Rabbits are cute animals, but they can wreak havoc on a garden. While it’s possible to keep these little creatures away by using a fence or other deterrent, this solution can be unattractive. Here are some flowers that you can plant that rabbits won’t want to touch.

How to Grow a Rabbit-Proof Garden

1. Peonies

Peonies bloom in the spring and summer while keeping their lush foliage year-round. Since they are perennials, they’ll flower year after year. There are many different varieties, but you’ll deter bunnies by planting hybrid flowers instead of tree peonies. 

2. Snapdragons

Snapdragons are beautiful and attractive flowers. While they look like something a rabbit would love to eat, they have an unpleasant taste that keeps both deer and rabbits at bay. Portions of this plant are toxic to animals. These annuals are sold at greenhouses in the early spring, and you should plant them in full sun for best results.

3. Daffodils

Daffodils contain a poison called lycorine, which means rabbits carefully avoid these flowers. Their bright coloring adds vibrancy to any garden. They can be planted in late autumn and will bloom in mid-spring. Mix them with other perennials and annuals in your garden for a huge pop of color.

4. Strawflowers

These flowers look like daisies, but their petals are actually modified leaves that come in colors like orange, cream, white, pink, purple, and yellow. Rabbits won’t eat them because of the papery texture. Rocky soil is best for growing this flower in your garden, and they need full sun to thrive.

5. Pot Marigolds

Pot or English marigolds are orange and yellow, resembling daisies. They bloom in June and will stay attractive until the first frost. The plant has a bitter taste and strong smell that will keep rabbits from munching on them.

6. Geraniums

While humans love the strong smell of geraniums, rabbits do not. These flowers come in several different colors and can be brought inside for the winter, where they can still bloom if they get enough sun.

7. Sunflowers

Rabbits aren’t interested in the blooms of sunflowers, but they might eat the seeds and leaves. If you’re worried that they’ll damage your plants, place rabbit-resistant flower varieties around them. Some gardeners may also sprinkle fox urine, human hair, cow manure, or blood meal on their flowers to further deter bunnies.

Northgate Greenhouses in Cincinnati, OH, offers the best selection of flowers and other plants for your garden. They’ve earned several awards, including the Perfect Bloom Award for Green Industries, the 2015 Cincinnati Flower Show Mayors Award, and the Cincinnati Flower Show Best in Show two years in a row. No matter the time of year, there’s always something beautiful blooming in their greenhouse. Visit them online or call (513) 729-1134 to talk to a friendly team member about the plants they have in stock. Connect with them on Facebook for news and updates.