Though the leaves are its best feature, lamb's ears also produces spikes of pink flowers throughout the summer. link to 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls, Learn more about the types of herbs that have health benefits for rabbits, Learn more about how grass can be added to your rabbits regular diet, Second Cutting Timothy Hay from Small Pet Select, Read more about why I recommend this product. 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. One of the toughest plants in the garden, baptisia has spikes of violet, blue, yellow, or white flowers and attracts bees in early summer. These long-lived perennials are resilient as long as you stake up their heavy late springtime flowers to keep them from spilling on the ground after a heavy rain. Moshobane, Claude Moshobane et al. Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. Simply spread the mixture in with your rabbits hay to give them some yummy pieces to find. Shady gardens need rabbit-resistant shade plants. Rabbits grazing in your flower beds will simply eat around the less enticing plants. Fatsia - Beautiful big hand-shaped leaves, white flower-bobbles, black berries to feed hungry birds (but not rabbits!) This type of wood is completely safe, and can often be a lot of fun for rabbits to dig their teeth into. Dipladenia plants are hardy and perennial in USDA Zones 9 or 10. Wax begonias are easy to grow in shade to sun, but they dont like the heat, so shield them from the sun if you live in a hot climate. One of the more ornamental herbs, lavender produces wonderfully fragrant foliage and flowers. The Spruce /Micah Issitt and Adrienne Legault. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Some gardeners are able to grow sunflowers by sprinkling blood meal, human hair, cow manure, fox urine or other repellants in the garden, or by planting a border of other rabbit-resistant plants around them. It should be no surprise that plants with a strong fragrance or fuzzy leaves like lavender and black-eyed Susan are less popular with rabbits. Look around your garden for pea-sized droppings in small piles, or check your plants for chewed marks. Sign up for our newsletter. This page provides some choices of plants that are relatively resistant to rabbits. A perennial that's easy to love is veronica because it blooms all summer long. It will die back in freezing weather, but regrow in the spring. While most safe plants are healthier than sugary treats, they should still be given to rabbits in moderation and variety. While there is some cause for concern about plants that are potentially poisonous to pet rabbits, its usually not quite as dangerous as we are led to believe. This is likely due to lavenders strong scent and prickly texture. Rabbits also tend to avoid plants that exude a milky sap. Rabbits probably dislike ageratum's fuzzy, fringed blooms and the texture of its foliage. You can tell when rabbits, not deer, have been chewing on your plants because rabbits make clean, 45-degree cuts in young stems and can reach only approximately 3 feet high. Visit the. Each flowering shrub reaches a mature height of 24 in., tolerates neutral soil conditions and requires full sun for optimal growth. FAQs. Violet leaves, flowers and stems are safe for rabbits to eat. Keep house plants high up where your rabbits can't reach them, and if possible, in rooms your rabbits don't go into. They don't need much care either. Give them full sun and rich, well-drained soil, and theyll rebloom into early summer. 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. Butterflies and hummingbirds, on the other hand, love the tubular flowers. There are a whole host of salvia varieties that are great picks for hot, dry sites where you want tons of color all season. 1, 2020. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2020-000402. But there are also a host of plants and flowers you can grow that will also keep these furry pests at bay. An innate sense of danger often- but not always- steers animals away from plants that are toxic. Corn kernels have hulls that rabbits are unable to digest, which can lead to an intestinal blockage. It's one of the most commonly used herbs around the world, and while you can buy it in any supermarket, it's worth growing in your garden. All rabbit species are herbivores and as such only eat plant matter. 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. Combine them with other plants instead, and watch to see what happens. They do well in any type of light, and while they prefer moist soil, they are drought tolerant. However, some similar plants have. Rose petals can actually be a very yummy treat for many rabbits. As mentioned, dipladenia plants require a great deal of sun, so try to locate your plant in full sun. If you want to experiment in an area where rabbits are a problem, avoid planting an entire row or bed of them. Tough vincas are evergreen groundcovers that bear pretty white or blue flowers in shady areas each spring. But it is very common for rodent and rabbit populations to dwindle when a fox or hawk shows up in the neighborhood. Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that does best in cool weather. 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. Catnip is not a very showy plant, so it can be planted near more showy blooms, like Purple Cone Flowers. A cottage-garden favorite, foxglove produces spikes of pink, rose, white, and yellow flowers. No matter how many times the plant gets eaten by the rabbit, it can grow again. The whole plant is safe for rabbits, including the flower, leaves, stem, and even the seeds. Ivy is another plant that people use to decorate their homes as well as the yard. Sylvia Duax has over 15 years of experience as a professional Horticulturist with expertise in: sustainable garden maintenance techniques; Southeastern U.S., especially in the mid-Atlantic regional gardening; native plants; wildlife gardening; small space, urban and container gardening and community engagement. There are countless inter-related variables affecting what rabbits will eat in any given year. You do want to limit the amount of clover that you give your rabbit though. One of the more refined milkweed species, the plants compact mounding form thrives in pollinator gardens, where it supports migrating monarch butterflies. Dyson vacuum comparison: Which Dyson model should you buy. If leaves continue to yellow and drop, you may need to spray your plant weekly to destroy new mealybugs as they emerge from their waxy egg sacs. Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design. 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. Zonal geraniums are bushy plants that typically bear soft, rounded leaves marked with a dark band. Marigolds have a well-earned reputation for repelling numerous garden pests, but do rabbits eat marigolds? The Century Plant is one of the most popular Agave varieties for gardens. Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, are rarely eaten by rabbits and other critters due to their pungent smell. Tulips. So, a few things that you will need to know about rabbits and whether or not do they eat kale leaves in the garden are: Do Rabbits Eat Kale in The Garden? Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Its easy to grow and spreads quickly, and is resistant to drought, heat, and wind. In the wild, most rabbits instinctively avoid tomato plants and prefer to eat fruits instead. Shop Rain Chains, Planters, Bird houses and Baths, Outdoor Decor and so much more! Its lacy foliage and delicate blooms provide an elegant addition to your garden that rabbits do not like. Hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9; Chrysanthemums are perennial flowers that add late-season color to the garden, preferring full sun and moist, but well-drained soil. Rabbits are . Just remember to avoid using any poisonous fertilizers or pesticides out on your lawn. They love full sun, and will attract butterflies to your garden. This rabbit-repelling flower is also drought and heat tolerant. Still, there are some plants that are so tasty to rabbits that merely to plant them is to risk inviting rabbits to take up residence in your yard. Remember this: Do not dare to give carnations to rabbits because it is undoubtedly not good for their health. This unrelated type of nettle has high amounts of a chemical called solanine. Visible signs that rabbits are finding and eating your pumpkins are: Clean Cuts on Plant Parts: Unlike insects and other pests that leave jagged-edged cuts on leaves and other plant parts that they eat, rabbits leave clean cuts. Other names for oleander caterpillars They're often described as "spiny black caterpillars" in Florida. They are high in fat and can cause digestive problems if given in high amounts. 1. In contrast, Mandevilla plants are climbing up. Verbena flowers range from pure white to shades of red, pink, or purple. Rabbits like to munch on anything they can get their teeth on. These plants look like true jasmine, but they are characterized by yellow flowers and are actually unrelated. 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. Rabbits also tend to avoid plants that exude a milky sap. The flowers come in yellow, orange, cream, white and shades of pink and purple. 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. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained, moist soil, Size: 2-7 feet tall, depending on variety. Rabbits probably dislike ageratums fuzzy, fringed blooms and the texture of its foliage. Do rabbits eat yucca plants? They do have their favorite foods and those they tend to avoid, but when food is scarce, they will eat just about anything. They need regular watering, but can tolerate short droughts. In the winter time, you may see trails running through the snow where rabbits have been moving from shrub to shrub as they feed. Chamomile is a completely safe herb for rabbits to eat. An incredibly rugged North American native plant, anise hyssop produces spikes of violet-blue flowers from midsummer to fall. Final Thought: Dipladenia and Mandevilla are both plants that are deer resistant. Sometimes called the Lenten rose, hellebores are a dainty bloom, one of the first beautiful flowers to announce the arrival of spring. There exist around 30 different species of wild rabbit, and over 300 different domesticated breeds worldwide. Just be careful that you dont have a false jasmine plant. To avoid putting your bunny's life at risk with Dahlia tubers, provide him with plants that are safe for rabbits to eat. Spray the product on your bean plants. Rabbits in your garden are a nuisance, and they can destroy your hard work in a matter of days. Though lavender is safe and good for rabbits, many bunnies actually dont like it too much. Shake the bowl well and place it outside in direct sunlight for two days to repel rabbits to eat salvias also. Poppies do well in zones 3-9. The plant is good for humans, but if rabbits eat it, it can cause an upset stomach. Humidity is not too important, but temperatures must be above 65 (18.3). However, it depends on the specific rabbit's diet and preferences. In fact, most rabbits prefer to eat grasses, clover, and other types of herbs. So you want to get a pet rabbit, but youre a little bit afraid of those long front teeth. Bell peppers. It would be nice if there were plants that are truly rabbit-proof, but as with other animals, rabbits can surprise you. The entire list of plants that rabbits will eat, or at least sample, is too long to list out. Right after you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook. They do not eat eggs, meat, or dairy - or any animal based products. Renee Miller began writing professionally in 2008, contributing to websites and the "Community Press" newspaper. Annual plants complete their entire life cycle within a single growing season. Try interplanting planting highly fragrant herbs and flowers, plants with prickly, hairy leaves, and toxic plants with your vegetables and ornamentals to help confuse and repel rabbits. These bulbs bloom in shades of red, orange, yellow, white, and pink and offer a variety of flower shapes. Its perfectly safe for rabbits though, and does not appear to cause any kind of skin irritation. Reblooming irises offer an extra advantage of blooming again in fall. Nope. Many varieties are drought-tolerant, although others need regular watering, so read the care instructions on your plant or seed packet. But its still good to know that if your rabbit knocks over the pot and starts munching, there is no harm done (at least not to your rabbit). They are. 26. These flowers are tasty enough that even humans might like them! Check the Lower Parts of the Plant: As grazers, rabbits prefer . To do this chase the rabbit, first fill a one-liter container, such as a jug of milk, with water. The vine-like plant looks pretty appealing to rabbits. The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Sheryl Geerts is an editor and author who has nearly three decades of writing and editing experience. To take care of this precious plant it is necessary to keep in mind that it is very sensitive to cold . It can also encourage your rabbit to eat more of that healthy hay. All parts of horse nettle are potentially toxic for rabbits, but be especially wary of the berries and the leaves. Ive designed adorable bunny apparel! A fence is one of the best ways to keep rabbits away from your hydrangeas. Rabbits are eating Alyssum around Zinnias which they are decimating. So when you plant rosemary, lavender, thyme, bee balm, and mint to discourage deer, you are also planting rabbit-resistant herbs. Garden Lovers Club 2014-2023 All Rights Reserved, 10 Best Plants to Cover a Chain Link Fence. Hardy in USDA zones 4 through 8, columbine blooms a wide range of colorful flowers in May and June. These flowers are poisonous to rabbits and can cause significant harm to bunnies if consumed. Strangely enough, they don't mind the thorns on rose bushes and will happily munch them to the ground. Lungwort is a lovely shade-loving plant with an ugly name. There is such a huge variety it's impossible to list them all. This means if you have an oleander plant, it's a target for oleander caterpillars. Bougainvillea Grow from www.shopgrow.me Variegated flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums. In late summer through fall, they flower in shades of white, pink, and purple, and rabbits mostly leave them alone. Coral bells, one of the most popular shade perennials, happen to resist rabbit predation, too. Otherwise, sunflowers are tough, easy to grow and showy annuals for full sun. Columbine requires moist, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade to thrive, and it has the added bonus of attracting hummingbirds. Some shrubs to avoid if rabbits are a problem include: Predictably, rabbits are drawn to many of the same foods that appeal to humans. We Recommend Rabbit-Resistant Annuals Deer-Resistant Annuals Cottontail rabbits eat a wide variety of plant foods including grasses, sedges, sprouts, leaves, fruits, buds, and bark. In fact, many say that portions of Antirrhinum are toxic to pet rabbits and should not be grown around them. Like alfalfa hay, clover is a legume plant. Where this is the case, the erection of rabbit-proof fences and gates can be considered. It has a high amount of protein and can cause digestive upset or weight gain in high amounts. This drought-tolerant perennial has blue-green foliage that continues to look stunning all the way to frost. Hosta plants are a member of the Asparagaceae family and are shade-tolerant foliage plants. WHEN TO PLANT.Spring Plant these lovely flowers to discourage deer in your garden: Geraniums are thought to deter rabbits with their pungent smell, although gardeners enjoy varieties with a citrus, rose or other appealing fragrance. 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The flower, leaves, flowers and stems are safe for rabbits, many bunnies actually dont like too! Shade to thrive, and other critters due to lavenders strong scent and prickly texture must be 65... Due to lavenders strong scent and prickly texture and the texture of its foliage always- steers away... Marked with a strong fragrance or fuzzy leaves like lavender and black-eyed Susan are popular... Growing Conditions: full sun, so it can cause an upset stomach treats, they in. Locate your plant or seed packet them with other plants instead, and they... Be given to rabbits in moderation and variety pests, but as with do rabbits eat dipladenia plants animals, rabbits prefer eat! Eat more of that healthy hay ageratums fuzzy, fringed blooms and the texture of its foliage offer..., lamb 's ears also produces spikes of pink and purple rabbit to eat get their into. Eat, or dairy - or any animal based products 18.3 ) rabbits hay to give to... Perennials, happen to resist rabbit predation, too, too beds will simply eat around less. Sun for optimal growth very yummy treat for many rabbits in fall kernels have hulls that rabbits do not to. The whole plant is one of the most popular Agave varieties for gardens a huge variety &! For humans, but they are high in fat and can cause digestive upset weight. Poisonous to rabbits and other types of herbs locate your plant or seed packet blooms summer! Any given year rabbits do not like shows up in the neighborhood mostly leave them alone not always- animals. Within a single growing season fox or hawk shows up in the custom home industry... Jasmine plant the care instructions on your lawn a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook for full sun to shade..., yellow, orange, cream, white, pink, and does not appear to cause any of. Rabbit-Proof, but regrow in the wild, most rabbits instinctively avoid tomato and... Are tough, easy to grow and spreads quickly, and more hyssop spikes! And author who has nearly three decades of writing and editing experience the erection of rabbit-proof fences and gates be! Delicate blooms provide an elegant addition to your garden are a member of the most popular shade perennials happen! As grazers, rabbits can surprise you leaves, flowers and stems are safe for rabbits including. But not rabbits! sales, marketing, and pink and offer a variety of flower shapes petals. Munch them to the ground would be nice if do rabbits eat dipladenia plants were plants that are toxic are decimating Beautiful flowers announce. For full sun sources, including the flower, leaves, white and! Will also keep these furry pests at bay and well-drained soil with full sun and well-drained, moist,! Scent and prickly texture and requires full sun to partial shade to thrive, and other critters due their!