Suggestions for rabbit-proof plants for North Carolina

We live in southern North Carolina and are trying to figure out what to plant on this hill. We put in some azaleas a month or so ago, but the bunnies have since ravaged them. We have tried some "bunny-be-gone" and that seems to be helping, but we’re not planning on having to apply a spray regularly and so we’re expected them to get munched to death at some point.

The area gets sun from about 10am to 3-4pm, and the total area (pretty much all of the brown that is shown in the photo) is about 75’x 20′. The vertical rise is about 8′ from the grass to the top of the hill/bank.

We’re hoping to find a combo of plants to cover this hill/bank area, but really don’t have too many ideas on what to plant. We aren’t concerned about carpeting every square inch, just something that covers the majority, has some color, and doesn’t require much regular maintenance. We are truly open to all ideas. Any suggestions?