Do Rabbits Eat Geraniums? (Everything You Need To Know)
Rabbits are notorious for causing havoc to gardens. And that is because they tend to nibble on nearly every plant they come across, from vegetables to different kinds of flowers.
If you’re here, you’re probably wondering if they eat geranium. Well, let’s find out.
Today, we will see whether or not rabbits eat geraniums and what you can do to keep your flowers and garden always protected.
Do rabbits like Geraniums?
Geraniums are not rabbits’ favorite food. A rabbit may only consider eating geraniums when it has nothing else to eat.
Geraniums are generally considered to be rabbit-resistant because of the texture of their leaves. The leaves are thick and scented (i.e., aromatic when rubbed).
Rabbits, generally, tend to avoid plants or leaves that have a strong scent or produce a milky sap. The same thing applies if the leaves feel thick or leathery.
So, NO, rabbits don’t like geranium plants.
Are geraniums poisonous to rabbits?
There are over a hundred types of geraniums, so it’s difficult to know which ones are poisonous to rabbits. Each species has a slightly different chemical makeup, but in general, they usually have a mild effect on critters.
In particular, pelargonium spp, also known as scented geranium, is poisonous to most pets, including cats, dogs, and rabbits. The impact can be mild or severe depending on the level of exposure or amount consumed.
In general, most geranium plants are edible and are often used in culinary. The essential oils in the leaves and flowers add a fine aroma to dishes.
What animal eat geraniums?
As expected, rabbits are not the only animals that feed on geraniums. Other animals, such as aphids, white flies, green flies, thrips, and humans are also attracted to the plant.
Also, geranium budworm and geranium sawfly are very common pests that attack and eat the leaves and buds of the plant.
Besides their culinary use, geraniums have high medicinal value and can be used to cure eczema, and soothe sore muscles in humans.
How to protect geraniums from rabbits?
Rabbits can make a mess of your geranium plant garden if there are no appropriate measures in place to prevent it. Here are some methods you can use to keep them out for good:
Use of Repellent
Repellents are probably the best way to protect rabbits from geraniums. There are many commercial repellents in the market you can use. One of the most effective ones is the “Liquid fence deer and rabbits repellent. “ Always ensure that you thoroughly read the instructions on the product before use.
If you prefer to make your own repellent, you can use dried blood meal, used cat litter, or human hair.
Increase Distance
This involves increasing the distance between your geranium plant and the rabbits to reduce access. You can do this by using flower vases or tall containers.
Raised gardens are more difficult to access by rabbits than those that are at ground level. To keep rabbits out, you can also create a chicken wire fence around the plants.
For the best fence, consider the YARDGARD Garden Rabbit Fence.
Fencing
You can build a fence out of chicken wire, hardware cloth, or wire mesh. The height should be about two to three feet, it doesn’t need to be very high. Ensure the openings are not bigger than one by two inches.
Rabbits also dig underneath things, so keep that in mind. So, the fence or barrier should be sunk several inches below the surface to effectively keep the rabbits away.
Use of essential oils
Essential oils are easily the best natural rabbit repellent. They release strong fragrances which can deter rabbits.
Examples of such oils are rosemary oil, lemon balm oil, and mint are examples of oils that can protect your geraniums. To use this method, simply put a few drops of oil (3 to 5 drops) on a cotton ball and place it next to the plant.
Another strong rabbit deterrent is red pepper powder. You can sprinkle some of it over the plant.
What plants do rabbits hate?
Rabbits are herbivores, so they can eat almost any plant. But they still have preferences.
The following are some of the plants rabbits hate, either because of their odor or texture.
- Geraniums
- Wax begonia
- Strawflower
- Snapdragon
- Vinca
- Sunflower
- Tomato plant
- English marigold
- Peppers, etc.
Do rabbits eat geranium sanguinem?
Geranium sanguinem, commonly known as bloody cranesbill or bloody geranium is a perennial plant native to Asia and Europe. Like normal geranium, they are rabbit resistant, so rabbits don’t normally eat them.
Just like other types of geranium, geranium sanguinem have scented and thick leaves and petals, which makes them less attractive to rabbits. Nevertheless, when a rabbit is extremely hungry, it can nibble on it.
