Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a popular, low-maintenance groundcover that thrives in deep shade. Its dense, glossy foliage creates an attractive, uniform carpet beneath trees and shrubs where turfgrass struggles. Homeowners often worry about damage from ubiquitous garden pests like rabbits, which are known to harm young or tender vegetation. Determining if Pachysandra is safe from rabbit damage is a common concern for maintaining garden integrity.
Palatability of Pachysandra to Rabbits
Pachysandra is generally considered a rabbit-resistant plant, meaning it is unpalatable to most foraging rabbits and rarely suffers serious damage. Rabbits avoid Japanese Spurge primarily due to its chemical composition, which includes various steroidal alkaloids. These compounds give the plant a distinctively bitter taste that acts as a natural deterrent to herbivores.
Rabbits instinctively avoid plants containing these substances because they can cause mild toxicity or gastrointestinal distress. The defensive chemistry of the plant makes it a poor food source, leading rabbits to bypass it in favor of more appealing vegetation. This natural resistance makes Pachysandra a reliable choice for residential settings where rabbit presence is common.
Exceptions occur under extreme conditions of food scarcity, such as during harsh winters or prolonged droughts. A hungry rabbit may sample the plant if no other food is available, or young, inexperienced rabbits might take an exploratory nibble. However, damage is typically isolated, and rabbits seldom return due to the plant’s inherent bitterness. The plant’s mature, somewhat leathery leaves also contribute to its unappealing texture.
Protecting Groundcover from Rabbit Foraging
While Pachysandra is naturally resistant, gardeners with high rabbit populations may still wish to protect adjacent, more vulnerable groundcovers or new plantings.
Physical Barriers
One highly effective method involves using physical barriers, which prevent the animal from accessing the area entirely. Low fencing constructed from chicken wire or hardware cloth can be installed around the perimeter of a vulnerable bed. Ensure the wire extends at least two feet high and is securely staked to the ground.
Taste and Scent Deterrents
Another practical solution is the application of taste and scent deterrents, which make any potential food source undesirable to rabbits. Commercial rabbit repellents contain ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin that emit offensive odors or tastes. These products must be reapplied regularly, especially after heavy rain or watering, to maintain their effectiveness.
Habitat Modification
Gardeners can also use natural deterrents like dried blood meal or elemental sulfur sprinkled lightly near the groundcover area to create an off-putting scent barrier. Furthermore, removing potential hiding spots, such as brush piles, overgrown weeds, or debris, can discourage rabbits from settling in the immediate vicinity. Reducing harborage space makes the area less appealing for nesting and shelter.