rabbits ate all leaves off coleus in a pot - Ask Extension
I have two large pots of coleus that were beautiful. Three rabbits ate all the leaves off one pot. The also ate all the flowers but not the leaves ...
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rabbits ate all leaves off coleus in a pot #801434
Asked July 16, 2022, 7:53 AM EDT
I have two large pots of coleus that were beautiful. Three rabbits ate all the leaves off one pot. The also ate all the flowers but not the leaves of my mandevilla.
The mandevilla looks like it will produce more flowers.
The coleus, however, is completely bare with only the stems remaining. What should I do? Can I restore the coleus?
Thanks for your assistance.
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Sorry to hear about the problems you are having. Unfortunately, rabbits will eat many flowers and vegetable plants, including coleus. The best solution is to put your container plants , or any beds that need protection, inside of fencing such as chicken wire, to keep the rabbits out. The link below will provide further information on fencing and other deterrents.
If you are willing to wait a few weeks, once the coleus stalks are protected from the rabbits, they are likely to begin leafing out again and will last until the first frost. If you want it to keep producing leaves, be sure to snip off any flowers from the top of the stem.
And, if you want to propagate the coleus for next year after it recovers, snip off 2 or 3 stems at 3-4", remove the lower leaves, and place in water. The stems will produce roots, and it can then be planted in an indoor pot with potting soil.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rabbits
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/coleus/
Debbie
If you are willing to wait a few weeks, once the coleus stalks are protected from the rabbits, they are likely to begin leafing out again and will last until the first frost. If you want it to keep producing leaves, be sure to snip off any flowers from the top of the stem.
And, if you want to propagate the coleus for next year after it recovers, snip off 2 or 3 stems at 3-4", remove the lower leaves, and place in water. The stems will produce roots, and it can then be planted in an indoor pot with potting soil.
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rabbits
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/coleus/
Debbie
