Do Rabbits Eat Phlox?
Rabbits are small, herbivorous mammals known for their hopping and chewing habits. But, do rabbits actually eat phlox, a flowering perennial often planted in home gardens? The answer is yes, occasionally.
What is Phlox?
Phlox are flowering perennials with a sweet, vaguely grassy smell in the family Polemoniaceae. The flowers are generally pink, but they can range to white, red and purple. Home gardeners plant them in spring or fall as ground covers or along borders.
Do Rabbits Eat Phlox?
Rabbits may snack on Phlox flowers or stems if they come across them in the yard, but usually, rabbits don’t go out of their way to look for Phlox. Burrowing wild rabbits may be more likely to eat Phlox if it’s growing in their underground tunnels.
Rabbit Diet
The best way to keep rabbits away from Phlox is to give them an alternate snack. In general, rabbits like to eat hay and grasses, which they can munch on throughout the day. Keep it fresh, and also offer a few vegetables, such as lettuce, celery and carrots.
Preventing Damage
To prevent rabbits from eating your outdoor Phlox, consider investing in prevention techniques such as fencing or netting. You can also try:
- Scare tactics: Set up a visual or auditory deterrent, such as a flag or large plastic owl.
- Repellents: Make a natural repellent by mixing water, hot pepper flakes and dish soap.
- Deterrents: Consider setting up buffers, like rocks, mulch or burlap sacks, which are unappealing to rabbits.
In conclusion, while rabbits do, occasionally, eat Phlox, it’s not likely to be their go to snack. Keep your Phlox safe by offering lots of alternate food sources and using repellent or deterrent techniques.
