Rabbits are not particularly fond of sedums and will generally only eat them if no other food options are available. This is one of the reasons sedums are a great choice if you want to keep rabbits out of your garden.
It’s the middle of summer and you’re spending your days outside in the garden, enjoying the sun and fresh air. You’ve worked hard to make it look nice, but lately, you’ve been having a problem with rabbits getting in and eating your plants. Every day, you find new evidence of their destruction, and it’s starting to drive you crazy.
You’ve tried using repellents and other methods to keep them away, but nothing seems to be working. You may have considered fencing your garden off to keep the rabbits out for good, but you don’t want to go through the trouble of building an ugly fence around your beautiful garden.
One of the best methods is to plant deterrent plants around the perimeter of your garden. Plants like sedums have properties that rabbits don’t like. Planting these around the edge of your garden won’t guarantee rabbits will stay away, but it certainly puts the odds in your favor!
What You'll Learn
What Are Sedums?
Sedums are a type of succulent plant that is native to Europe and Asia. They are known for storing water in their leaves, which helps them survive in dry or rocky environments.
Sedums are relatively easy to grow and require very little care once they are established. When planting sedums, it is important to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
The plants can be started from seed, but they are more commonly propagated by division or cuttings. Once they are in the ground, sedums need little attention other than occasional watering during periods of drought. With their low-maintenance requirements and drought-tolerant nature, sedums are the perfect rabbit repellent.
Why Do Sedums Repel Rabbits?
Truth be told, we aren’t sure of the exact reason sedums repel rabbits, but there are quite a few possibilities.
The Plant Structure
One possibility is that the plant’s physical structure makes it unappealing to rabbits. The leaves are thick and fleshy, making them difficult to chew.
The Taste
Another possibility is that sedums contain chemicals that are unpalatable to rabbits. These chemicals might make the plant taste bad or cause digestive problems.
The Scent
Finally, it is also possible that sedums produce scents that rabbits find off-putting.
Whatever the reason, it is clear that sedums are not a favorite food source for rabbits.
How to Plant Sedums to Protect Your Garden From Rabbits
If you want to use sedums to protect your garden from rabbits, you’ll need to plant them around the perimeter of your garden. The plants should be spaced about 2 feet apart, and you’ll need to plant them in a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil.
If you are starting the plants from seed, it is best to sow them in late winter or early spring. You can also purchase sedums as starter plants from your local garden center.
Once the plants are established, they will require very little care. Sedums are drought-tolerant and can survive in dry conditions. They only need an occasional watering during extended periods of drought.
Other Ways to Keep Rabbits Out of Your Garden
Repellents
You can use repellents to keep rabbits away from your garden. There are many different types of rabbit repellents available on the market, and you can find one that is right for your garden.
Some repellents use smells to keep rabbits away, while others use tastes. The most effective repellents will use both smells and tastes to deter rabbits.
Physical Barrier
You can also use physical barriers to keep rabbits out of your garden. Fencing is the most common method, but it is also the most expensive. If you decide to go this route, be sure to choose a fence that is at least four feet tall.
Remove Food and Water Sources
Making sure there are no food and water sources near your garden will also help to keep rabbits away. If they can’t find anything to eat or drink, they will likely move on in search of a more hospitable environment.
Whatever method you choose, keep an eye on your garden and be prepared to take action if rabbits become a problem.
Sedums are a type of succulent that can be found growing in the wild and in gardens. They are known for their ability to repel rabbits, and there are many different types of sedums that come in a variety of colors. You can also find other plants with the same repelling properties, and there are other ways to keep rabbits away from your garden if they are causing problems.
