DEER & RABBIT RESISTANT SHRUBS
Deer and rabbits can quickly damage shrubs, especially in fall and winter when food is limited. Choosing deer and rabbit-resistant shrubs is one of the best ways to protect your landscape while maintaining structure, color, and year-round interest. Many shrubs naturally deter browsing due to their scent, texture, or taste, making them reliable choices for Kansas City gardens.
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners
Suburban’s Top Deer & Rabbit Resistant Shrub Picks
Boxwood (Green Velvet Boxwood)
A classic evergreen with dense, structured growth, Boxwood is a dependable choice for foundations and hedges. Its foliage is rarely browsed by rabbits, making it a great option for lower plantings.
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners
Juniper (Montana Moss Juniper)
Junipers offer year-round greenery with a range of forms from ground-hugging to upright. Their prickly texture and scent help deter both deer and rabbits, making them a tough and versatile landscape staple.
Spirea (Little Princess Spirea)
Spirea brings soft texture and seasonal blooms to the landscape with minimal maintenance. Deer tend to avoid it, and it performs beautifully in Kansas City’s sun and heat.
What Does Deer & Rabbit Resistant Mean?
Deer and rabbit-resistant shrubs are varieties that animals tend to avoid due to strong fragrance, coarse or spiny foliage, or natural compounds that make them less appealing. However, no shrub is completely safe. In times of stress or when food sources are limited, deer and rabbits may still browse plants they would normally avoid.
Young shrubs and fresh growth are most vulnerable, so combining plant selection with repellents and smart placement will provide the best results.
Deer & Rabbit Resistant Shrubs
R = Rabbit Resistant | D = Deer Resistant
Evergreen & Structural Shrubs
Boxwood (R)
Juniper (R, D)
Holly (R)
Pieris Japonica (D)
Flowering Shrubs
Beauty Bush (D)
Butterfly Bush (D)
Crape Myrtle (D)
Forsythia (D)
Fothergilla (D)
Hydrangea (R)
Kerria (D)
Lilac (D)
Potentilla (D)
Quince (D)
Rose of Sharon (D)
Spirea (D)
Weigela (D)
Viburnum (D)
Witch Hazel (D)
Foliage & Texture Shrubs
Barberry (R, D)
Cotoneaster (D)
Dogwood, Redtwig (D)
Privet (D)
Tips for Protecting Your Shrubs
Even deer and rabbit-resistant shrubs benefit from extra protection, especially when newly planted. Apply animal repellents regularly and reapply after rain to maintain effectiveness. Placing more vulnerable shrubs closer to your home or in higher-traffic areas can also help discourage browsing.
In winter, when food is scarce, deer are more likely to target shrubs, so consistent protection during colder months is especially important.
Suburban Recommends
For the best results, pair deer and rabbit-resistant shrubs with additional protection strategies to create a strong, layered defense.
- Animal repellents for deer and rabbits
- Soil amendments to support strong, healthy growth
- Mulch to retain moisture and reduce plant stress
- Fertilizers to support strong root development
- Landscape planning that reduces easy access for wildlife
Visit Suburban Lawn & Garden
Explore a wide selection of deer and rabbit-resistant plants, shrubs, and trees at our Suburban Lawn & Garden – Martin City, Suburban Lawn & Garden – Lenexa, and Suburban Lawn & Garden – Roe locations. Our Garden Advisors are always available in-store or online to help you choose the right plants and create a landscape that thrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shrubs more likely to be damaged by deer than plants?
Yes, especially in winter when other food sources are limited. Evergreen shrubs and tender new growth are common targets.
Do rabbit resistant shrubs protect against deer too?
Not always. Rabbits and deer have different feeding habits, so it’s important to look for shrubs that are resistant to both when possible.
When should I apply deer and rabbit repellent to shrubs?
Apply repellents when planting and continue regularly, especially during fall and winter when browsing pressure increases.
