6 Animals That Eat Hibiscus Flowers (Pictures)

The hibiscus is a very tasty flower that attracts many different types of animals, from insects to deer and groundhogs. There are many animals that eat hibiscus flowers because they have sweet nectar that is found at the base of each flower. There are countless creatures all over the globe who love this plant’s vibrant blooms.

6 Animals That Eat Hibiscus Flowers

Here is a list of 6 random types of herbivores, or plant-eating animals, that are munching away at your hibiscus plants. Most herbivores eat hibiscus because they are a sweet snack that is hard to resist, especially with rapidly shifting ecosystems and micro-climates.

1. Deer

Deer are common culprits when it comes to animals that eat hibiscus flowers. The deer will often walk right up to the base of a plant and start chomping away at the tender leaves, stems, and buds.

Unfortunately for gardeners who love their beautiful hibiscus flowers, they often can’t do much to prevent deer from having access to them. Besides fencing off the plants or using other deterrents, the best way to protect the hibiscus is to plant them in a location that is inaccessible to deer.

This means making sure they are far away from any areas where deer might roam and putting up fences or using repellents if necessary to make sure that no deer get near your precious hibiscus plants.

2. Groundhogs

Groundhogs may be eating hibiscus plants because they like the taste of them, and/or because they are scarce on food and these plants are one of the only sources of food available. If a groundhog is eating hibiscus flowers, then it may be necessary to discourage this feeding behavior in order to protect other plants in the garden.

One of the easiest ways to discourage groundhogs from feeding on hibiscus plants is to fence off the plants. You can also try spreading a physical or chemical deterrent, such as chili powder or hot pepper sauce, around the base of the plant.

If groundhogs are persistent, trapping and relocating them may be another option to consider. Groundhogs are a little easier to defend your hibiscus plants from because they are much shorter than a taller animal like a deer.

3. Squirrels

If squirrels are the animals that eat hibiscus flowers in your garden, there are a few things you should know. First, squirrels eat anything that contains seeds – and hibiscus flowers have lots of small seeds inside. Second, because they’re so small, the seeds don’t provide much nutrition for the squirrels.

This is why they also eat nuts and other foods in addition to the hibiscus seeds. Third, while they enjoy the flowers’ sweet nectar, squirrels will eat the blooms as well if they need to. Because of this, it’s important to keep an eye on your garden and remove any fallen petals or flowers before the squirrels can get to them.

Fourth, if you notice any squirrels in your garden, it’s a good idea to take steps to discourage them from coming back. This could mean using deterrent sprays or planting additional food sources that will make the hibiscus flowers less appealing.

With a little planning and care, you can keep squirrels out of your hibiscus garden and enjoy their beautiful flowers all season long.

4. Herbivorous Insects

Plant-eating insects like caterpillars and leaf beetles are some of the most common animals that eat hibiscus plants. They enjoy munching on leaves, buds, and flowers, but they’re not able to eat many other types of plants due to their specialized diets.

One way to discourage these insects from eating your hibiscus flowers and plants is to plant them in a location that is not very accessible. This means putting up fences or using other physical barriers to keep the insects out of your garden and away from your precious hibiscus flowers.

You can also try planting other plants in your garden, such as marigolds or mints, which are known for their ability to repel herbivorous insects. And if all else fails, you may want to consider using chemical deterrents such as insecticides or pesticides to protect your hibiscus flowers from these plant-eating pests.

With a little careful planning and care, you can enjoy your beautiful hibiscus plants without worrying about them being eaten by hungry insects.

5. Rabbits

Rabbits are often the animals that eat hibiscus flowers in a garden. Rabbits are known to be very destructive animals, especially when it comes to gardens. They will eat the leaves and flowers of your hibiscus plants, causing damage that can be difficult to repair.

To protect your hibiscus flowers from rabbits, it is important to take measures such as using fencing around your garden or installing motion detector lights. This will help to keep rabbits at bay and ensure that your hibiscus flowers stay safe from these voracious eaters.

Despite their destructive nature, rabbits are still an important part of the ecosystem. They play a crucial role in controlling plant populations and spreading seeds throughout the forest. Try to repel them without harming them.

6. Iguanas

Iguanas are another surprising culprit when it comes to eating hibiscus flowers. Of course you must live in a place where green iguanas are prevalent, and in the U.S. that’s pretty much just the southern half of Florida.  These lizards actually get quite large and are actually able to eat the whole flower and stalk, using their strong jaws to bite through the tough petals or leaves.

There are a few things you can do to help discourage them from eating hibiscus flowers. Planting prickly plants around the edges of your garden is one effective way to keep them away, as these animals tend to avoid anything that could cause them harm. Additionally, you can try DIY tactics like spreading coffee grounds around the base.