Rabbit Friendly Garden Plants

21 Apr Rabbit Friendly Garden Plants

Posted on Apr 2026 in Pets, Rabbits by

Rabbit‑friendly plants you can grow in your garden

Spring is the perfect time to plan your borders, pots and beds. If you share your outdoor space with rabbits – whether they’re much‑loved pets or regular wild visitors – it’s worth thinking about how ‘rabbit‑friendly’ your garden and planting really is.

We’re looking at plants you can grow for rabbits to enjoy (in moderation), plants that are more likely to survive a bit of nibbling, and a few simple design tips to help you balance a beautiful garden with happy bunnies.

Plants that are rabbit friendly

Herbs, leafy greens and some flowering plants are perfect nibbling plants for rabbits to munch on, but if you’re not sure where to begin or start, here are a few options:

  1. Herbs that rabbits commonly enjoy

Herbs are one of the easiest ways to create a rabbit‑friendly planting area. Many do well in pots or beds, and they smell amazing:

  • Parsley
  • Basil
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Oregano / Marjoram

 

  1. Leafy greens and edible flowers

You can also grow plants that provide fresh, rabbit‑safe leaves and petals. Again, offer in moderation and build up slowly.

Options to consider:

  • Dandelions
  • Chamomile
  • Calendula / Pot marigold
  • Nasturtiums

 

  1. Shrubs and perennials that tend to cope with rabbits

If you have wild rabbits visiting, the goal is often to plant things that are non‑toxic and reasonably resistant, so the garden still looks presentable even after some nibbling.

While no plant is truly “rabbit‑proof”, some are generally less appealing:

  • Lavender
  • Sage
  • Catmint
  • Hardy geraniums
  • Yarrow

These can help you build structure and colour while keeping the garden broadly rabbit‑friendly.

Plants to avoid around rabbits

It’s important to remember that some common garden plants are not suitable for rabbits to eat. A few examples to be especially careful with:

  • Foxgloves
  • Lily of the valley
  • Daffodils and other bulb plants
  • Ivy
  • Rhododendrons and azaleas

If your rabbits have free access to the garden, research any plant before you introduce it, and fence off areas with more risky species.

Designing a rabbit‑friendly garden

  • Create a dedicated rabbit border: Set aside one bed or strip planted mainly with rabbit‑friendly herbs and flowers. Include a mix of textures and heights – low herbs at the front, taller flowers and shrubs at the back.
  • Use pots and raised beds: If you have pet rabbits that like to chew everything, grow more delicate or expensive plants in pots and raised beds to minimise these being munched on.
  • Leave some wild corners: Rabbits love to explore, hide and forage. When you’re spring‑cleaning the garden think about leaving a small patch of longer grass or meadow‑style planting leaving some safe “weeds” like dandelion and plantain to remain

 

Spring is the perfect moment to rethink your garden with rabbits in mind. By choosing rabbit‑friendly plants, avoiding toxic species and designing a few dedicated areas, you can create an outdoor space that looks good and works for your pets too. If you’re ever not sure what to plant, you can always look on website likes the RHS for more guidance.

A well‑planned rabbit‑friendly garden doesn’t have to be chewed to bits – it can be full of scent, colour and life, with plenty for your rabbits to safely enjoy.