Are Mexican Sunflowers Rabbit Resistant?

Showy Sunflowers

• Mexican sunflowers are not traditional sunflowers. They do not produce seed heads and are not part of the Helianthus genus. These plants are more shrub-like, with full, bushy forms. A single Mexican sunflower plant produces numerous flowers of varying heights, and many of the stems have multiple blooms. The plants do grow tall -- up to 6 feet -- with a maximum width of about 4 feet. The broad, green leaves have a fuzzy texture. The flowers are bright reddish-orange, about 3 inches in diameter, and make excellent cut flowers. They attract bees and especially butterflies. To get the most blooms out of your Mexican sunflowers, plant them where they will be exposed to full sunlight and in dry to medium, well-draining soil.

Wascally Rabbits

• Wild rabbits love home gardens. Such landscapes provide the perfect habitat -- shelter from predators and plenty of food. Rabbits, which are active all year long, can do a great amount of damage to a home garden. Not only do they eat green vegetation, but they also nibble on bark and twigs in the winter, and flower buds in the spring. If given a choice, rabbits prefer tender green leaves and flowers -- and Mexican sunflowers deliver. Unlike true sunflowers, Mexican sunflowers grow at varying levels on their stems, some just in reach of your garden's bunnies. In fact, Mexican sunflowers are commonly grown specifically for use as fodder for rabbits.

Climate Considerations

• In most areas of the United States, these tropical flowers, which are native to Mexico and Central America, are grown as annuals. They are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10, with one caveat: Mexican sunflowers are killed to the ground by frost. They reseed so readily, however, that this is usually not a consideration for home gardeners. In fact, they are so easy to grow by seed -- and spread so rapidly -- that the plants are considered invasive in some areas, according to Feedipedia.

Bunny Barriers

• If you want to protect your Mexican sunflowers from hungry rabbits, a barrier is your best bet. Chemical rabbit repellents don't always work well, according to New Mexico State University. A fence is your best option. In addition, because of their height, Mexican sunflowers enjoy support and grow well against a fence anyway. Use at least a 3-foot high poultry fence, and one that is tightly woven enough so that a rabbit cannot squeeze through. If you have deer in the area, don't worry -- although they aren't rabbit-resistant, the flowers are deer-resistant.