Gardeners often face rabbits, a common adversary, when looking forward to the brilliant colors of spring. Rabbits are opportunistic feeders, especially during the lean months of early spring, making tender new growth a highly attractive food source. Understanding this conflict between desired flora and local wildlife is the first step in protecting your garden.
Why Tulips are a Rabbit Favorite
Rabbits readily consume tulips, largely due to the plants’ early appearance. In late winter and early spring, when other vegetation is dormant, emerging tulip shoots are one of the first available green meals. These tender young leaves and stems are easily digestible and provide moisture and nutrients after winter.
The attraction is not limited to the foliage; rabbits also consume the flower heads and buds. A rabbit’s diet is driven by accessibility, and the mild aroma and soft texture of a newly sprouted tulip are inviting. While other rodents target the bulb underground, rabbits will eat a bulb if it is planted shallowly or becomes exposed.
Are Tulips Poisonous to Rabbits?
Tulips contain glycosides, specifically Tulipalin A and B, which are toxic to rabbits and pose a health risk if consumed. These substances are present throughout the entire plant structure, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and bulbs.
The highest concentration of these toxic glycosides is found within the tulip bulb. Ingestion can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress, manifesting as diarrhea, excessive drooling, or lethargy. Rabbits cannot vomit due to a tight sphincter in their digestive system, meaning they cannot expel the toxins once consumed. While wild rabbits rarely consume a lethal dose, consuming any part of the plant can lead to serious digestive upset.
Effective Strategies for Protecting Your Garden
The most reliable method for protecting tulips involves installing a physical barrier. Fencing constructed from chicken wire or hardware cloth is effective, but it must be properly secured to deter burrowing. The fence should be at least two feet high to prevent rabbits from jumping over it, and the bottom edge must be buried a minimum of six inches deep.
To further discourage digging, the buried portion of the fence can be bent outward into an L-shape away from the planting area. For newly planted bulbs, chicken wire or mesh can be laid flat over the soil surface. This allows shoots to grow through while preventing access to the bulbs below, protecting them until they sprout.
Taste and scent-based deterrents offer a second layer of defense against rabbit damage. Commercially available repellents containing putrescent egg solids or predator urine mimic the smell of danger. These products must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness.
Homeowners may also use natural products to discourage feeding. Options include sprinkling cayenne pepper or coffee grounds around the base of the plants, or using blood meal, which fertilizes the plants while its strong odor deters rabbits. Rotating between different types of repellents is necessary to prevent rabbits from becoming accustomed to a single scent or flavor.