What Bedding Plants Don T Rabbits Eat

What Bedding Plants Don't Rabbits Eat?

Rabbits are notorious for their voracious appetites and their love of greenery. This can make it challenging for gardeners who want to grow beautiful bedding plants without attracting these hungry pests. Fortunately, there are several bedding plants that rabbits typically avoid. By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a beautiful and rabbit-resistant landscape.

Petunias

Petunias are a popular choice for bedding plants due to their vibrant blooms and long blooming period. They are also relatively rabbit-resistant, as rabbits find the petunia's sticky foliage unpalatable.

Marigolds

Marigolds are another good option for rabbit-resistant bedding plants. These cheerful flowers produce a strong scent that rabbits dislike. Additionally, marigolds contain pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent that can also deter rabbits.

Salvia

Salvia, also known as sage, is a versatile bedding plant that comes in a variety of colors and shapes. Rabbits tend to avoid salvia due to its strong, pungent smell. Some varieties of salvia, such as the pineapple sage, are particularly effective at repelling rabbits.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are a tall, stately bedding plant that produces spikes of colorful flowers. Rabbits generally do not find snapdragons appealing, as they contain a bitter substance called saponins. Saponins can cause digestive upset in rabbits, making them less likely to eat these plants.

Vinca

Vinca, also known as periwinkle, is a low-growing groundcover that produces attractive blue or purple flowers. Rabbits typically avoid vinca due to its bitter taste. Additionally, vinca contains alkaloids, which can be toxic to rabbits if ingested in large quantities.

Additional Tips for Rabbit-Proofing Your Garden

In addition to planting rabbit-resistant bedding plants, there are several other steps you can take to protect your garden from these pests.

Fence your garden. A fence is the most effective way to keep rabbits out of your garden.
Remove hiding places. Rabbits like to hide in tall grass and weeds, so keep your garden free of these hiding places.
Use repellents. There are a variety of commercial and homemade rabbit repellents available. These repellents can help to deter rabbits from entering your garden.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and rabbit-resistant garden that you can enjoy all season long.