13 Rabbit-Resistant Annuals

Also called floss flower, ageratum is one of the few annuals that blooms in light shade, although it prefers at least six hours of sun each day. While some varieties are pink or white, blue is the most common color. Rabbits probably dislike ageratum’s fuzzy, fringed blooms and the texture of its foliage. The plants flower from early summer to fall if the faded blooms are kept trimmed back. Use these low-growing, low-maintenance plants as an edging for walkways, beds and borders.

Sun-loving lantana bears flower clusters that look like brightly-colored confetti. Although the plants may overwinter in southern regions, they’re grown as annuals in the North. Some gardeners say rabbits love to dine on their lantana, but others report that they avoid the plants because of the leaves' pungent aroma. The foliage and ripe berries are also known to contain a toxin that can affect many animals. Butterflies and hummingbirds, on the other hand, love the tubular flowers.

Lobularia maritima bears clusters of tiny white, lavender, violet or pink flowers in spring. Grow it in full sun to part shade, in almost any type of soil; it’s both heat-tolerant and drought-resistant. If you’re planting seeds, sow them on the surface of the soil after all chance of frost has passed. The plants form a dense carpet of flowers, and the blooms continue year-round in warm climates. Try the plants in borders, rock gardens and mixed beds.

Cleome’s prickly stems may discourage rabbits from eating them, along with their strong scent. Some gardeners say the plants smell pleasantly minty, while others complain of a skunk-like or catty odor. Native to the southern United States and South America, cleomes bear large flower clusters from midsummer until frost.