Yes, rabbits eat petunias, including tender shoots and flowers. A newly planted bed can lose much of its growth in a short time. Petunias are not a dependable rabbit-resistant choice: Iowa State Extension lists them among annuals that rabbits can damage moderately to severely.
Check the damage before choosing a remedy
Look for clipped stems close to the ground, missing shoots, droppings and tracks. Rabbit cuts tend to look clean; deer often leave more torn or ragged ends. A clean cut alone is not conclusive, and several animals may visit the same bed. Photograph the damage and inspect nearby plants rather than assuming that anything eaten overnight was a rabbit.
Holes within leaves can have other causes. Slugs, insects and chewing animals require different responses. If the petunia is wilting with its leaves still present, investigate watering, roots and stem health before buying an animal repellent. A short period of observation can prevent treating the wrong problem.
Protect a bed with a supported barrier
Iowa State’s garden protection guide recommends fencing as the most effective approach. For garden beds, it describes two-foot fencing with openings one inch or smaller, secured at ground level so rabbits cannot slip underneath. Inspect gates, corners and uneven soil, where a good fence can leave a small but usable opening.
Position the barrier outside the petunias’ expected spread. Leaves resting against the mesh may remain reachable. Support the wire on stakes instead of laying it across delicate plants, and keep cut wire ends away from people and pets. Leave enough room to water, deadhead and reach the middle of the bed.
Individual cages can protect a few new transplants. For containers, consider a stable raised position that is genuinely inaccessible from nearby steps or furniture. Simply putting a pot on a low stand does not establish protection. Check drainage and watering access after moving it.
Use repellents as a limited supporting measure
Repellent performance varies with weather, feeding pressure and new growth. Choose a product labeled for rabbits and the planting site, and follow its instructions on application and reapplication. Do not assume an ornamental-plant product is also suitable for nearby vegetables or herbs.
A ring of marigolds, a scented herb or a noise device is not a reliable substitute for exclusion. In particular, marigolds themselves appear on Iowa State’s susceptible-plant list. Avoid repeatedly spraying petunias with improvised pepper, detergent or essential-oil mixtures that may damage flowers and foliage.
Help damaged petunias recover
First stop the browsing; otherwise new growth may disappear as soon as it develops. Remove broken or dead pieces cleanly, maintain appropriate watering and watch for surviving buds. Recovery depends on how much healthy stem and root growth remains, the season and the plant’s condition. A plant stripped to the base may need replacing.
Do not compensate with heavy fertilizer or constantly wet soil. Check progress over time and replace badly damaged plants only after protection is in place. If rabbits also browse your shade border, see the separate guide to rabbits and impatiens. This is garden-protection advice, not a feeding recommendation for pet rabbits.
