Coleus, with its vibrant foliage, is a popular choice for gardeners. These plants often share their environment with common garden visitors, including rabbits. Many gardeners wonder if rabbits eat coleus. This article explores whether rabbits consume coleus and offers guidance on managing such interactions.
Do Rabbits Eat Coleus? The Direct Answer
Rabbits do eat coleus, though it is often not their primary food source. While some varieties, like Coleus canina, are known to deter rabbits, most other coleus species are susceptible to grazing. Young coleus plants are particularly vulnerable to nibbling.
A hungry rabbit, especially when other preferred food sources are scarce, may turn to coleus. This behavior is more common in early spring or during dry periods when tender vegetation is less abundant. Signs of rabbit damage often appear as clean, angled cuts on stems and leaves, typically on the lower parts of the plant, accompanied by small, round droppings nearby.
Are Coleus Toxic to Rabbits?
Coleus plants contain essential oils that are considered toxic to various animals, including rabbits. Ingesting coleus can lead to adverse reactions, with common symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and a general depressive state. While coleus poisoning is generally not fatal, it can cause significant illness and distress. Therefore, coleus is not a safe dietary component for rabbits.
Protecting Coleus From Rabbits
Implementing physical barriers offers an effective method to safeguard coleus plants from rabbit damage. Installing chicken wire fencing around garden beds can prevent access, especially if buried deep and extended high enough to deter digging and jumping. For individual plants or smaller groupings, pop-up fences or mesh covers can provide immediate protection. Maintaining a tidy garden by clearing overgrown shrubs and other dense vegetation can also reduce hiding and nesting spots for rabbits, making your garden less inviting.
Various repellents can also be employed to deter rabbits, working through scent or taste. Commercial repellents often contain ingredients like blood meal or hot pepper, which rabbits find unappealing. Homemade options, such as cayenne pepper sprays, require regular reapplication, especially after rain or overhead watering. Companion planting involves strategically placing plants that rabbits tend to avoid near your coleus. Aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, marigolds, and alliums emit strong scents that can mask the appeal of other plants.
What to Do If Rabbits Eat Coleus
If you suspect rabbits have consumed parts of your coleus, observe the affected animal for any signs of distress. Watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a noticeable change in behavior. Should a rabbit exhibit these signs, consulting a veterinarian is advisable, as they can provide guidance based on the severity of the symptoms.
Regarding the coleus plant itself, assess the extent of the damage. For plants with nibbled leaves or stems, prune away the damaged sections using clean shears to encourage new growth. Many plants possess a remarkable ability to recover from grazing, especially if the root system remains intact. Continue to provide proper care, including adequate watering and appropriate light conditions, to support the plant’s recuperation and promote its re-establishment.