Balloon flowers (Platycodon grandiflorus) are cherished garden perennials, recognized for their distinctive, puffy buds that open into star-shaped blooms. These vibrant flowers, appearing in shades of blue, pink, and white from late June through August, add charm to garden beds and borders. Many gardeners are concerned about potential damage from local wildlife, particularly rabbits. Understanding their interaction with balloon flowers is important for maintaining a thriving garden.
Do Rabbits Eat Balloon Flowers
While not a primary food source, rabbits occasionally nibble on balloon flowers. Some sources consider them deer and rabbit resistant, suggesting they are not a preferred meal. However, rabbits sometimes eat balloon flowers, especially young shoots or if other food sources are scarce, as noted by the Missouri Botanical Garden. Balloon flowers are not highly toxic to rabbits, though large quantities could cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Unlike definitively poisonous plants such as certain bulb flowers or nightshade varieties, balloon flowers do not fall into this highly dangerous category. Thus, while damage may occur, the plant is unlikely to cause severe harm to rabbits.
Factors Influencing Rabbit Feeding
Several factors influence whether rabbits feed on balloon flowers, even if not preferred. Scarce desirable food sources, like clover or dandelions, may lead rabbits to less appealing options. Young, tender shoots are also more attractive than mature foliage. A dense local rabbit population increases damage likelihood due to broader foraging habits. Individual rabbits also exhibit specific preferences. Environmental conditions like drought or harsh winters reduce natural forage, compelling rabbits to seek garden food.
Identifying Rabbit Damage
Recognizing rabbit damage on balloon flowers helps confirm the culprit. Rabbits leave clean, angled cuts on stems and leaves with their sharp incisors, appearing neatly clipped. This differs from the ragged, torn edges left by deer, who lack upper front teeth. Rabbit damage is typically observed close to the ground, within a few inches of the plant’s base. Small, pellet-like droppings near affected plants are another clear indicator. Gardeners might also notice small footprints or missing flower buds and young shoots, which rabbits frequently target.
Protecting Your Balloon Flowers
Protecting balloon flowers from rabbit damage involves a combination of strategies. Physical barriers, such as fencing, are highly effective. Chicken wire or hardware cloth with a mesh size of 1 inch or smaller should be 24 to 36 inches tall and buried 4 to 6 inches deep to prevent digging. For individual plants or smaller beds, cloches or plant cages provide targeted protection.
Repellents can also deter rabbits, though their effectiveness varies and reapplication is often necessary, especially after rain or new plant growth. Commercial sprays often contain ingredients like blood meal or egg solids that emit odors rabbits dislike. Natural deterrents like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, citrus peels, or strong-smelling herbs such as rosemary or mint can also be tried, though their success is not always guaranteed.
Modifying the garden habitat can make it less appealing to rabbits. Removing brush piles, tall grass, and other debris eliminates potential hiding spots and nesting areas. Companion planting, placing rabbit-avoided plants like alliums or strong-scented herbs near vulnerable balloon flowers, might offer some benefit. However, this method is not foolproof, as hungry rabbits may still browse less preferred plants. Regular monitoring for early signs of rabbit activity allows for timely intervention, mitigating damage before it becomes extensive.