She has 30+ years of experience with year-round organic gardening; seed starting and saving; growing heirloom plants, perennials, and annuals; and sustainable and urban farming. Ajuga plants are evergreen or semi-evergreenand are hardy in zones 3-9. FENCING. While you may want to keep your rabbit away so they dont eat up your lovely potted jasmine plant, you can at least know it wont do any harm to your rabbit. Garden Plants That Rabbits Love to Eat Shrubs and Trees Rabbits prefer tender woody plants with thin bark, so new plants and shoots are at the most risk. 2. This rabbit-resistant plant tolerates heat and drought well. Many people believe that hay in rabbit cages are simply for bedding. Growing Conditions: Part to full shade in moist, well-drained soil. 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. A nearly indestructible shade garden plant, hellebores bloom in late winter or early spring and produce black, red, pink, white, cream, or green flowers. Their stiff petals may remind you of daisies, but theyre actually modified leaves called bracts, and not true petals at all. Violet leaves, flowers and stems are safe for rabbits to eat. Lungwortis as attractive as it is rabbit-resistant. Zinnias are some of the most popular annual flowers because they are durable and easy to grow in harsh conditions. A popular plant for shade gardens, rabbit-resistant astilbe sends up feathery plumes of pink, white, and red in early summer. They can be a very yummy treat that rabbits will happily gobble up. Avoid planting in wet soils, and while they are drought tolerant, remember to water them during dry periods of summer. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For the adult moth: Wasp moth 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. Plants Rabbits Will Eat. When watering the plant, make sure that you do so slowly to give the soil adequate time to soak up the moisture. These bunnies may end up eating much more than they should of plants that are not good for them. Lungwort cannot tolerate full sun, and will wilt quickly if planted in full sunlight. This is probably not a plant that I would specifically give to a rabbit because it doesnt have all that much nutritional value, but its okay if your rabbit nibbles on some in your garden or manages to knock down your potted plant and eat part of it. 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. 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. While the list of plants rabbits generally don't eat is fairly large, even these cannot be said to be truly rabbit-proof since under tough conditions where other food sources are slim, rabbits have been known to eat these, too. This low maintenance plant can easily be divided to create more individual plants for the garden. This means that they only eat material that comes from plants: things like grasses, seeds, fruits and vegetables. Few are safe, and it's far better to consider them all dangerous and not to allow your rabbits to eat any of them. For example, I sometimes grow a batch of wheatgrass to give my rabbit a nice treat. Important: These are Affiliate links. How to Keep Rabbits Out of the Garden Without 2023 Warner Bros. Spray the product on your bean plants. There is no guarantee that any of the plants listed will remain free from damage in all conditions. They come in dozens of size categories, bloom colors, and flower types. This clean-cut damage often happens at ground level, as rabbits tend to eat the yummy green shoots of tulips and other plants. 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. Boston bibb lettuce. Although some rabbits may not enjoy eating this bloom, they are still edible and can be eaten if the rabbit is hungry. If any clover pops up in your rabbit run, they are sure to munch it up. Like alfalfa hay, clover is a legume plant. Plant these lovely flowers to discourage deer in your garden: 7, no. 10/15/19. 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? These bulbs bloom in shades of red, orange, yellow, white, and pink and offer a variety of flower shapes. North Dakota State University suggests mixing three fresh jalapeno peppers, ground in a blender, with enough water to make a liquid solution. 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. If in your area the temperature drops below 10C, you should always have it in a pot to be able to enter it inside the house when it starts to cool. Hostas. Nope. Pincushion flowers do well in zones 4-10, and love well-draining soil. Oriental Poppies have bright, huge flowers, and are sure to add some serious wow to your garden. Anecdotally, new hollyhock shoots seem to be particularly susceptible to wild rabbit munchings. This means if you have an oleander plant, it's a target for oleander caterpillars. The two brands that I use when buying food for my rabbit areOxbowandSmall Pet Select. Mix two or three of the vegetables from the list below to give your bunny. Bell flowers, also called campanula are safe for rabbits to eat. Along with excellent rabbit resistance, irises offer gorgeous flowers that come in a rainbow of colors. They're also known to produce nectar that's irresistible to hummingbirds and butterflies, so try creating a beautiful butterfly garden with this plant. Whether you love the strong aroma of marigold or not, rabbits tend to avoid it. You can also experiment with growing other kinds of grass for your rabbit to enjoy. However, rabbits prefer to stay away. Snapdragon varieties range from dwarf types to giants that grow 3 to 4 feet tall, so theres a size for every sunny garden space. (Rabbits are lagomorphs, not rodents.). Shake the bowl well and place it outside in direct sunlight for two days to repel rabbits to eat salvias also. This low-care plant is wonderfully drought resistant, too, so you can plant it and enjoy it without much care. It's very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They are. These do best with full sunlight, but can survive in partial shade. If you have cats, plant the catnip in a place where your cats can rub and roll on it without damaging your other plants. However, they do prefer a consistent level of moisture, so do try to keep the soil damp but not wet. They won't have to worry about scavenging to survive. I put together a guide that goes over all the basics of rabbit care so you have it all in one place. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. These plants look like true jasmine, but they are characterized by yellow flowers and are actually unrelated. Sedum/Stonecrop. Rabbits inflict their most significant damage in fall by chewing on woody plants until they're more vulnerable to cold. These flowers are poisonous to rabbits and can cause significant harm to bunnies if consumed. This rugged rabbit-resistant plant blooms through the summer in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white. Visit the. Marsh marigolds and french marigolds (also called african marigolds) are mildly toxic and should not be given to rabbits. Sign up for our newsletter. They can eat through a whole plant in no time flat. Annual plants complete their entire life cycle within a single growing season. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. While children (and adults) love playing with snapdragon blooms to make the little flowers snap open, rabbits find the plants unpalatable. Rose petals can actually be a very yummy treat for many rabbits. Lemon Balm is a perennial herb that does best in cool weather. 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. This is unfortunate for any flowers that you are trying to grow, but it means your domestic rabbits are not in danger of poisoning themselves by eating these delicious plants. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) blooms in midsummer, bearing tall, 2- to 5-foot spikes of tubular flowers that are speckled inside. The berries of Lantana plants have the highest toxicity. Since rabbits have evolved to be herbivorous, they do not eat anything that comes from animals, such as meat or eggs. Ideally fences should be of 2.5cm (1-1in) wire mesh and 120-140cm (48-54in) in height. The small tough foliage has a distinctly sharp taste that rabbits tend to avoid. Hollyhocks are lovely flowers that are completely safe for rabbits to eat. Zonal geraniums are bushy plants that typically bear soft, rounded leaves marked with a dark band. 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. There is a natural chemical present in this plant that works as a laxative. But it is very common for rodent and rabbit populations to dwindle when a fox or hawk shows up in the neighborhood. They are members of the Sunflower family, and can grow over 3 feet tall. Cacti, yuccas and agaves have developed . A wonderful ground cover for sunny spots, lamb's ear is adorned with soft, fuzzy silvery leaves that rabbits tend to avoid. However, if any pets ingest parts of the plant or the plant's sap, the animal is prone to suffer from mild to severe indigestion problems. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil, Size: 2-6 feet tall, depending on variety. Despite these leaf-eating behaviors, not all plants are completely safe for rabbits to eat. Dipladenia plant care. However, these 19 flowering perennials and bulbs are lower down on the menu, thanks to textures, scents, or other characteristics that bunnies find unpalatable. This plant can also grow as wildflowers, so theres no need to be worried if your rabbit happens to come across them on your lawn. It would be nice if there were plants that are truly rabbit-proof, but as with other animals, rabbits can surprise you. You can give lavender to your rabbit fresh or even dried, allowing your rabbit to forage for the yummy pieces of lavender. Catnip is not a very showy plant, so it can be planted near more showy blooms, like Purple Cone Flowers. Celery: Sure! Garden Lovers Club 2014-2023 All Rights Reserved, 10 Best Plants to Cover a Chain Link Fence. From the cute 6-inch-tall rock garden types to the 6-foot-tall giants, alliums are easy-to-grow bulbs that come in a huge variety of colors. They do not eat eggs, meat, or dairy - or any animal based products. Azaleas are a subspecies of the rhododendron family and are another plant that squirrels love to eat. Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: 1-2 feet tall Zones: 4-8, depending on variety 07 of 19 Daffodil Matthew Benson She is co-founder of On Fiction Writing, a website for writers. The prickly pear cactus, a juicy food for insects, birds and mammals. Visit the USDA website to determine whether its safe to grow in your region. There is an unrelated species called african violets that may be toxic to rabbits. We still want to make sure hay is the largest part of a rabbits diet, and its best to give our bunnies a mix of leafy greens every day. Periwinkle is an evergreen flowering groundcover, making it ideal for deterring rabbits year round. The fencing has to be positioned at least two inches from the bark of the tree, since wrapping . Rabbits do eat dianthus plants. Nasturtiums usually grow in a bush, but they can also grow vine-like along a fence or wire. F. Plants and mushrooms associated with animal poisoning incidents in South Africa. To do this chase the rabbit, first fill a one-liter container, such as a jug of milk, with water. In North America, rabbits are found in woods, meadows, fields, and even gardens. The other parts of a dandelion plant, including the flower and stem are also completely safe for rabbits. Its also very important to pay attention to any fertilizers or pesticides that are used with the plants your rabbit is eating. Hosta plants are a member of the Asparagaceae family and are shade-tolerant foliage plants. Their blooms range from insignificant spikes of tiny pink or white flowers to something slightly more showy, but the foliage remains the star of the show. This includes both the yummy leaves and the clusters of flower blooms, called catkins. One of the hardiest garden plants, daylilies bloom in a rainbow of shades and can take all but the toughest conditions. Sprinkle with five cloves of garlic and dip them in water. A perfect companion for hybrid roses, catmint has gray-green foliage and clusters of blue, violet, pink, or white flowers through the summer. All house plants should be considered toxic. Rhododendrons. One cherry tomato fruit flesh is sufficient to satisfy their sweet tooth. 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. We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Recent plantings and soft growth in the spring can be eaten, even if the plants are not susceptible at other times . The flowers and the foliage both smell like anise, giving the plant its common name. Plants That Rabbits Will Eat The entire list of plants that rabbits will eat, or at least sample, is . Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, are rarely eaten by rabbits and other critters due to their pungent smell. While most safe plants are healthier than sugary treats, they should still be given to rabbits in moderation and variety. She enjoys writing about garden, food, and home topics. Where to Plant. While rabbits tend to bypass sunflower blooms, they are fond of the plants seeds and leaves. Coral bells offer lush foliage in a huge diversity of textures and colors, from black-purple to green, gold, orange, or chartreuse, and they can thrive in nearly any yard. There is no clear evidence that these other violets are actually toxic, but its possible that they are mildly poisonous and should be kept away from rabbits. This includes the flower, stem, leaves and even the roots if your rabbit gets ahold of them. Read our, Controlling and Deterring Rabbits in the Garden, 31 Best-Deer Resistant Flowers and Plants to Grow, 37 Best and Worst Companion Plants for Tomatoes, How to Grow and Care for Black-Eyed Susan Vine, 25 Low-Maintenance Ground Cover Plants for Sun and Shade, 10 Easy-Growing Wildflowers for Your Garden, 12 Types of Wildflowers for Summer Gardens, How to Grow and Care for Black-Eyed Susan, control them from overrunning your garden, How does one identify rabbit damage and what do they eat, F. Plants and mushrooms associated with animal poisoning incidents in South Africa. But did you know that the other parts of willow trees are also perfectly safe for rabbits to munch on. 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. They do well in any type of light, and while they prefer moist soil, they are drought tolerant. The flowers come in yellow, orange, cream, white and shades of pink and purple. However, there are some instances where rabbits will eat garden plants. Fences and repellents help protect susceptible garden plants from these hungry pests. Selecting rabbit resistant plants isnt a sure-fire solution because the critters will eat nearly anything if theyre hungry and food is scarce. Rabbits probably dislike ageratum's fuzzy, fringed blooms and the texture of its foliage. Bougainvillea Grow from www.shopgrow.me Variegated flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums. Corn kernels have hulls that rabbits are unable to digest, which can lead to an intestinal blockage. The Dipladenia Assortment produces beautiful deep red, hot pink or white flowers that are perfect for brightening up your yard and home. An Unwanted Guest in the Garden. That does not necessarily mean that you should avoid planting these in your garden. 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True petals at all cool weather some serious wow to your rabbit to forage for the.. The moisture a huge variety of colors your bunny flowers because they are members of plants... Comes from animals, rabbits are found in woods, meadows, do rabbits eat dipladenia plants and... To be positioned at least two inches from the cute 6-inch-tall rock garden types to the giants... Are truly rabbit-proof, but as with other animals, such as a laxative violets may!, rounded leaves marked with a dark band ground cover for sunny spots, lamb 's is...