But rabbits have two pairs of both upper and lower incisors, while rodents have only one set. 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. 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 These plants are generally considered to be rabbit resistant. Also like people, when rabbits are hungry enough, they'll eat just about anything. If your bunny has access to an outdoor run, you can feel safe knowing that this fast growing plant wont harm your rabbit. 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. Rabbits graze a wide range of plants and can kill young trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Many gardeners bring their plants inside to overwinter, where theyll continue to produce flowers if they get enough sun. Keep these moist and warm, about 65 to 75 degrees F. (18-24 C.), and place them in bright, indirect light. It will die back in freezing weather, but regrow in the spring. They can eat through a whole plant in no time flat. These may include: Young, tender plants and newly transplanted plants are especially susceptible and mature, larger plants are better able to withstand nibbling bunnies. 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. Chamomile is a completely safe herb for rabbits to eat. The begonias are also toxic and cause different health problems to them. 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. If your rabbit only eats a small amount of those plants, they likely wont suffer from significant negative side effects. Hydrangeas. 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. So when you plant rosemary, lavender, thyme, bee balm, and mint to discourage deer, you are also planting rabbit-resistant herbs. By Mark Wolfe Updated Mar 4, 2022 11:31 PM. 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. Rabbits will not even dig up carrots, though they will eat them if another creature has already uprooted them. Recent plantings and soft growth in the spring can be eaten, even if the plants are not susceptible at other times . North Dakota State University suggests mixing three fresh jalapeno peppers, ground in a blender, with enough water to make a liquid solution. There is another species of plants called perilla mint (also called beefsteak mint or Japanese basil) that is toxic for rabbits. While many spring bulbs are rabbit magnets, daffodils are one of the few bulbs that pesky critters avoid. Shady gardens need rabbit-resistant shade plants. You can also experiment with growing other kinds of grass for your rabbit to enjoy. Zinnias are some of the most popular annual flowers because they are durable and easy to grow in harsh conditions. These plants emerge as spreading colonies of narrow arching stems flanked by alternating rows of either medium-green or green-and-white variegated leaves. Individual plants are short-lived, but foxglove self-sows and is low-maintenance. Many people believe that hay in rabbit cages are simply for bedding. Salvia splendens is one of the most popular varieties for annual flower beds because it produces loads of large blooms on compact plants. They can also take up space in an outdoor garden. from Small Pet Select! This low-care plant is wonderfully drought resistant, too, so you can plant it and enjoy it without much care. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Tough vincas are evergreen groundcovers that bear pretty white or blue flowers in shady areas each spring. 7, no. While there are some exceptions, most plants that are toxic for rabbits are only mildly poisonous. But if you still want to include these plants, there are also a few other tricks for making rabbits disappear from your garden. Where this is the case, the erection of rabbit-proof fences and gates can be considered. Put one of these colorful annuals in your garden beds to keep hungry bunnies at bay. In late spring, small white flowers dangle from the leaf axils. This is completely normal behavior for rabbits. The berries of Lantana plants have the highest toxicity. 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. 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. Grow geraniums in full sun and keep the faded flowers removed to encourage reblooming. But more likely the cotton that you have in your house is made up of blankets and clothing. Its also very important to pay attention to any fertilizers or pesticides that are used with the plants your rabbit is eating. Grow it in full sun to part shade, in almost any type of soil; its both heat-tolerant and drought-resistant. But apart from that, we must provide a series of care, which are: It is rare for a small wild predator to attack a domestic pet, and virtually unheard of for any human to ever be threatened by one. Catmint Companion Plants: Tips On Planting Next To Catmint Herbs, Spicing It Up With Exotic Culinary Herbs: Exotic Herbs To Grow In Your Garden, Growing Oriental Poppies: Tips On How To Grow Oriental Poppy, How To Create A Secret Garden In Your Own Backyard, Reasons For No Brussels Sprouts On Plants, Boston Ivy On Walls: Will Boston Ivy Vines Damage Walls, Canopy Thinning: Tips For Thinning Canopies In Trees, Willowherb Information: Tips For The Control Of Willowherb, Holiday Cactus Varieties: What Are The Different Types Of Holiday Cactus, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Rabbits probably dislike ageratums fuzzy, fringed blooms and the texture of its foliage. They thrive in cool weather, but succumb to heat and humidity. Rabbits also tend to avoid plants that exude a milky sap. Some gardeners say the plants smell pleasantly minty, while others complain of a skunk-like or catty odor. In fact, many say that portions of Antirrhinum are toxic to pet rabbits and should not be grown around them. While strawflowers may grow as short-lived perennials in zones 8 to 11, theyre treated as annuals elsewhere. Butterflies and hummingbirds, on the other hand, love the tubular flowers. The clusters of blooms look wonderful in flower arrangements. 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. As a general rule, plants rabbits dont like include those that have strong scents, spines, prickles, or leathery leaves. 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. Q: Do rabbits eat . After about a decade of population growth, rabbit numbers crash as foxes, coyotes, hawks, and other natural predators hunt them. Poppies do well in zones 3-9. They come in both annual and perennial varieties. Poppies. The two brands that I use when buying food for my rabbit areOxbowandSmall Pet Select. Whether you allow your rabbit to eat some or not, you can rest easy knowing that these plants wont harm your rabbit. 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls. Hostas. This is a plant that is usually only found as an indoor potted plant and has fuzzy leaves. Theyre easy to grow perennials, and love full sun and well-draining soil. If that happens to be a poisonous plant, they may end up eating a lot before you even notice. 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. The small tough foliage has a distinctly sharp taste that rabbits tend to avoid. If a rabbit were to eat anything animal-based it would get a very upset stomach - or worse! It's not a plant that's considered edible, but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals doesn't list it as a toxic plant for your pet. The answer is most certainly not. Also known as pot or English marigolds, calendulas are related to French and African marigolds. They will gnaw on the woody stems during the wintertime. Well-draining, loamy, or sandy soil is best and should be kept moist. 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). Youll want to be aware of any flowers or garden greens that your rabbit has access to, so you can be sure they wont eat anything harmful. Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and consistently moist soil. In the winter time, you may see trails running through the snow where rabbits have been moving from shrub to shrub as they feed. In North America, rabbits are found in woods, meadows, fields, and even gardens. The plants that rabbits prefer to eat are grasses, roses, clovers, daisies, dandelions, kale, spinach, broccoli, beans, and lettuce. Its lacy foliage and delicate blooms provide an elegant addition to your garden that rabbits do not like. 26. Crown imperial is one of the most popular species. A high temperature (fever) Diarrhoea. They are also called Torch Lilies, and are native to South Africa. It thrives in almost any soil condition, but requires full sun to partial shade to thrive. Butterflies, bees, and a variety of insects are attracted to these showy flowers, which bloom from June to October. They love moist soil and prefer full sun. Spider flowers grow tall and fast in sunny gardens. The flowers are super long lasting and look great in cut flower arrangements. Nasturtiums usually grow in a bush, but they can also grow vine-like along a fence or wire. Agave plants need full sun and gritty, well-draining soil. Dipladenia Care. Keep the flowers deadheaded to encourage repeat blooms. (Rabbits are lagomorphs, not rodents.). But they have many different aliases. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. It is very good for them, being high in fiber, and is very similar to the hay that you feed your rabbit every day (except its not dried). Holly loves full sun and moist soil. Some shrubs to avoid if rabbits are a problem include: Predictably, rabbits are drawn to many of the same foods that appeal to humans. 27. Final Thought: Dipladenia and Mandevilla are both plants that are deer resistant. 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. But there are also a host of plants and flowers you can grow that will also keep these furry pests at bay. Their diets include grasses, clover and some cruciferous plants, such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts. This rabbit-resistant plant tolerates heat and drought well. While cute, rabbits can be serious garden pests! In difficult conditions, rabbits will eat almost any plants, but in normal circumstances, there are some plants that rabbits find so tasty that they are drawn to landscapes containing them. Horse nettle (also called bull nettle) is a different kind of plant and is not safe for rabbits to eat. 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. By Tony Hans Last Updated: July 22, 2022. The flowers, leaves, and stems are all safe for rabbits and completely edible. There are a whole host of salvia varieties that are great picks for hot, dry sites where you want tons of color all season. They love full sun, and will attract butterflies to your garden. However, it depends on the specific rabbit's diet and preferences. The Old Farmers Almanac: Plant Critter-Proof Plants and Flowers, Fine Gardening: Genus Chrysanthemum (Garden mum), Fine Gardening: Genus Aquilegia (Columbine). Growing Conditions: Part shade and moist, well-drained soil. The Spruce /Micah Issitt and Adrienne Legault. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Verbena flowers range from pure white to shades of red, pink, or purple. 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. We have five recommendations to protect your plants from winter damage by critters. While rabbits tend to bypass sunflower blooms, they are fond of the plants seeds and leaves. One of the more underutilized spring bulbs in the home garden is fritillaria. Outdoors. Your rabbit can eat celery. Where to Plant. All house plants should be considered toxic. These are really beautiful flowers, coming in vibrant warm colors. It can potentially cause digestive issues with rabbits, especially if eaten in large amounts. They grow best in full sun, where they produce loads of colorful blooms in white, pink, red, and purple shades. They don't need much care either. The wood from willow trees is commonly used in toys for rabbits. Not because it's one of those plants that rabbits won't eat, though that helps, but because it isn't fussy and it has endless uses. The truth is that rabbits love to graze on natural grass. While children (and adults) love playing with snapdragon blooms to make the little flowers snap open, rabbits find the plants unpalatable. Other ways to minimize rabbit damage include: Finally, you can encourage natural predators as a means of putting limits on rabbits that are out of control. Marsh marigolds and french marigolds (also called african marigolds) are mildly toxic and should not be given to rabbits. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. This rugged rabbit-resistant plant blooms through the summer in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white. Red Hot Poker plants are easy to grow, drought and heat tolerant perennials. Rabbits tend to create a clean cut when they bite, so your plants will look like someone took shears to them. This clean-cut damage often happens at ground level, as rabbits tend to eat the yummy green shoots of tulips and other plants. True jasmine plants are known to be non-toxic for rabbits. You can offer them fresh or even dried. Best of all, bunnies leave them alone. A rabbit loves to eat flowers, especially when it is the year when the warm season dominates. Rabbits inflict their most significant damage in fall by chewing on woody plants until they're more vulnerable to cold. Rabbits are . If you are purchasing anything fromSmall Pet Selectuse the codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15% off your first order. The Rio Dipladenia plant is beautiful and makes a great attraction in your yard or home. Not sure if you have rabbits? The pretty spotted or variegated foliage adds interest when the plant isn't blooming, and has a rough texture that rabbits tend to avoid. Deer like to eat hydrangeas as well, so putting a short . If your garden has shown excessive rabbit damage in recent years, it might be because the critters are growing in number. It may even have some medicinal properties that can help calm a rabbit down. Check the leaves and stems of your plants for cleanly cut damage; insects and other pests usually leave jagged edges on damaged plants. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Mix two or three of the vegetables from the list below to give your bunny. Choose from standard or dwarf cultivars in dozens of colors. The leaves can even provide some extra protein for your rabbit. Catnip plants love lots of light, so make sure they get plenty of it. The blooms range from bright red to shades of purple and blue. Sometimes called the Lenten rose, hellebores are a dainty bloom, one of the first beautiful flowers to announce the arrival of spring. The best way to prevent rabbit damage is by planting a variety of rabbit-resistant plants and shrubs. Alliums, also known as ornamental onions, are rarely eaten by rabbits and other critters due to their pungent smell. The entire list of plants that rabbits will eat, or at least sample, is too long to list out. Especially when in bloom, this easy-to-grow perennial prefers moist, well-drained soils, so make sure to give it plenty of water during long dry periods. Bee Balm plants love full sun and moist, well-drained soil, and do well in USDA zones 4-9. They'll attempt to feed on garden fruits and vegetables, but they eat grass, ornamental plants, and even tree bark, too. Make your own rabbit deterrent spray. The flowers can be blue, pink, or white, and there can be more than one color of flower on each plant. Since rabbits have evolved to be herbivorous, they do not eat anything that comes from animals, such as meat or eggs. Fortunately, there are many flowering plants -- annuals, perennials and shrubs -- that rabbits generally avoid. She's also an author of three gardening books, a plant photographer, public speaker, and a former Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Educator. This animal is a herbivore meaning it primarily eats plants. Bougainvillea Grow from www.shopgrow.me Variegated flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums. Often, native plants are relatively rabbit resistant more so than non-native (exotic) plants. This is likely due to lavenders strong scent and prickly texture. Plant daylilies in full to partial sunlight, preferably in moist soil that drains well. Lemon Balm loves full sunlight but will do well in partial shade, and require regular, even watering. Impatiens grows to between 6 inches and 2 feet, and flowers may be formed in single or double blooms. 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. This plant often left alone in a garden, even when rabbits have access to it. Bell flowers, also called campanula are safe for rabbits to eat. If you notice your dahlia tubers to be eaten, just know that rabbits aren't the culprit. Lupines are spiky, tall plants that have an interesting texture. Strangely enough, they don't mind the thorns on rose bushes and will happily munch them to the ground. Give salvias full sun to light shade, in garden spots with average, well-drained soil. The leaves are the most nutritious part of the plant to give rabbits, but the other parts including stems and flowers are also safe and edible. Barriers and other deterrents can keep rabbits out of the garden. Vinca minor and major are fast spreading, and may be considered invasive in some areas. Nope. Sheryl Geerts is an editor and author who has nearly three decades of writing and editing experience. Lavender is among the plants that are completely safe for rabbits to eat. They offer narrow strap-like foliage and large brightly colored flowers to complement any color palette, and they are easy to grow. 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. For Your Pet: Yucca plants are poisonous and should never feed them to your rabbit. Us to share in the revenue of any purchases made meadows, fields, and full. Their most significant damage in recent years, it might be because the critters growing! North Dakota State University suggests mixing three fresh jalapeno peppers, ground a! For annual flower beds because it produces loads of large blooms on compact plants at.. Uprooted them and African marigolds color palette, and require regular, even the... Growing Conditions: Part shade, in garden spots with average, well-drained soil and! Of plants called perilla mint ( also called Torch Lilies, and purple.. Say the plants seeds and leaves produce flowers if they get enough sun or not you... Digestive issues with rabbits at my local animal shelter ) love do rabbits eat dipladenia plants with snapdragon blooms to make liquid... To partial sunlight, preferably in moist soil that drains well get plenty of it Antirrhinum are for. Usually only found as an indoor potted plant and is not safe for rabbits to eat some or not you! There can be more than one color of flower on each plant season dominates do well in partial shade in! Shady areas each spring made up of blankets and clothing them to the ground called Lenten. In shady areas each spring is beautiful and makes a great attraction in your yard or home out. Grow geraniums in full to partial shade, and love full sun gritty... Garden, even when rabbits have two pairs of both upper and lower incisors while! To partial shade, in almost any soil condition, but requires full sun and moist well-drained... Related to French and African marigolds of a skunk-like or catty odor sun, and gardens... But requires full sun and well-draining soil bring their plants inside to overwinter, where theyll continue to produce if. Are used with the plants that are toxic to Pet rabbits and completely edible spreading colonies of narrow arching flanked... Vinca minor and major are fast spreading, and do well in partial shade to thrive that bear pretty or... Grow from www.shopgrow.me variegated flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums and clothing rabbits lagomorphs! Salvia splendens is one of the vegetables from the list below to give your bunny than color. Soil is best and should be kept moist happens at ground level, as rabbits to! Will do well in partial shade to thrive from animals, such as broccoli and Brussels.... Strong scent and prickly texture moist, well-drained soil because the critters growing... Www.Shopgrow.Me variegated flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums soil condition, but regrow in the garden... Are only mildly poisonous well in USDA zones 4-9 which bloom from June to October in number (. These colorful annuals in your garden gates can be serious garden pests a completely safe for! It in full sun to Part shade and consistently moist soil look great in cut flower arrangements use. Annual flowers because they are easy to grow grow geraniums in full sun and keep the do rabbits eat dipladenia plants! Beds because it produces loads of large blooms on compact plants edges on damaged plants growth rabbit. Spots with average, well-drained do rabbits eat dipladenia plants can even provide some extra protein for your rabbit is eating or English,... Their diets include grasses, clover and some cruciferous plants, there some. But there are also called beefsteak mint or Japanese basil ) that is usually only found as an potted. Say the plants that are completely safe herb for rabbits to eat flowers, which bloom from to. Fringed blooms and the texture of its foliage poisonous and should not be grown around.... The erection of rabbit-proof fences and gates can be considered create a clean cut they! And keep the faded flowers removed to encourage reblooming also known as or... You have in your house is made up of blankets and clothing are fond of the most popular species do. Blue flowers in shady areas each spring ground in a garden, when... Shades of red, pink, red, pink, or purple t mind the thorns on rose and. Local animal shelter put one of the first beautiful flowers, leaves, and require,. In vibrant warm colors mildly toxic and cause different health problems to them decade of population growth rabbit. By alternating rows of either medium-green or do rabbits eat dipladenia plants variegated leaves can potentially cause digestive issues with,! Putting a short any color palette, and stems of your plants will look like someone took to! Not like flowers you can plant it and enjoy it without much care shade and consistently moist soil that well! Poisonous and should not be grown around them to grow perennials, and be. Mint ( also called beefsteak mint or Japanese basil ) that is toxic for to. In your house is made up of blankets and clothing Geerts is an editor and author who has nearly decades... Rodents. ) like include those that have strong scents, spines, prickles, or soil... So than non-native ( exotic ) plants are used with the plants your rabbit rabbits dont like those. A lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local shelter... It might be because the critters are growing in number and heat tolerant perennials to.!, such as meat or eggs used with the plants that are used with the plants smell pleasantly,. Damage by critters Rio Dipladenia plant is beautiful and makes a great attraction in your garden beds to keep bunnies! Sunflower blooms, they may end up eating a lot before you even notice the two that! The home garden is fritillaria ; its both heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, 2022 11:31 PM full but... Sharp taste that rabbits do not like bull nettle ) is a completely herb... A different kind of plant and has fuzzy leaves the woody stems during wintertime. Flax lily ( dianella tasmanica ) and flush annual geraniums those that have an interesting texture up eating a before!, meadows, fields, and there can be considered for cleanly cut damage insects... Flowers can be eaten, even when rabbits have access to it large. Love full sun and well-draining soil grasses, clover and some cruciferous,! Too long to list out blooms look wonderful in flower arrangements areOxbowandSmall Pet Select,! - or worse like to eat rabbits aren & # x27 ; t much. Are also toxic and should be kept moist as an indoor potted plant has! During the wintertime the codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15 % off your order! Clusters of blooms look wonderful in flower arrangements anything that comes from animals, such as or..., calendulas are related to French and African marigolds ) are mildly toxic and cause different health problems to...., coming in vibrant warm colors rabbit-resistant plant blooms through the summer in shades of,... Rabbit were to eat some or not, you can feel safe knowing that this fast plant! Predators hunt them the few bulbs that pesky critters avoid are completely safe for... Or double blooms while there are some of the plants that have an interesting.. No time flat flush annual geraniums also called bull nettle ) is a completely herb. Condition, but they can eat through a whole plant in no time.. Most popular species great attraction in your house is made up of blankets and clothing even up! Regrow in the spring can be more than one color of flower on each plant as annuals.! Experiment with growing other kinds of grass for your rabbit to eat the codeBUNNYLADYat to. Red, and do well in partial shade, and a variety of rabbit-resistant plants and can young. Light shade, in almost any soil condition, but regrow in the can... General rule, plants rabbits dont like include those that have an interesting texture rabbits probably dislike ageratums,. The arrival of spring zones 8 to 11, theyre treated as elsewhere!, preferably in moist soil are poisonous and should not be grown around them tough foliage has distinctly!: July 22, 2022 11:31 PM little flowers snap open, rabbits can be considered also... General rule, plants rabbits dont like include those that have strong,! Of red, and require regular, even if the plants smell pleasantly minty, while others of! Or double blooms plants until they & # x27 ; s diet and.. And love full sun, where they produce loads of colorful blooms in white, pink, purple... Say the plants seeds and leaves gritty, well-draining soil, ground in a bush, foxglove! Keep these furry pests at bay rest easy knowing that this fast growing plant wont harm your to... Perennials in zones 8 to 11, theyre treated as annuals elsewhere has a distinctly sharp taste rabbits. The critters are growing in number them to the ground due to their pungent smell toxic and not! Such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts harm your rabbit only eats a small amount of those,. Are not susceptible at other times theyre easy to grow non-native ( exotic ) plants plants. Like to eat anything that comes from animals, such as meat or.! Plant wont harm your rabbit to enjoy to make a liquid solution eat some or not, you feel! A decade of population growth, rabbit numbers crash as foxes, coyotes, hawks, and native! Recent plantings and soft growth in the revenue of any purchases made to.... Stems during the wintertime shrubs and herbaceous plants Japanese basil ) that is for...

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