Yes, rabbits look cute. And they are, usually. But if you have spent hours growing your favorite plants in your garden, you might not like the idea of rabbits destroying all of your efforts. Whether you keep rabbits as pets or tend to get visits from them, you might wonder: “do rabbits eat phlox?”. And if yes, what can you do to protect your plants (and your garden)?
In this essential guide, we’ll go through all you must know about this subject.
Quick Answer
Do rabbits eat phlox? Even although phlox tend to fall under the “deer-resistant” plants category, most wild animals won’t think twice about eating it when hungry. Rabbits, in particular, love it.
Should You Protect your Phlox from Rabbits?
There are more than 60 varieties of phlox plants. All are native to North America and relatively easy to grow. Indeed, under the optimal conditions, these plants will thrive in most environments (provided that you ensure the soil is well-draining) and won’t require much attention from your side.
But what happens when wild animals (or your pets) eat these plants?
Indeed, even if phlox tend to fall under the “deer-resistant” plants category, most wild animals won’t think twice about eating it when hungry. Rabbits, in particular, love it.
These plants are rich in nutrients and easy to digest for bunnies who enjoy eating them. In the wild, rabbits would consider phlox one of their favorite food sources.
After all, they are low to the ground, easy to access, and filling. Together with ornamental plants such as nasturtiums, hostas, and coneflowers, phlox falls under the category of plants that attract bunnies.
So, if you live in a region where rabbits are around, you should take some measures to protect your plants. And if you have them running free around your property, we recommend you read the following sections to learn what you should do to prevent these animals from ruining your plants.
What Can You Do To Prevent Rabbits from Eating your Phlox?
One of the first things you should consider when rabbits become an issue in your garden is fencing. Installing physical protection for plants will prevent these small animals from running around your garden and ruining your plants.
We recommend using a chicken wire mesh, better if between half to one inch thick. Also, don’t forget to have a high fence: it should be at least two feet tall and around six inches deep! Indeed, rabbits will jump and dig.
Another thing you must do when rabbits become a problem in your garden is to clean your yard from litter and clutter. For instance, if you have bushes, tall grasses, debris, and other places where rabbits may hide, you must clean them.
If the problem is severe, you should consider getting your hands on repellents. You can buy them at your favorite gardening store (or online). If you have a dog or a cat in your yard, their smell should be enough to scare rabbits away from your property.
Let them spend time outdoors for a while to repel bunnies from your garden. Of course, you can also use homemade repellents. However, they tend to be less effective than store-bought products.
Should You Feed Phlox to Your Pet Rabbits?
If you have rabbits in your yard as pets, you may consider feeding them phlox. And because they love it so much, it might not be such a bad idea. However, don’t forget that animals must eat balanced diets to stay healthy.
While phlox is rich in nutrients and easy to digest, you should feed it to your rabbits as part of a diet that includes other plants, fruits, and plenty of vegetables.
Indeed, diversifying a rabbit’s diet is one of the best things you can do to keep your pet healthy and ensure it gets all the nutrients it needs. Some of the rabbits’ favorite foods include lettuce, broccoli, spinach, and most fruits and berries.
Don’t forget to go light with fruits: their high sugar content might cause severe issues such as obesity and heart attacks.
If you have rabbits grazing in your yard, don’t forget to install physical protections around your phlox plants to prevent your rabbits from munching on them and destroying them. Installing a fence should be enough.
The same applies if you have a vegetable garden. Using repellents is an effective option to keep your yard free from attacks.
Related Article: Can Creeping Phlox Grow in the Shade?