Do Rabbits Eat Pansies? 5 Facts To Know!
Rabbits are known for their love for greens, hay, and vegetables, but have you considered whether they love flowers, specifically pansies? Do rabbits eat pansies?
Yes, rabbits eat pansies and many other flowers, such as petunias and roses. Pansies have very colorful and beautiful scented petals that they find very attractive.
If you have a rabbit problem and you’re looking for ways to keep them away from your pansies, then this article will point you in the right direction.
What Are Pansies?
Pansies, also called “viola” or “violet,” are a type of fast-growing colorful hybrid plant cultivated as flowers. These flowers emerge from the hybridization of several species in the section Melanium of the genus Viola.
In addition, pansies consist of five distinct petals which have a wide range of colors. These could be yellow, gold, orange, purple, violet, red, white, or even near-black (very dark purple).
Pansies are typically large-flowered but may grow short flowers due to scorching weather or a light problem. The typical height of pansies is usually 6 to 12 inches.
Are Pansies Rabbit Resistant?
Absolutely not! Pansies generally attract rabbits, so they cannot be considered rabbit-resistant. And unlike daffodils and tulips, they are safe to consume.
Plants that are rabbit resistant include lavender, daylilies, daffodils, geraniums, wax begonia, strawflower, snapdragon, vinca, sunflower, English marigold, peppers, and so on.
While rabbits tend to avoid these flowers, they may occasionally nibble on them if they are hungry enough.
Do Rabbits Like To Eat Pansies?
Rabbits are generally attracted to tender foliage, and pansies are no exception. Pansies are particularly enticing to bunnies, especially during the cooler months when they’re growing their flowers. Rabbits tend to eat not just the flowers but also the stem and leaves.
In addition, pansies have a delicate and natural smell, so they are unlikely to go unnoticed. Besides being safe to eat, they also contain vitamin C.
Why do Rabbits Eat Pansies?
As mentioned earlier, rabbits love pansies and can nibble on them all day long if given the opportunity.
Soft petals
The main reason why this happens, especially during the winter seasons, is because
pansies have a delicate taste and texture that appeals to rabbits. Specifically, the soft petals and leaves are easy for them to consume and digest.
Scarcity
Another reason rabbits go after pansies is due to food shortage. In times of scarcity or when natural food sources are limited, rabbits may resort to eating pansies as a readily available food source.
Accessibility
If pansies are easily accessible to rabbits due to low barriers or lack of fencing, they are more likely to be targeted by these hungry creatures.
Signs That Rabbits Are Eating Your Pansies
If you suspect rabbits are nibbling on your pansies, watch out for these signs:
- Bite Marks: Rabbits have sharp teeth that leave clean-cut edges on pansy leaves.
- Missing Petals: Pansy blooms may lose their colorful petals if rabbits have been foraging nearby.
- Droppings: Rabbit droppings near pansy plants are a clear sign that they are around.
- Holes: Large holes or burrows are also a clear indication of rabbit presence. Rabbits like to dig underground to places they’ve previously been to, which creates large holes.
How To Keep Rabbits From Eating Pansies
Here are the different ways you can use to keep rabbits away from eating your pansies.
Use of Physical Barriers Such as a Fence
Rabbits can’t jump above four feet, so having a fence that is above four feet high can effectively keep them away from your pansies. In addition to a good height, you want to make sure the fence doesn’t have holes big enough to allow rabbits to squeeze through. Rabbits are also good diggers, so ensure the fence is buried at least a few feet deep into the ground.
If you’re looking for ideas on what fence to use, there are commercial options such as YARDGARD GARDEN RABBIT FENCE that are very easy to set up.
Use of rabbit repellents
Rabbit repellents deter rabbits by either giving off an unpleasant odor or making plants taste terrible. Taste-based repellents are usually more effective. Repellents could be plant-based or chemicals.
Some plant-based rabbit repellents are peppers, garlic, onions, geraniums, marigolds, zinnias, and so on. Planting these plants around your pansies can help keep rabbits away.
If you don’t have time to make your own homemade repellent, consider using the SUAVEC DEER RABBIT REPELLENT, which is even more effective in most cases.
What to Consider When Choosing a Repellent for Rabbits
When selecting a rabbit repellent for your pansies, there are certain things you should look at.
First, opt for repellents with natural and safe ingredients to avoid using any harmful chemicals on your plants. Even though your plan is to keep rabbits away, it should not be at the expense of the plant’s health.
Secondly, choose repellents that are environmentally friendly and do not harm non-target species.
Look for products with a lot of positive reviews. If a lot of people are saying good things about the product, there’s a good chance it works well. It’s better to use something that has already proven to work than trying something completely new.
Lastly, consider how easy it is to use the repellent as well as how long it lasts. Repellent Sprays offer the most convenient and hassle-free application.
