color, but steer clear of tulips, as rabbits love to snack on the leaves. For fragrant flower gardens that will survive a rabbit onslaught, choose catmint or lavender. Anise hyssop produces a licorice-like scent on spiky purple flowering stalks. Oriental poppies can produce bright pops of color; mix with the small and dainty violet for added contrast. If your flower garden is partially in shade, consider hellebore for its beautiful blossoms and rabbit resistance. Place a fence around your flower garden as an added deterrent.
After planning your rabbit-resistant flowerbed, look closely at the rest of your yard. Remove brush piles and woodpiles that may provide a home for a rabbit family. Keep your grass cut short; rabbits don't enjoy open spaces, as they cannot hide from predators while exposed.
