Rabbits often view backyard plots as an accessible buffet, leading many home gardeners to seek natural, non-toxic methods of protection. The strong, pleasant aroma of the lavender plant frequently comes up as a popular solution to this persistent problem. This common belief raises a direct question for gardeners: does lavender truly repel rabbits, or is its reputation merely a hopeful gardening myth?
The Mechanism of Scent Repellency
The concept of using aromatic plants for defense relies on exploiting a rabbit’s highly developed sensory perception. Rabbits primarily depend on their sense of smell and taste to evaluate their environment, distinguishing between safe food sources and potential toxins. Many plants have naturally evolved to produce concentrated, aromatic compounds as a defense mechanism against being eaten.
When a rabbit encounters these strong plant chemicals, the compounds can cause a mild, unpleasant irritation to their sensitive nasal passages and mucous membranes. The strong flavor of these compounds, which is often bitter, also acts as an immediate taste deterrent upon an initial nibble. This dual sensory assault triggers the animal’s natural instinct to avoid the source, making the plant unpalatable.
Specific Effectiveness of Lavender Against Rabbits
Lavender’s ability to deter rabbits is best understood not as a true repellent, but as a quality of being unappealing or “rabbit-resistant.” The plant’s high concentration of fragrant oils, particularly the compound linalool, gives it a pungent flavor and scent that rabbits generally avoid. This resistance means that while a rabbit will likely not choose to eat lavender, its presence does not guarantee the animal will leave the garden entirely.
Rabbits are opportunistic foragers, and their diet changes based on the availability of preferred food sources. If other, more palatable plants are scarce, a hungry rabbit may still sample or even consume a resistant plant like lavender. The plant serves more as a low-priority food item than an active barrier. The most fragrant varieties, such as English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), are typically cited in resistance claims because they contain the highest concentrations of the deterrent compounds.
Methods for Deploying Lavender in the Garden
Gardeners who wish to utilize lavender’s resistive properties should focus on strategic placement and consistent application. Planting dense hedges of lavender around the perimeter of a vulnerable flowerbed or vegetable patch can create a scented boundary. This technique relies on the strong, collective aroma of the plants masking the appealing scent of the crops within the barrier.
A more direct application involves using the plant’s concentrated oil to protect specific, high-value plants. A simple spray can be made by diluting a few drops of lavender essential oil with water and a small amount of dish soap to help it adhere to foliage. This mixture should be reapplied every few days, especially after rain or watering, since the volatile compounds evaporate quickly. Placing dried lavender sachets or cuttings in the soil around individual plants can also provide a localized scent deterrent.
Alternative Rabbit Deterrents
Because lavender provides only resistance and not a guaranteed repellent effect, a complete rabbit control strategy should include other proven methods. Physical exclusion remains the most reliable solution for protecting valuable crops. Installing a fence made of poultry netting or hardware cloth that is at least 24 inches high and buried 6 inches into the soil prevents both jumping and burrowing.
Scent-based commercial repellents often use ingredients like putrescent egg solids or predator urine, which exploit the rabbit’s fear response or aversion to foul odors. Other deterrent plants can also be interplanted with vulnerable species to create a broader sensory barrier. Plants with strong odors or bitter tastes, such as alliums (like ornamental onions or garlic) and marigolds, are frequently recommended.