Canna lilies, known for their large, tropical foliage and vibrant blooms, are a striking addition to many gardens. Gardeners dealing with local wildlife often worry about the presence of rabbits and the survival of their plants. Determining whether these common garden visitors pose a threat requires understanding both rabbit feeding habits and the plant’s characteristics. This knowledge helps in developing targeted protection methods.
Rabbit Consumption of Canna Lilies
Canna lilies are not a preferred food source for rabbits, but they are not immune to being eaten. Rabbits are opportunistic feeders, expanding their diet when favorite foods are unavailable. This behavior is most apparent during periods of food scarcity, such as early spring when tender new shoots emerge or during dry summer months.
When rabbits consume canna lilies, they typically target the most succulent parts of the plant. The tender, unfurled leaves and the soft growing tips of new stems are usually sampled first. Rabbit damage is recognizable by a clean, 45-degree angle cut on the stems, unlike the ragged tears left by larger animals like deer.
Although rabbits mainly focus on foliage, extremely hungry animals may occasionally gnaw at the base of the stems or even the rhizomes if they are close to the soil surface. Canna lilies are generally avoided, but this resistance breaks down when rabbits lack more palatable greens. Feeding evidence is usually concentrated on the lower portion of the plant, within a rabbit’s easy reach.
Toxicity and Health Risks for Rabbits
Canna lilies are not considered significantly toxic to rabbits. The plant (Canna generalis) is not a “true lily” (genus Lilium), which are highly poisonous and can cause severe kidney failure in some animals. Major poison control centers classify the canna lily as non-toxic to common household pets, suggesting a low risk level for rabbits.
While not poisonous, consuming large amounts of the fibrous plant material can still pose a minor health risk. Ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, causing symptoms like soft stools or a temporary reduction in appetite. The rabbit’s digestive system is highly sensitive and can be thrown off by large quantities of unusual forage. While a nibble is unlikely to cause severe poisoning, it is best to discourage consumption to maintain the animal’s digestive health.
Practical Strategies for Plant Protection
Protecting canna lilies from rabbit damage relies on physical barriers and deterrents that make the garden unappealing. Physical exclusion is the most reliable method, often involving a low wire fence around the planting area. The barrier should be at least two feet high to prevent rabbits from jumping over it, and the mesh size must be no larger than one inch to exclude young rabbits.
For maximum effectiveness, the fencing needs to be buried six to twelve inches deep into the soil or bent outward at a 90-degree angle and secured to the ground. This prevents rabbits from digging underneath the barrier. For small, isolated plantings, a simple cylinder made of chicken wire or hardware cloth can be placed around individual plants until they reach a more mature height.
Chemical and cultural deterrents can also be used to repel rabbits through scent or taste. Commercial rabbit repellents, which often contain ingredients like putrefied egg solids or predator urine, can be applied directly to the foliage or around the perimeter. These repellents work by making the plant taste unpleasant or by signaling the presence of a predator.
To remain effective, deterrents require frequent reapplication, especially after heavy rainfall or overhead watering. Rotating the types of repellents used prevents rabbits from becoming accustomed to a single scent or taste. Planting strongly scented herbs like rosemary or basil near the canna lilies may also help mask the scent of the desired foliage.