Do Rabbits Eat Hydrangeas

If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably looked out your window and asked, “do rabbits eat hydrangeas?” It’s a common worry for anyone who loves both their fluffy wildlife and their flowering shrubs. The short answer is yes, rabbits will eat hydrangeas, especially when their favorite foods are scarce. This article will help you understand why, which parts are most at risk, and most importantly, how to protect your beautiful plants.

Rabbits are opportunistic feeders. While hydrangeas aren’t their first choice, they are not immune to hungry bunnies. Tender new growth, soft stems, and sometimes even the flower buds can become a meal. Young hydrangea plants are particularly vulnerable because their stems are softer and easier to chew through. An established shrub might survive some nibbling, but repeated damage can stress the plant and ruin its blooms.

Why Rabbits Target Your Garden

Rabbits eat mostly for survival. Your garden represents a reliable, lush buffet compared to dry wild grasses. Spring is the most dangerous time, as rabbits have young to feed and new plant growth is especially tender. During dry summers or harsh winters, when natural vegetation is sparse, they become less picky and will sample plants they usually avoid, like hydrangeas.

Which Hydrangea Parts Are Most at Risk?

Rabbits don’t eat the whole plant at once. They have preferences.

New Growth & Buds: The soft, green stems and emerging leaf buds in spring are like candy to them.
Bark in Winter: In cold months, when greenery is gone, rabbits may gnaw on the bark of hydrangea stems. This can girdle and kill the branches.
Young Plants: Seedlings and newly planted hydrangeas are often completely destroyed because their entire structure is edible to a rabbit.

Are Some Hydrangea Varieties More Resistant?

While no hydrangea is completely rabbit-proof, some types are less palatable. Rabbits tend to prefer plants with smooth, thin leaves over those with thicker, fuzzier, or more textured foliage.

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia): Its large, rough-textured leaves and peeling bark are less appealing.
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris): Once established, its woody vines and higher growth habit put it out of easy reach.
Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla): Unfortunately, these popular varieties with their succulent leaves and stems are often the first to be sampled.

Effective Strategies to Protect Your Hydrangeas

Protecting your plants requires a mix of methods. What works for one garden might need adjustment in another. The key is consistency.

Physical Barriers: The Most Reliable Method

Fencing is your best defense. It creates a direct obstacle that rabbits cannot easily bypass.

Use chicken wire or hardware cloth with a mesh no larger than 1 inch.
Create a cylinder around individual shrubs or a fence around garden beds.
Bury the bottom 4-6 inches underground and bend it outward to stop burrowing.
Ensure the fence is at least 2-3 feet tall, as rabbits can jump high.

For young plants, you can use simple cloches made from wire mesh or even cut plastic bottles (with the cap off) to protect them until they get bigger.

Natural Repellents and Deterrents

Repellents make your plants taste or smell bad. They need to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain.

Commercial Spray Repellents: Look for ones containing putrified eggs, capsaicin (hot pepper), or garlic. Always follow the label instructions.
Homemade Sprays: A mixture of water, a few drops of dish soap, and cayenne pepper can be sprayed on leaves. Test on a small area first to check for plant damage.
Granular Repellents: These are sprinkled around the base of the plant and need to be refreshed often.

Garden Hygiene and Habitat Modification

Make your yard less inviting to rabbits. They are prey animals and prefer areas with ready cover.

Remove brush piles, tall grass, and weed patches where rabbits can hide.
Seal off openings under sheds or decks where they might nest.
Keep your lawn mowed to reduce their sense of security.

This approach won’t eliminate them, but it can encourage them to move to a more sheltered location.

Companion Planting and Strategic Choices

Surrounding your hydrangeas with plants rabbits strongly dislike can create a protective barrier. These plants have strong scents, fuzzy leaves, or prickly textures.

Strong-Scented Herbs: Lavender, sage, thyme, and oregano.
Ornamental Plants: Marigolds, snapdragons, allium, and catmint.
Prickly Foliage: Holly or boxwood (though boxwood can have its own pests).

What to Do If Rabbits Have Already Eaten Your Hydrangeas

Don’t panic. Hydrangeas are resilient. Assess the damage and take these steps.

Check for Stem Damage: If a stem is completely gnawed through, prune it back to just above a healthy set of buds.
Winter Bark Damage: If bark is stripped all the way around a stem (girdled), that section will likely die. Prune it back to below the damaged area.
Fertilize and Water: Give the plant a boost with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer and ensure it gets adequate water to help it recover.
Apply Protection Immediately: Once you’ve cleaned up, install a physical barrier or apply a repellent to prevent a second attack.

Most established hydrangeas will send up new growth from the base or undamaged branches, thought it may not flower as well that season.

Common Misconceptions About Rabbits and Plants

Let’s clear up a few myths. One common belief is that rabbits won’t eat plants that are poisonous to them. While hydrangeas contain compounds that can be toxic in large quantities, rabbits typically don’t eat enough at one time to cause harm to themselves. They also has a different digestive system than humans or pets.

Another myth is that one repellent or method works forever. Rabbits can adapt, and young rabbits may not have learned what to avoid yet. Rotating methods or combining them yields the best results.

FAQ: Rabbits and Hydrangeas

Do wild rabbits and domestic rabbits eat the same plants?

Yes, their dietary preferences are very similar. A pet rabbit will happily munch on hydrangea leaves if given the chance, so keep houseplants and cut flowers out of reach.

Will rabbits eat hydrangeas in the winter?

Yes. When green food is scarce, they gnaw on woody stems and bark. This winter feeding can be more damaging than summer nibbling because it can kill branches.

Are hydrangea flowers or leaves more likely to be eaten?

Leaves and stems are the primary targets. Flower buds might get nipped off, but rabbits usually go for the vegetative parts first.

Do coffee grounds keep rabbits away?

This is a popular garden hack. While the smell may offer a temporary deterrent, it’s not a reliable long-term solution on its own. It’s better used as part of a broader strategy.

What other animals eat hydrangeas?

Deer are a major culprit and cause similar but larger damage. Voles may chew on roots, and some insects, like Japanese beetles, skeletonize the leaves. Proper identification is key for control.

Protecting your hydrangeas from rabbits is an ongoing part of garden stewardship. By understanding their habits and using a persistent mix of barriers, repellents, and garden management, you can enjoy both the presence of wildlife and the beauty of your flowering shrubs. Start with a strong physical fence for the most vulnerable plants, and observe what works best in your unique garden space. With these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of finding you precious hydrangeas turned into a rabbit’s next meal.