Gomphrena, also known as Globe Amaranth, is a popular choice for gardeners due to its vibrant, long-lasting blooms and low-maintenance nature. These colorful plants, with their distinctive globe-shaped flowers, add texture and visual interest to garden beds and containers.
Do Rabbits Eat Gomphrena?
Gomphrena is generally considered a rabbit-resistant plant, but it is not entirely rabbit-proof. Rabbits tend to avoid plants with a strong fragrance, bitter taste, or a rough texture. While gomphrena may not be their first choice, extreme hunger or a lack of other food sources can lead rabbits to nibble on them.
Gomphrena’s resistance stems from qualities unappealing to rabbits. Its leaves and stems may contain compounds that give it an unappetizing taste, discouraging consumption. The papery texture of gomphrena’s bracts and stems might also deter rabbits, who often favor tender, succulent foliage.
Rabbits’ preferences can shift depending on food availability. Young or newly planted gomphrena, with their more tender growth, may be more susceptible to browsing than mature, established plants. Rabbits have been observed nibbling on or consuming the plants, especially when other food sources are scarce.
Safeguarding Your Gomphrena Plants
Protecting gomphrena plants from rabbits involves a combination of strategies, with physical barriers often being the most effective method. Fencing made of chicken wire or hardware cloth, at least 24 inches high and buried 6 to 12 inches deep, can deter rabbits from jumping over or digging under the barrier. Ensure the mesh size is one inch or smaller to prevent smaller rabbits from squeezing through.
Repellents can also discourage rabbits by affecting their sense of taste or smell. Commercial repellents often contain natural ingredients like eggs, garlic, or botanical oils, which rabbits dislike. These products need direct application to plants and typically require reapplication after rain to maintain effectiveness. Homemade sprays using ingredients like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or soap can also act as deterrents.
Companion planting can also deter rabbits. Incorporating plants with strong scents or unappealing textures, such as marigolds, onions, garlic, or herbs like rosemary and sage, around your gomphrena can help create a scent barrier. Maintaining a clean garden by removing weeds, brush piles, and other potential hiding spots can make your garden less attractive to rabbits.