Rabbit Resistant Annual Flowers

Snapdragons

• Snapdragons are considered to be unpalatable by most rabbits but they are a lovely annual flower addition to any garden. Colorful flowers appear on large spikes that children adore playing with. Blossoms can be yellow, red, pink, orange and multi-colored. Three varieties of snapdragons are available--dwarf size, medium size and tall so they can easily fit into any garden scheme. Sizes tend to range from a small 6 inches to a towering 48 inches. Snapdragons prefer full sun with well-drained soil. The plants can easily be grown in containers.

Marigolds

• Most rabbits avoid the smell of marigolds and do not eat their blossoms unless they are starving. The marigold emits a very strong odor that works to not only repel a wide range of insect pests but also often works on the general rabbit population. Marigolds prefer to be planted in full sun with well drained soil. Many people surround their garden in marigolds to fight off pests, nematodes and even rabbits from their vegetables.

Zinnias

• Zinnias can be grown easily from seeds. They are a lovely, colorful annual that rabbits avoid. The flowers can easily withstand extreme heat and are even drought tolerant to a degree. The flower heads of the zinnia make an excellent cut flower. Flowers come in pink, red, yellow, white, orange and a deep rust. Zinnias prefer to be planted in full sun with well drained soil to thrive. They repeat bloom heavily throughout the season, making an excellent border planting or filler for containers.

Lobelia

• Lobelia can be grown as a trailing plant or a compact bedding plant. They seldom exceed a small 6 inches in height so they make an excellent border plant. Flowers are either blue, white or salmon. Seeds should be started indoors for a nice summer bloom span. The plants can be grown in full or partial shade. Remove dead flower heads after blooming to encourage more blooms. Rabbits generally leave the lobelia blossoms and foliage alone, which makes it an ideal choice for gardens plagued by rabbits.