Do Deer Eat Begonias

If you’re a gardener, you’ve probably asked yourself, “do deer eat begonias?” It’s a common concern for anyone trying to maintain a beautiful landscape where wildlife visits. The short answer is yes, deer will eat begonias, but they aren’t their first choice. This article gives you the full picture and practical solutions to protect your flowers.

Deer are opportunistic feeders. When their preferred foods are scarce, they’ll sample almost any plant in your garden. While begonias aren’t a deer’s favorite meal, they are not deer-proof. Tender begonia leaves and flowers can become a target, especially for young deer or in times of drought.

Why Deer Target Some Gardens Over Others

Deer pressure varies widely. Your location matters a lot. If you live near woods or in a rural area, deer are more likely to be regular visitors. Suburban gardens might see them less often, but when they do visit, the damage can be significant.

Seasonal changes drive deer behavior. In spring and summer, natural food is plentiful. Your begonias might be ignored. But in fall and winter, when food sources dwindle, your garden becomes a tempting buffet. Newly planted begonias are also more vulnerable because their fresh growth is especially appealing.

Begonia Types and Deer Resistance

Not all begonias are equally at risk. Some varieties are slightly less palatable due to their texture or taste.

Wax Begonias (Semperflorens): These are the most commonly planted. Their succulent leaves and stems are more likely to be eaten by deer.
Tuberous Begonias: Their large, showy flowers might get nibbled, but the plants are often left alone if other food is available.
Rex Begonias: The fuzzy, textured leaves of Rex begonias are less attractive to deer. They prefer smoother foliage.
Angel-Wing Begonias: Similar to Rex, their tougher leaves offer a bit more resistance, though it’s not a guarantee.

Remember, “deer-resistant” is not “deer-proof.” A hungry deer will eat almost anything.

Effective Strategies to Protect Your Begonias

You don’t have to surrender your garden. A layered approach using different methods is most effective.

1. Use Deer Repellents

Repellents work by making plants taste or smell bad. You have two main types: contact and area repellents.

Contact Repellents: You spray these directly on the begonia leaves. They make the plant taste awful. Common active ingredients include putrescent egg solids or capsaicin (hot pepper). Reapply after heavy rain.
Area Repellents: These create a scent barrier around your garden. Examples are bags of human hair, bars of strongly scented soap, or commercial scent-based sprays. You need to rotate these scents every few weeks so deer don’t get used to them.

The key with repellents is consistency. If you forget to reapply, deer will quickly learn the threat is gone.

2. Install Physical Barriers

This is the most reliable method. Fencing is the gold standard.

Full Garden Fence: A fence needs to be at least 8 feet tall to reliably deter deer. They are excellent jumpers.
Individual Plant Protection: For smaller plantings, use wire cages or cloches over your begonias. This is a simple and effective solution for container gardens.
Netting: Bird netting draped over stakes can sometimes deter deer, as they don’t like the feeling on their face.

3. Plant Strategically

Use companion planting to your advantage. Surround your begonias with plants that deer strongly dislike. This can create a natural protective barrier.

Some excellent deer-resistant companions include:

Lavender
Salvia
Marigolds
Daffodils (bulbs are toxic to them)
Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and mint

Place these less-desirable plants on the outer edges of your beds, with your begonias closer to your house.

4. Employ Sensory Deterrents

Deer are skittish. Using motion-activated devices can startle them away.

Motion-activated sprinklers are fantastic. They spray a sudden burst of water when they detect movement.
Wind chimes, pinwheels, or even a radio left on talk radio overnight can make deer feel uneasy about entering your space.

Like with scents, move these devices around periodically so deer don’t realize they’re harmless.

What to Do If Deer Already Ate Your Begonias

Don’t panic. Begonias are often resilient.

Assess the Damage: If the stems are bitten but some leaves remain, the plant will likely recover. Trim any ragged edges with clean pruners.
Water and Feed: Give the damaged plant some extra care. A light application of balanced fertilizer can encourage new growth.
Protect Immediately: Once you see damage, apply a repellent or install a cage right away to prevent a second visit.
Consider Relocation: If a particular begonia gets hit repeatedly, think about moving it to a pot on a patio or closer to the house where deer are less bold.

Long-Term Garden Planning

If deer are a constant problem in your area, you might need to adjust your overall garden plan. This doesn’t mean giving up on color.

You can create stunning gardens using plants deer rarely touch. Focus on those with strong scents, fuzzy leaves, or toxic properties. Then, use your begonias in protected areas like hanging baskets on a porch, window boxes, or a fenced courtyard.

This way, you still enjoy their beauty without constant worry. Its a practical compromise that many gardeners make.

Common Myths About Deer and Plants

Let’s clear up some confusion.

Myth: “Deer won’t eat plants with milky sap.” While often true, some exceptions exist. It’s not a foolproof rule.
Myth: “Once a deer eats a plant, it will always avoid it.” Unfortunately, deer have poor memory for taste aversions in this context. If it was palatable once, they’ll try it again.
Myth: “A dog in the yard will keep deer away forever.” Deer may avoid a yard with an active dog, but they will learn the dog’s schedule and visit when it’s inside.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: Do deer eat begonia flowers or just the leaves?
A: Deer will eat both. They typically go for the tender leaves first, but the colorful blooms are also fair game to them.

Q: Are any begonias completely safe from deer?
A: No. No plant is 100% safe from a hungry deer. Some types, like Rex begonias, are less preferred but can still be damaged.

Q: What is the best homemade deer repellent for begonias?
A: A simple spray of one egg beaten into a gallon of water can work. You can also add a tablespoon of hot sauce. Spray it on the leaves, but remember to reapply after rain.

Q: Will coffee grounds keep deer away from my begonias?
A: The scent of coffee grounds can deter deer temporarily, but it’s not a strong or long-lasting solution on its own. It’s better used as part of a broader strategy.

Q: Do deer eat begonias in pots?
A: Yes, potted plants are not safe. In fact, container begonias on the ground might be more accessible. Raising pots onto stands or placing them on a deck can help.

Protecting your begonias from deer requires some effort and vigilance. By understanding their habits and using a mix of the methods described, you can significantly reduce the chance of damage. Start with the easiest step, like applying a repellent, and add more barriers if needed. With careful planning, you can enjoy your beautiful begonias all season long.