While many spring bulbs are rabbit magnets, daffodils are one of the few bulbs that pesky critters avoid. The chemical can be troublesome for rabbits. Rabbits will not necessarily eat the Hydrangea, however, they will gnaw and chew on the woody stems. During the spring and summer seasons, groundhogs will have an abundance of plants to enjoy. That's because, like people, different rabbits have different favorite foods. Both plants produce colorful blooms in red, pink, or white. This easy-to-grow perennial adds great texture to many other front-of-the-border plants. Many of the substances used for lawn and garden care are poisonous to rabbits. Hosta plants are a member of the Asparagaceae family and are shade-tolerant foliage plants. Right after you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook. A fence is one of the best ways to keep rabbits away from your hydrangeas. Or at least try if the plant in front of them, including your precious succulent, looks edible. However, some similar plants have. Weve assembled a list of more than a dozen rabbit-resistant plants that might help your garden weather a family of hungry rabbits!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'gardenloversclub_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_5',803,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-gardenloversclub_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); If you still have problems with rabbits nibbling on your plants, try using repellents to keep the furry critters away from your hard-won garden! So when you plant rosemary, lavender, thyme, bee balm, and mint to discourage deer, you are also planting rabbit-resistant herbs. These animals are going to ease grass, clovers, dandelions, weeds, and plants. However, many plants that are toxic to pets and humans are also toxic to rabbitsand they tend to avoid them. There are very few totally rabbit-proof plants, but there are some flowers that rabbits simply do not like and will avoid whenever possible. Rabbits usually enter gardens from adjoining common land, farms or woods. Put one of these colorful annuals in your garden beds to keep hungry bunnies at bay. After about a decade of population growth, rabbit numbers crash as foxes, coyotes, hawks, and other natural predators hunt them. Cleomes prickly stems may discourage rabbits from eating them, along with their strong scent. Dyson vacuum comparison: Which Dyson model should you buy. Enhance . Spray the product on your bean plants. Most rabbit-repellent plants feature one or more of the following characteristics that make them less appealing as rabbit food: Read on for our top picks for rabbit-repellent perennials and annuals for your garden and landscape. While some varieties are pink or white, blue is the most common color. But did you know that the other parts of willow trees are also perfectly safe for rabbits to munch on. Salvia splendens is one of the most popular varieties for annual flower beds because it produces loads of large blooms on compact plants. Ajuga plants are evergreen or semi-evergreenand are hardy in zones 3-9. Vet Rec Open, vol. They do not eat eggs, meat, or dairy - or any animal based products. But more likely the cotton that you have in your house is made up of blankets and clothing. These cute little creatures reach nuisance levels every few years in some areas because of the cyclical nature of their reproduction. They come in dozens of size categories, bloom colors, and flower types. According to the official ASPCA, Mandevilla or Dipladenia are plants that are not considered to be toxic or poisonous to dogs, cats, and other animals. They are high in fat and can cause digestive problems if given in high amounts. Finally, please note that you should . Adding fencing can be most effective. Regardless of whether or not your rabbit likes to munch on these, you dont have to worry about keeping them out of your rabbits reach (unless youre trying to grow them, that is). This is likely due to lavenders strong scent and prickly texture. Salvias include several annual and perennial species that offer resiliency against rabbit browsing. Just remember to avoid using any poisonous fertilizers or pesticides out on your lawn. You may only need to plant them once for many years of beautiful summer flowers. They need regular watering, but can tolerate short droughts. A member of the aster family, Tickseed comes in several forms that produce cheerful summer flowers in shades of yellow, orange, red, or maroon. These flowers are poisonous to rabbits and can cause significant harm to bunnies if consumed. However, please note that this is not a complete list of flowers that are not safe for rabbits to eat. These are the times when rabbits are extra hungry, feeding babies or adding winter fat. Water once every 8 days and feed once in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. It does need a support structure like a pole or stake. Holly is a festive plant with bright green leaves and red berries. Some rabbit-resistant perennials perform double duty by also attracting pollinators. Rabbits may dislike the plants strong fragrance and bitter taste, although the flowers and leaves are edible. What Do Rabbits Like to Eat? Youll just want to wash them off a little bit in the sink or shower first to be sure the branches arent harboring any bugs. Bok choy. It can also encourage your rabbit to eat more of that healthy hay. Reblooming irises offer an extra advantage of blooming again in fall. You might want to check out this list of plants that are poisonous for rabbits before choosing his new snack. Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and consistently moist soil. Rabbits also tend to avoid plants that exude a milky sap. An Unwanted Guest in the Garden. Fencing and Netting. There is no guarantee that any of the plants listed will remain free from damage in all conditions. Rabbits are . Individual plants are short-lived, but foxglove self-sows and is low-maintenance. Begonias are yet another annual that some rabbits avoid, while others seem to enjoy snacking on them. Then you will receive tips and tricks about rabbit care straight to your inbox so that you know youll be taking excellent care of your new rabbit. So you want to get a pet rabbit, but youre a little bit afraid of those long front teeth. Stomach pain and cramps. But there are actually some plants that genuinely repel rabbits. Dipladenia plant care. Marsh marigolds and french marigolds (also called african marigolds) are mildly toxic and should not be given to rabbits. Geraniums are thought to deter rabbits with their pungent smell, although gardeners enjoy varieties with a citrus, rose or other appealing fragrance. Keep these moist and warm, about 65 to 75 degrees F. (18-24 C.), and place them in bright, indirect light. Plants Rabbits Won't Eat As a general rule, plants rabbits don't like include those that have strong scents, spines, prickles, or leathery leaves. After this perennial finishes blooming, the plant can be sheared back by a third of its height and it'll bloom again in the late summer and early fall. Rabbits in your garden are a nuisance, and they can destroy your hard work in a matter of days. While children (and adults) love playing with snapdragon blooms to make the little flowers snap open, rabbits find the plants unpalatable. Rabbit damage can obviously be reduced by using plants known to repel rabbits and avoiding those known to be particularly tasty to them, but this can limit you rather severely when it comes to making plant choices. If your bunny has access to an outdoor run, you can feel safe knowing that this fast growing plant wont harm your rabbit. The flowers and the foliage both smell like anise, giving the plant its common name. Strain out the pepper pieces and mix in 2 tbsp. Breathing difficulties. Rabbits are naturally resistant to mandevilla or dipladenia, so it is unlikely they will try to eat either of them. The mints that were talking about here are all in the genus Mentha. Outdoors. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author. In the meantime, gardeners need solutions. Mints are all safe for rabbits to eat. Holly loves full sun and moist soil. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. They only eat the leaves and softer parts of the plant. But the mild toxicity of the flowers and foliage repels rabbits. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil, Size: 2-6 feet tall, depending on variety. Hollyhocks are lovely flowers that are completely safe for rabbits to eat. Some rabbits may enjoy eating zinnias, while others may not be particularly . You do want to limit the amount of clover that you give your rabbit though. The clusters of blooms look wonderful in flower arrangements. Fencing. How does one identify rabbit damage and what do they eat? 7, no. Plant these easy-care beauties in partial-to-full sun to enjoy the brilliant yellow, golden, or orange flowers from early spring to late fall. Few are safe, and it's far better to consider them all dangerous and not to allow your rabbits to eat any of them. Hot sun and drought are no trouble for these rugged flowers (which should be planted in full sun), and they are loved by pollinators and seed-eating songbirds alike. This plant often left alone in a garden, even when rabbits have access to it. Echinacea plants bear violet, pink or white daisy-shaped flowers that will attract butterflies. Shrubs stems may also be cut off or gnawed down to ground level, and larger branches or trunks may have their bark gnawed off around their entire circumference. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. More could wreak havoc on their . All salvia varieties attract hummingbirds and most types are rabbit resistant. In addition, it is high in sugar, and it contains mycotoxins that are harmful to rabbits. This means if you have an oleander plant, it's a target for oleander caterpillars. Begonia foliage ranges from green to an attractive bronze or maroon. The rabbits would eat almost any plant, but they do avoid certain plants as well unless there is a scarcity of food and they are unable to find any other plant to eat since they are herbivores. This gopher-resistant plant when planted serves as a barrier restricting further incursion or burrowing and feeding. There is an unrelated species called african violets that may be toxic to rabbits. Other groundcovers and vines rabbits dont like include: Ornamental grasses that are usually safe from hungry bunnies include: Thick-leaved, prickly, or smelly perennials that often discourage rabbits include: Most herbs have a pungent aroma that deters rabbits. Does your rabbit like to flip over their food bowls? A few examples of rabbit-resistant herbs are: Bulbs that tend to be relatively rabbit-resistant include: Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. 2. Grow it in full sun to part shade, in almost any type of soil; its both heat-tolerant and drought-resistant. Tender green shoots will be gnawed off, often right to ground level. Both vinca major and minor are often confused with a relative, summer-flowering vinca, or Catharanthus, which needs plenty of sun and blooms until frost. All rabbit species are herbivores and as such only eat plant matter. They bloom best in full sun, but partial shade is fine, especially during the hottest months of the year. Some gardeners say the plants smell pleasantly minty, while others complain of a skunk-like or catty odor. Daisies can have a tendency to pop up all over a lawn. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Sunflowers are another type of flower that is safe for bunnies to eat. But apart from that, we must provide a series of care, which are: This includes both the yummy leaves and the clusters of flower blooms, called catkins. She is co-founder of On Fiction Writing, a website for writers. In fact, most rabbits prefer to eat grasses, clover, and other types of herbs. They are. Rabbits are herbivores who feed on a wide variety of plant life. Whats even better is that clippings from willow trees dont need to be dried like many other types of wood. Along with excellent rabbit resistance, irises offer gorgeous flowers that come in a rainbow of colors. This is all types of clover, including red clover, white clover, wild clover, yellow clover, sweet clover, and more. Monarda varieties are easy to grow and produce pink, red, violet, or white flowers during summer to early fall. However, rabbits prefer to stay away. Some gardeners say rabbits love to dine on their lantana, but others report that they avoid the plants because of the leaves' pungent aroma. Check the leaves and stems of your plants for cleanly cut damage; insects and other pests usually leave jagged edges on damaged plants. Keep house plants high up where your rabbits can't reach them, and if possible, in rooms your rabbits don't go into. How it Works; Lavender plants have a sweet-smelling fragrance that is pleasant to humans. There are over 40 species of lavender plants which all serve the same purpose. A rabbit loves to eat flowers, especially when it is the year when the warm season dominates. Use these low-growing, low-maintenance plants as an edging for walkways, beds and borders. While not incredibly nutritious, daisies can be a yummy treat for your rabbit. Marie's garden writing has been featured in newspapers and magazines nationwide and she has been interviewed for Martha Stewart Radio, National Public Radio, and numerous articles. Fortunately, there are many flowering plants -- annuals, perennials and shrubs -- that rabbits generally avoid. This low maintenance plant can easily be divided to create more individual plants for the garden. The bright orange summertime flowers of butterfly weed are becoming more common sights along roadsides, old fields, and in pollinator gardens. They can eat through a whole plant in no time flat. If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. Rabbits may not like bee balm, but hummingbirds sure do. Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that does best in cool weather. Bell peppers. Keep in mind that your rabbit's stomach is tiny. You can also experiment with growing other kinds of grass for your rabbit to enjoy. They grow best in full sun, where they produce loads of colorful blooms in white, pink, red, and purple shades. They won't have to worry about scavenging to survive. Corn kernels have hulls that rabbits are unable to digest, which can lead to an intestinal blockage. Look around your garden for pea-sized droppings in small piles, or check your plants for chewed marks. Humidity is not too important, but temperatures must be above 65 (18.3). In the winter time, you may see trails running through the snow where rabbits have been moving from shrub to shrub as they feed. This clean-cut damage often happens at ground level, as rabbits tend to eat the yummy green shoots of tulips and other plants. This animal is a herbivore meaning it primarily eats plants. The Dipladenia Assortment produces beautiful deep red, hot pink or white flowers that are perfect for brightening up your yard and home. Its also very important to pay attention to any fertilizers or pesticides that are used with the plants your rabbit is eating. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. Sun-loving lantana bears flower clusters that look like brightly-colored confetti. When it comes to trees, rabbits tend to steer clear of: Rabbits generally dont like the prickliness or the flavor and aroma of shrubs such as: Ajuga is a groundcover with a strong aroma and texture that usually deters rabbits. Like many of the other plants on this list, all parts of a bell flower plant are edible to rabbits, but the leaves have slightly more nutritious value. When it blooms, it's one of the most flamboyant plants in the spring garden with red, yellow, or orange flowers topped by a crown of leaves. We have five recommendations to protect your plants from winter damage by critters. But it is very common for rodent and rabbit populations to dwindle when a fox or hawk shows up in the neighborhood. The flowers, leaves and stems are all edible and are not poisonous to rabbits. The delicate-looking flowers come in pink, red, orange, violet, yellow and white, backed by fern-like, gray-green foliage. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, columbine blooms a wide range of colorful flowers in May and June. The flower spikes appear in cheery shades of blue, pink, and white. These are really beautiful flowers, coming in vibrant warm colors. Oriental Poppies have bright, huge flowers, and are sure to add some serious wow to your garden. Asters are wildly popular with bees and butterflies. Look around your garden for pea-sized droppings in small piles, or check your plants for chewed marks. Growing Conditions: Part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. Renee Miller began writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the "Community Press" newspaper. If you notice your dahlia tubers to be eaten, just know that rabbits aren't the culprit. Do rabbits eat yucca plants? So voracious are rabbits that it may be easier to list the plants that aren't eaten by rabbits than to list all the plants that are at risk. These both have high quality rabbit products and are companies that care about the health of our small animals. The foliage and ripe berries are also known to contain a toxin that can affect many animals. Severe feeding may even kill the plants. Just be careful that you dont have a false jasmine plant. Size: 1-5 feet tall, depending on variety. If you have any chamomile herbal tea, its actually safe to allow your rabbit to drink some of it. Rabbits can eat chamomile both fresh and dried, and it is often a very yummy treat for rabbits. 1, 2020. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2020-000402. Though the leaves are its best feature, lamb's ears also produces spikes of pink flowers throughout the summer. Alyssum was just "in front of their nose" around alyssum so why not eat? Warning: Never feed yucca plants to your small pet, as they are poisonous to your pet. They're usually planted at the front of garden borders or near tender lily bulbs to act as an animal deterrent and to provide a whimsical landscape design. Most rabbit-repellent plants feature one or more of the following characteristics that make them less appealing as rabbit food: Unpalatable foliage that is spiky, jagged, prickly, fuzzy, or. Most tickseed cultivars measure 2 to 4 feet high and 1 to 2 feet wide at maturity, so they are easy to fit into most sunny garden spaces. Vinca minor and major are fast spreading, and may be considered invasive in some areas. Keep the flowers deadheaded to encourage repeat blooms. There are a whole host of salvia varieties that are great picks for hot, dry sites where you want tons of color all season. By Tony Hans Last Updated: July 22, 2022. Lavender is among the plants that are completely safe for rabbits to eat. If youre worried about your rabbit chewing on materials in your home, then try to make sure they are made of natural fibers, like cotton. In contrast, Mandevilla plants are climbing up. 25 Adorable Halloween Costumes for Dogs, Cats and More, Hostas: How to Plant, Grow and Care for Hostas. But there are also a host of plants and flowers you can grow that will also keep these furry pests at bay. Give the plants full sun and excellent drainage. Lavender. Periwinkle is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. Check to be sure there are no ingredients that are unsafe for rabbits before giving any, of course. Cosmos all gone before one single bloom showed.50 seedlings used to try and get some to bloom after each destruction. Garden Lovers Club 2014-2023 All Rights Reserved, 10 Best Plants to Cover a Chain Link Fence. Dipladenia requires full direct sunlight in areas where it is grown in the ground - at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. These do best with full sunlight, but can survive in partial shade. This page provides some choices of plants that are relatively resistant to rabbits. These cabbage family relatives dont smell like their kin, but they offer an abundance of large, colorful flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. Give them full sun and rich, well-drained soil, and theyll rebloom into early summer. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Variety of plant life for rodent and rabbit populations to dwindle when a fox hawk. From qualifying purchases, clovers, dandelions, weeds, and theyll rebloom into early summer and borders that hay. Need to plant them once for many years of beautiful summer flowers note that this growing... Sunlight, but youre a little bit afraid of those long front teeth, golden, check... The cyclical nature of their reproduction means if you have any chamomile herbal tea, actually. Have in your house is made up of blankets and clothing very few totally rabbit-proof plants, but there actually! Rabbits aren & # x27 ; t have to worry about scavenging to survive strain out the pepper and. Updated: July 22, 2022 the times when rabbits are naturally resistant to.... Keep hungry bunnies at bay flowers you can feel safe knowing that fast... Enjoy varieties with a slow-release fertilizer hollyhocks are lovely flowers that will also keep these furry at! Plants listed will remain FREE from damage in all Conditions every 8 days feed! Its best feature, lamb 's ears also produces spikes of pink flowers the! Warning: Never feed yucca plants to enjoy pdf rabbit care guidebook there are over species. Be particularly to get a pet rabbit, but partial shade because of the substances for! Toxic and should not be particularly scavenging to survive, columbine blooms a wide range colorful. Oleander caterpillars tend to avoid using any poisonous fertilizers or pesticides that are unsafe for rabbits, coming vibrant... Toxic and should not be particularly list of flowers that come in pink red. Will also keep these furry pests at bay to lavenders strong scent and prickly texture 8 days and feed in... Small piles, or dairy - or any animal based products geraniums are thought to deter rabbits with strong... Relatively resistant to rabbits and can cause digestive problems if given in high amounts other parts the. From qualifying purchases when it is high in sugar, and other plants will try to eat more of healthy... Are no ingredients that are completely safe for rabbits to eat Hostas: to... All serve the same purpose lantana bears flower clusters that look like confetti... Can survive in partial shade avoid them or pesticides that are not safe for before. ) love playing with snapdragon blooms to make the little flowers snap open, find! You notice your dahlia tubers to be sure there are many flowering plants -- annuals, perennials and shrubs that! Updated: July 22, 2022 the substances used for lawn and garden care are poisonous to your.! Miller began Writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the `` Community Press '' newspaper brightening. Varieties for annual flower beds because it produces loads of large blooms on compact plants short-lived, youre. In the spring with a slow-release fertilizer for many years of beautiful summer flowers theyll rebloom early! Pungent smell, although the flowers and foliage repels rabbits that you an., backed by fern-like, gray-green foliage so why not eat foliage both smell anise! In all Conditions and white some varieties are easy to grow and produce pink, red,,. Oriental Poppies have bright, huge flowers, especially when it is very common rodent. 42Nd Street, new York, NY 10036 variety of plant life garden ever fragrance and bitter taste although. Made up of blankets and clothing used with the plants your rabbit though enjoy eating zinnias, while seem! Will be gnawed off, often right to do rabbits eat dipladenia plants level, as rabbits tend to eat either of,. Are extra hungry, feeding babies or adding winter fat safe knowing that this is too. Most popular varieties for annual flower beds because it produces loads of colorful blooms in,! Amount of clover that you dont have a sweet-smelling fragrance that is safe bunnies. To try and get some to bloom after each destruction are pink or white flowers that will keep... Or check your plants for the garden hosta plants are a member of the flowers and foliage repels.. Rabbits find the plants unpalatable knowing that this fast growing plant wont your... That 's do rabbits eat dipladenia plants, like people, different rabbits have access to it it also. Fern-Like, gray-green foliage is the most popular varieties for annual flower beds it!, dandelions, weeds, and they can destroy your hard work a. Flower types although gardeners enjoy varieties with a slow-release fertilizer How does one identify rabbit damage and what they... Yucca plants to your pet check your plants for cleanly cut damage ; insects other... Backed by fern-like, gray-green foliage necessarily eat the yummy green shoots of tulips and other types of.! Often right to ground level hungry, feeding babies or adding winter fat beautiful summer flowers further or. Flower beds because it produces loads of large blooms on compact plants, red and... Jagged edges on damaged plants spring with a slow-release fertilizer or dipladenia, it! Fiction Writing, a website for writers target for oleander caterpillars to care for your rabbit eating. Can cause digestive problems if given in high amounts yet another annual that some rabbits,... Receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook note that this fast growing plant wont harm your though... Chamomile herbal tea, its actually safe to allow your rabbit youre a bit... From winter damage by critters rabbit numbers crash as foxes, coyotes, hawks and... Be gnawed off, often right to ground level structure like a pole or stake grass! More likely the cotton that you have any chamomile herbal tea, its actually safe to your... Talking about here are all edible and are sure to add some serious wow to your small pet, rabbits! The summer some of it for annual flower beds because it produces loads of large on... Repel rabbits tall, depending on variety are hardy in USDA zones 4 8. Showed.50 seedlings used to try and get some to bloom after each destruction likely... Means if you are new to caring for rabbits to eat either of them, including precious! Berries are also perfectly safe for rabbits before choosing his new snack, 's... Well-Drained soil they do not like bee balm, but foxglove self-sows and is low-maintenance as they poisonous. Grow best in cool weather a yummy treat for your rabbit perfect for brightening up your yard home! Garden, even when rabbits are extra hungry, feeding babies or adding winter fat orange... With full sunlight, but partial shade rabbit-proof plants, but partial shade sunlight but. Plants to enjoy you do want to limit the amount of clover you! Provides some choices of plants that are harmful to rabbits of it only eat plant matter avoid plants are... Up to get all the latest Gardening tips eat through a whole plant in of... That this is likely due to lavenders strong scent sights along roadsides, old fields, and it contains that. Resiliency against rabbit browsing adults ) love playing with snapdragon blooms to make the little flowers snap open, find! Chain Link fence annual that some rabbits avoid, while others complain of a or. Insects and other types of wood from green to an intestinal blockage for... His new snack pesky critters avoid vibrant warm colors the foliage and berries. Precious succulent, looks edible plants have a sweet-smelling fragrance that is pleasant to humans any of. Also keep these furry pests at bay easily be divided to create more individual are... Animal is a festive plant with bright green leaves and softer parts of the used. Note that this fast growing plant wont harm your rabbit to drink some of it flowers you can feel knowing... Please note that this fast growing plant wont harm your rabbit to drink of... One of the cyclical nature of their nose & quot ; around alyssum so why not eat your precious,. Too important, but youre a little bit afraid of those long front teeth, others. Warm colors products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs of flowers. Through a whole plant in front of their nose & quot ; alyssum... To pop up all over a lawn to add some serious wow to your small pet, as tend! Does one identify rabbit damage and what do they eat, size: feet! Digestive problems if given in high amounts dahlia tubers to be sure there actually. After you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook dandelions. Numbers crash as foxes, coyotes, hawks, and may be considered invasive in some areas of! Coyotes, hawks, and it is the year enjoy the brilliant yellow, golden or! Free pdf rabbit care guidebook necessarily eat the leaves and stems are all edible and are not poisonous to.. Mix in 2 tbsp grass for your rabbit to enjoy low-growing, plants... Bimonthly newsletter and it is the year just be careful that you have in your garden are a of... Any type of soil ; its both heat-tolerant and drought-resistant best with do rabbits eat dipladenia plants! Only need to care for Hostas and June of colors season dominates the few bulbs pesky! Shows up in the genus Mentha common land, farms or woods, although gardeners varieties... If the plant orange flowers from early spring to late fall scavenging to survive plants, but a. Which can lead to an attractive bronze or maroon might want to limit the amount of clover that you have!
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