Do Rabbits Eat Lavender In The Garden

Rabbits do eat lavender in the garden, but only when they’re desperate enough to nibble on just about anything green.
 
If you’ve been asking whether rabbits eat lavender, the short answer is yes, though it’s far from their first choice.
 
These fluffy foragers usually pass over lavender’s strong scent and fuzzy leaves in favor of sweeter, tender plants.
 
But when food is scarce, rabbits will eat lavender even if they don’t love it, especially young shoots in early spring.
 
In this post, we’ll dig into why rabbits eat lavender at all, how to protect your plants, and what to do if your lavender becomes a bunny snack.
 
Let’s hop right in and sort out the truth about rabbits and lavender.
 

Why Rabbits Eat Lavender In The Garden

Rabbits eat lavender in the garden for a few surprising reasons, and understanding them helps you guard your plants better.
 

1. Desperation Overrides Taste

Rabbits eat lavender most often when their preferred foods run out, like during winter or drought.
 
Your garden becomes a buffet of last resort, and lavender’s evergreen leaves look like a meal to a hungry bunny.
 
While the aromatic oils usually repel them, a starving rabbit will eat lavender despite the bitter flavor.
 
This is why you might see chewed stems even though lavender is listed as rabbit-resistant in many guides.
 

2. Young Lavender Is Tender And Tempting

Newly planted lavender has softer, less oily foliage than mature bushes, making it far more appealing.
 
Rabbits eat lavender seedlings and fresh spring growth before the essential oils fully develop.
 
Once lavender matures and its leaves become leathery and fragrant, rabbits lose interest quickly.
 
So if your lavender is young, protect it until it establishes that stronger scent and texture.
 

3. Rabbits Eat Lavender Flowers For Variety

During blooming season, rabbits might sample lavender flowers because they’re sweeter than the foliage.
 
The blooms contain less of the pungent oils, so curious bunnies may take a cautious taste.
 
It’s not a full meal, but rabbits eat lavender blossoms when they’re exploring new plants in your garden.
 
This nibbling rarely kills the plant, but it can ruin the display you worked hard to grow.
 

4. Individual Rabbit Preferences Matter

Just like people, some rabbits are bolder and less picky than others.
 
A young rabbit learning what’s edible might eat lavender more readily than an older, wiser one.
 
If one bunny in your area decides lavender tastes fine, others may follow its lead.
 
That’s why you’ll hear conflicting stories from gardeners about whether rabbits eat lavender at all.
 

How To Stop Rabbits From Eating Lavender

Now that you know rabbits can eat lavender, let’s talk about keeping your plants safe without harming the bunnies.
 

1. Physical Barriers Work Best

The most reliable way to stop rabbits eating lavender is a fence at least two feet tall.
 
Use chicken wire or hardware cloth with openings smaller than one inch, buried a few inches into the soil.
 
Rabbits can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps, so check for holes regularly.
 
A simple cloche or wire cage around young lavender gives it time to grow tough and unappealing.
 

2. Repellent Sprays Deter Snacking

Commercial repellents with putrid egg or garlic solids make lavender taste terrible to rabbits.
 
Spray your plants weekly and after rain, especially during high-pressure feeding times in spring and fall.
 
You can also make a homemade spray by steeping hot peppers or garlic in water and straining it.
 
Just remember to reapply often, as lavender’s own oils can wash these repellents off quickly.
 

3. Plant Lavender Among Unappetizing Companions

Rabbits eat lavender less when it’s surrounded by plants they truly despise, like marigolds or Russian sage.
 
Strong-smelling herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano also confuse rabbits and mask lavender’s scent.
 
Interplanting lavender with these natural deterrents creates a confusing maze for hungry bunnies.
 
This tactic doesn’t guarantee protection, but it reduces the chances rabbits will eat lavender in your garden.
 

4. Remove Hiding Spots Nearby

Rabbits feel safest when they can dart under sheds, brush piles, or tall grass after a quick nibble.
 
Clear away debris and keep your lawn mowed short around lavender beds to expose rabbits to predators.
 
Without cover, bunnies become nervous and less likely to linger and eat lavender repeatedly.
 
This habitat management goes a long way in making your whole garden less attractive to rabbits.
 

What To Do If Rabbits Already Ate Your Lavender

If you’ve spotted chewed stems, don’t panic, because lavender is tough and usually bounces back.
 

1. Prune Damaged Growth

Cut back any ragged, chewed stems just above a set of healthy leaves to encourage fresh growth.
 
Rabbits eat lavender unevenly, so trimming gives the plant a neat shape and prevents disease.
 
Wait until you see new buds forming, then prune carefully to avoid cutting into woody old growth.
 
Lavender regrows from the base, so even heavy damage won’t kill an established plant.
 

2. Water and Feed For Recovery

A stressed plant needs extra care, so water your lavender deeply once a week after rabbit damage.
 
Avoid heavy fertilizer, which encourages soft growth that rabbits will eat lavender again.
 
Instead, top-dress with compost to slowly boost the soil and strengthen the plant’s roots.
 
Healthy lavender recovers faster and produces more of those protective aromatic oils.
 

3. Apply A Protective Barrier Now

Learn from the damage and add that fence or repellent spray before new growth appears.
 
Rabbits remember good feeding spots, so they’ll return to eat lavender again if you don’t act.
 
A quick cage over freshly pruned lavender shields vulnerable regrowth until it toughens up.
 
Taking action now prevents a repeat buffet and lets your lavender thrive in peace.
 

So, Do Rabbits Eat Lavender In The Garden?

Rabbits do eat lavender in the garden, but it’s not their favorite meal.
 
Desperate bunnies, tender young plants, and curious nibblers all explain why rabbits eat lavender despite its reputation.
 
You can stop rabbits eating lavender with fences, sprays, companion planting, and by removing hiding spots.
 
And if damage happens, quick pruning and care will bring your lavender back to full health.
 
So yes, rabbits eat lavender in the garden, but with smart strategies, you can enjoy both your flowers and your furry visitors.
 
Happy gardening, and may your lavender stay fragrant and nibble-free.