Gomphrena, also known as Globe Amaranth, is a popular annual in gardens due to its distinctive clover-like flowers and long bloom time. This plant thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for many gardeners. However, a common concern is preventing damage from local wildlife, particularly foraging rabbits. Understanding a plant’s vulnerability is a priority before planting begins.
Is Gomphrena Palatable to Rabbits?
Gomphrena is generally categorized as a plant with strong resistance to rabbit damage, though it is not entirely rabbit-proof. The plant’s inherent characteristics make it unappealing to most rabbits under normal conditions. This resistance is often attributed to the foliage’s slightly rough or hairy texture, which deters sensitive rabbit palates. Plants in the Amaranthaceae family often contain secondary metabolites that impart a bitter taste. Rabbits are highly selective foragers and typically bypass these plants for more tender options. Resistance diminishes when feeding pressure is high, such as during drought or high rabbit population density.
Understanding Rabbit Foraging Habits
Rabbits are opportunistic herbivores whose diet is primarily composed of grass, clover, and leafy greens found close to the ground. They are most active during the crepuscular hours of dawn and dusk, minimizing their exposure to predators. This means most garden damage occurs when gardeners are not present. Food selection is heavily influenced by seasonal changes and the availability of preferred forage. In early spring, rabbits target soft shoots and seedlings, which are easier to digest. As the season progresses and preferred food becomes tougher, their taste preferences shift, increasing the likelihood they will test plants previously avoided.
Garden damage can sometimes be just exploratory nibbling, where a rabbit tests the flavor and texture of an unfamiliar plant. A clean, sharp cut on a stem or leaf is a classic sign of rabbit feeding, as they use both upper and lower incisors to snip the vegetation. If a rabbit consistently returns to a plant, it indicates high palatability, but a single rejected bite suggests the plant’s natural defenses were effective.
Implementing Protective Measures
The most reliable strategy for protecting a garden from rabbits involves creating effective physical barriers. Fencing is the most successful method, provided it accounts for the rabbit’s burrowing and jumping abilities. The fence should be constructed of chicken wire or hardware cloth with a mesh size of one inch or smaller. The barrier needs to be at least two feet tall, as rabbits can easily jump over shorter obstructions. To counteract their tendency to dig, the fence bottom must be buried a minimum of six inches into the ground, preferably bent outward in an “L” shape.
For individual plants or new seedlings, temporary exclusion methods offer a simpler solution until the plants mature. Placing a cylinder of chicken wire or hardware cloth around vulnerable plants provides protection without a permanent fence. Alternatively, lightweight bird or garden netting can be placed over newly planted areas, ensuring the edges are firmly anchored to the ground.
Deterrents and repellents offer a secondary line of defense by using taste or scent to make the area unappealing to foraging animals. Commercial repellents often use ingredients like putrescent egg solids, capsaicin, or dried blood, which emit repulsive odors. These are applied directly to the foliage or around the garden perimeter. Home remedies utilizing strong scents, such as powdered garlic or crushed red pepper, are also employed. Since rabbits can become accustomed to any single deterrent, rotate products and reapply every few weeks or immediately following heavy rain.