Rabbits present a constant challenge for gardeners seeking to establish beautiful, thriving ornamental displays. These foraging herbivores can quickly devastate a newly planted bed, forcing homeowners to prioritize plants that are less appealing to their appetites. Understanding which species are likely to be left alone is a primary concern for anyone aiming to cultivate an attractive garden. Scabiosa, commonly known as Pincushion Flower, is frequently sought for its delicate, long-blooming nature. Its ability to resist browsing animals often determines whether it is a successful addition to a suburban garden.
Palatability of Scabiosa to Rabbits
Scabiosa is generally classified as a rabbit-resistant perennial, meaning it is low on a rabbit’s preference list, though it is not entirely rabbit-proof. Rabbits tend to avoid plants with certain physical and chemical characteristics, and the Pincushion Flower often possesses these deterrent qualities. Its resistance is primarily due to its texture and taste, which are simply unappealing to the common cottontail. They typically steer clear of plants with rough or slightly bitter leaves found on many Scabiosa varieties.
Perennial types, such as Scabiosa caucasica and Scabiosa columbaria, are consistently passed over by foraging animals. A rabbit will usually select a smoother, more palatable plant before turning to Scabiosa. However, a young rabbit still learning its diet, or a particularly hungry adult, may sample the plant. Rabbits have sometimes been observed eating the stems and flowers while leaving the basal foliage intact, indicating a lower overall palatability compared to preferred food sources.
Environmental Factors Affecting Rabbit Foraging
A rabbit’s feeding behavior is strongly influenced by external pressures and the availability of alternative food sources. When rabbit populations are high in a localized area, competition for food increases, forcing animals to explore less desirable options. This pressure can make a normally resistant plant, like Pincushion Flower, a target of last resort.
Scarcity of preferred forage, such as tender grasses and clover, also dictates diet changes, particularly during drought or late in the season. When usual food sources become dry and tough, rabbits may turn to juicier garden ornamentals they would normally ignore. This necessity overrides their natural aversion to the plant’s texture or flavor profile.
Young rabbits, often called kits, are prone to sampling a wider array of plants as they learn what is safe and palatable. These inexperienced foragers may nibble on new or tender Scabiosa growth simply out of curiosity. A plant’s resistance can fluctuate significantly based on the number of rabbits and seasonal environmental conditions.
Effective Measures for Garden Protection
Since no plant is truly rabbit-proof, the most reliable strategy for protecting a garden involves physical barriers. Fencing is the most effective method, but it must meet specific dimensional requirements. A fence should be at least 24 to 30 inches high to deter most adult rabbits from clearing the top.
To prevent burrowing, the bottom of the fence needs to be secured by burying the wire at least six inches deep. Bending the buried section outward at a 90-degree angle, creating a small apron, is often more effective than burying it straight down. The mesh size used for the barrier should be no larger than one inch, preventing juvenile rabbits from squeezing through.
Repellents offer a secondary layer of defense, especially around smaller, vulnerable plantings. Taste-based repellents, containing ingredients like putrescent egg solids or capsaicin, make the plant unpalatable. Scent-based products, often containing predator urine or strong essential oils, aim to make the area feel unsafe. Both types require consistent reapplication, especially after rain or when new growth emerges, to maintain effectiveness.
Habitat modification is another way to reduce a garden’s appeal by removing potential hiding spots. Clearing away dense brush piles, low-hanging shrubbery, and tall weeds eliminates the cover rabbits use to hide from predators. Maintaining open sight lines and blocking access to spaces under decks or sheds encourages rabbits to seek shelter elsewhere.