Gerbera daisies (Gerbera jamesonii), also known as Transvaal or Barberton daisies, are popular additions to gardens due to their bold, vibrant colors and large blooms. The presence of wild rabbits is a persistent challenge for anyone trying to maintain a lush garden landscape. Gardeners frequently wonder if rabbits consume these plants and if ingestion poses a threat to the animals themselves.
Do Rabbits Really Eat Gerbera Daisies
Rabbits readily consume Gerbera daisies, especially when the plants are young or when preferred food sources are scarce. Rabbits are opportunistic herbivores, and the tender new growth and soft stems of the daisies are attractive to them. They often treat garden beds like an easily accessible food source.
Rabbits prefer succulent young shoots and developing flower buds, which contain high levels of moisture and nutrients. This preference means that newly planted Gerbera daisies are particularly vulnerable to destruction. The damage rabbits inflict is identifiable by a characteristic clean, angled cut on the stem, unlike the ragged tears left by deer.
The feeding habits of wild rabbits are often governed by necessity. They may eat less-favored plants when their preferred forage is unavailable, such as during periods of drought or late winter. For a gardener, this means that Gerbera daisies remain a consistent target across much of the growing season.
Are Gerbera Daisies Toxic to Rabbits
Gerbera daisies are generally considered non-toxic to rabbits, along with other common pets. The plant does not contain known harmful compounds that lead to systemic poisoning in rabbits upon ingestion. Therefore, a rabbit consuming a portion of a Gerbera daisy is unlikely to suffer severe toxicity.
Despite being non-toxic, rabbits have highly specialized and sensitive digestive systems that rely on a diet high in hay and fiber. Introducing any large quantity of new plant matter can still lead to digestive upset. Consuming too many daisy leaves and stems can potentially cause issues like soft stools or gut stasis.
Strategies for Protecting Your Flowers
Physical exclusion remains the most effective method for protecting Gerbera daisies from rabbit damage. Installing a physical barrier, such as a sturdy wire fence, prevents direct access to the plants. The fencing material should have mesh openings no larger than one inch to ensure that even young rabbits cannot squeeze through.
The barrier must be at least two feet high, as rabbits can stand on their hind legs to reach food. To prevent rabbits from digging underneath the fence, the bottom edge should be buried six to ten inches deep. For maximum effectiveness, bend the buried portion outward at a right angle to create an apron that deters burrowing.
Gardeners can also utilize taste and scent-based deterrents as a secondary line of defense. Commercial repellents often contain compounds like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin to make the foliage unpalatable. These products must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness against browsing rabbits.
Introducing strong-smelling companion plants, such as garlic, onions, or marigolds, around the perimeter of the Gerbera bed can help mask their scent. Rabbits tend to avoid plants with pungent aromas or those with fuzzy or rough leaf textures. Placing these less-favored plants strategically may discourage rabbits from venturing close enough to the daisies.