Rabbits do eat gardenias but they are not their favorite food. Rabbits will eat them if they are hungry or if other food sources are scarce. Rabbits can be a nuisance and will kill all types of ornamental plants, shrubs, and flowers. If you have gardenias in your garden, it’s essential to take steps to protect them from rabbits and other pests.
This article will explore more about how to protect your gardenias from rabbits.
What Plants Rabbits Eat
Here is a bit more about what rabbits will choose to eat and what they will avoid.
Rabbits Preferred Plants
Rabbits prefer plants that are tender, young, and succulent. They like plants that are low to the ground and easy to reach. Some of their favorite plants include clover, grass, dandelions, and various types of vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, and kale.
While gardenias are not their favorite plants, if they can reach them and there is nothing more delicious around, they will eat them.
Plants Rabbits Avoid
Rabbits have a tendency to avoid plants that have a strong fragrance or taste. They also tend to avoid plants that have hairy or prickly leaves. Some of the plants that rabbits tend to avoid include marigolds, lavender, and rosemary.
Gardenias and Rabbits
Gardenias are a type of flowering plant that produces fragrant white flowers. While rabbits may not be attracted to the strong fragrance of gardenias, they are known to eat the leaves and stems of the plant.
How to Stop Rabbits from Eating Gardenias
If you have gardenias in your yard, you want to make sure that rabbits don’t eat them. Here are some ways to prevent rabbits from eating your gardenias:
Creating Barriers
One way to keep rabbits away from your gardenias is to create barriers. You can use chicken wire or hardware cloth to create a fence around your gardenias. Make sure the fence is at least two feet high and buried at least six inches into the ground to prevent rabbits from digging under it. You can also use plastic netting or mesh to cover your gardenias. Just make sure that the netting or mesh is secure and doesn’t touch the plants.
Using Repellents
Another way to keep rabbits away from your gardenias is to use repellents. There are several types of repellents available, including sprays, granules, and electronic devices. Sprays and granules contain natural or synthetic ingredients that rabbits find unpleasant.
Electronic devices emit high-frequency sounds that rabbits find annoying. You can also use homemade repellents, such as a mixture of garlic and water or a mixture of hot pepper and water. Just be sure to test any repellent on a small area of your gardenias first to make sure it doesn’t damage the plants.
Remove rabbit hiding places
Remove any hiding places that rabbits might use, such as brush piles or tall grass. You can also plant other types of plants that rabbits don’t like, such as daffodils or marigolds, around your gardenias. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your gardenias stay healthy and beautiful all season long.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants do rabbits not eat?
Rabbits are known for their love of munching on garden plants, but there are certain plants that they tend to avoid. Some of the plants that rabbits typically do not eat include daffodils, marigolds, lavender, and snapdragons. However, it is important to note that rabbits have individual preferences, and some rabbits may still eat these plants.
What garden vegetables do rabbits not eat?
Rabbits are herbivores and can make a quick meal of your vegetable garden. However, there are some vegetables that rabbits typically do not eat. These include onions, garlic, leeks, chives, and shallots. Additionally, rabbits tend to avoid hot and spicy plants like peppers.
Do rabbits eat azaleas?
Azaleas are not a preferred food for rabbits. Azaleas are not toxic to rabbits, but rabbits generally avoid eating them due to their bitter taste and strong odor.
Do rabbits eat celosia?
Celosia is not a preferred food for rabbits. Rabbits generally avoid eating celosia due to its fuzzy texture and unpleasant taste.
Do rabbits eat begonias?
Begonias are not a preferred food for rabbits. Begonias are not toxic to rabbits, but rabbits generally avoid eating them due to their waxy leaves and bitter taste.
Remember that while rabbits may not prefer certain plants, individual rabbits may still eat them. It is important to protect your garden by using physical barriers such as fencing or netting to keep rabbits out of the area.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.