Gardeners often ask if begonias are a reliable choice for landscapes frequented by hungry deer. If you’re wondering do deer eat begonias, you’re not alone in seeking a clear answer to protect your garden investment.
This article provides a detailed look at deer feeding behavior and begonia’s place in it. You will get practical advice on protecting your plants and selecting other deer-resistant options.
We will cover the factors that influence deer, from plant toxicity to local food scarcity. You can use this information to make smarter planting decisions.
Do Deer Eat Begonias
So, do deer eat begonias? The general consensus among horticulturalists and experienced gardeners is that begonias are considered deer-resistant, but not entirely deer-proof. Deer tend to avoid begonias when other, more palatable food sources are readily available. However, in times of extreme hunger or drought, a desperate deer may sample almost any plant, including begonias.
This distinction between “resistant” and “proof” is crucial for managing your expectations. No plant is ever completely safe when a deer herd is under significant pressure. Understanding this helps you plan a more resilient garden strategy from the start.
Why Deer Usually Avoid Begonias
Deer are selective browsers guided by instinct, taste, and smell. Begonias possess several characteristics that make them unappealing to deer.
Texture and Taste Deterrents
Many begonia varieties have fuzzy, hairy stems and leaves. This texture is unpleasant for deer, who prefer smooth, tender foliage. The leaves can also have a slightly waxy or succulent feel that deer do not favor.
More importantly, begonias contain compounds, such as oxalic acid, which can cause irritation and an unpleasant taste. While not highly toxic, these compounds are enough to make deer look elsewhere for a meal if they have options.
Low Nutritional Priority
Deer seek out plants high in nutrients like nitrogen and water content. Begonias do not rank high on this nutritional scale compared to favorites like hostas, daylilies, or vegetable garden plants. Given a choice, a deer will always select the most nutritious and tasty plant available.
When Deer Might Eat Begonias
Despite their natural resistance, certain conditions can force deer to eat plants they would normally ignore. Recognizing these high-risk scenarios allows you to increase your protective measures proactively.
Seasonal Food Scarcity
Late winter and early spring are the most dangerous times. Natural forage is at its lowest, and deer herds are often at their hungriest. During a harsh winter or a prolonged drought in summer, deer become less picky and may resort to nibbling on begonias.
New spring growth on any plant, including begonias, can be more tender and attractive to deer, even if the mature plant is not.
High Deer Population Pressure
In areas with an overpopulation of deer, natural food sources become over-browsed. This intense competition forces deer to expand their diet to include less desirable plants. Your garden, with its watered and often fertilized plants, becomes a prime target.
If you live in a region with a dense deer population, you should assume that “deer-resistant” lists are only a starting point for your planning.
Types Of Begonias And Deer Resistance
Not all begonias are created equal in the eyes of a deer. Some types may be slightly more or less likely to be browsed based on their physical characteristics.
- Wax Begonias (Semperflorens): These common annual begonias have glossy, succulent-like leaves. Their texture and taste typically deter deer, making them one of the safer choices for bedding plants.
- Tuberous Begonias: Prized for their large, showy flowers, the foliage of tuberous begonias is often more textured. Deer are less likely to eat these, but they may be attracted to the bright flowers in some rare instances.
- Rex Begonias: Grown primarily for their stunning, textured foliage, Rex begonias have very hairy, rough leaves. This makes them among the most deer-resistant types available.
- Angel-Wing and Cane Begonias: These have a more fibrous stem and textured leaves. They are generally considered a lower-risk option for gardens with occasional deer visitors.
Remember, these are general guidlines. Local deer behavior can always vary.
How to Protect Your Begonias From Deer
If you have deer in your area, relying solely on a plant’s resistant reputation is risky. Implementing one or more protective strategies is the best way to ensure your begonias remain untouched.
Physical Barriers And Fencing
Physical barriers are the most effective long-term solution for keeping deer out of your garden. They provide a clear boundary that deer cannot cross.
Perimeter Fencing
A tall fence is the ultimate deterrent. Deer are excellent jumpers, so a fence needs to be at least 8 feet tall to be effective. For many gardens, this is not practical or aesthetically pleasing.
More feasible options include:
- Double Fencing: Installing two fences 4-5 feet apart, each about 5 feet tall. Deer cannot judge the space well and are reluctant to jump into a narrow corridor.
- Slanted Fencing: Angling a fence outward can confuse a deer’s perception and discourage jumping.
- Electric Fencing: A few strands of electric wire around the garden perimeter can teach deer to avoid the area quickly. This is often used in rural or large property settings.
Individual Plant Protection
For smaller gardens or specific prized plants, individual barriers work well.
- Plant Cages: Use wire mesh or sturdy netting to create cages around individual begonia plantings or containers.
- Tree Shelters/ Tubes: Larger tree shelters can be placed over groups of begonias to shield them while they become established.
- Netting: Drape bird netting over beds or hanging baskets. Ensure it is secured well so deer do not become entangled.
Deer Repellents: Spray And Granular Options
Repellents work by making plants taste bad or smell threatening to deer. They are a useful tool but require consistent reapplication.
Types of Repellents
- Contact Repellents: These are sprayed directly on the plants and make them taste bitter or unpleasant. Common active ingredients include putrescent egg solids, capsaicin (hot pepper), or bittering agents. You must reapply these after heavy rain or every few weeks.
- Area Repellents: These use smell to create a zone of fear or unease. They often contain predator urine (like coyote or wolf), blood meal, or garlic. These are placed around the garden perimeter, not directly on plants.
- Homemade Sprays: Mixtures of garlic, eggs, hot sauce, and soap can be somewhat effective. Their potency and longevity are usually less than commercial products, and they need very frequent application.
Application Tips for Success
- Start applying repellents early in the season, before deer establish a feeding routine in your yard.
- Rotate between two or three different types of repellents every few applications to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to one scent or taste.
- Apply during dry, calm weather for best adhesion and follow the product label instructions carefully.
- Pay special attention to new growth and the outer edges of plants, as these are the most likely to be sampled.
Landscaping And Companion Planting Strategies
You can design your garden to be less inviting to deer by using strategic layout and plant selection. This method uses deer’s natural preferences against them.
Creating a Deer-Resistant Border
Plant a perimeter of highly deer-resistant or deer-proof plants around the more vulnerable areas of your garden. This can act as a natural fence. Deer are less likely to push through a barrier of unappealing plants to reach something inside. Good border plants include lavender, boxwood, Russian sage, and ornamental grasses.
Companion Planting With Begonias
Interplant your begonias with strong-smelling herbs and flowers that deer dislike. The strong scents can help mask the begonias and create an overall environment deer avoid. Excellent companions include:
- Alliums (ornamental onions)
- Catmint (Nepeta)
- Sage and Rosemary
- Marigolds
- Daffodils (especially around the edges of beds)
Highly Deer-Resistant Plants to Pair With Begonias
Building a garden with a majority of deer-resistant plants reduces the overall attractivness of your landscape. Here are excellent choices that thrive in similar conditions to many begonias and will complement them visually.
Deer-Resistant Annuals And Perennials
These plants provide reliable color and foliage with minimal deer damage.
- Snapdragons (Antirrhinum): Deer avoid their bitter taste.
- Lantana: Its strong scent and texture are excellent deterrents.
- Salvia (Perennial Sage): Aromatic foliage is rarely touched.
- Coreopsis: Easy-to-grow and generally left alone by browsers.
- Bleeding Heart (Dicentra): Foliage and roots contain alkaloids that deer avoid.
- Peonies: Their thick, glossy foliage and toxic compounds make them a safe bet.
Deer-Resistant Shrubs And Bulbs
Incorporate these for structure and seasonal interest in a deer-prone garden.
- Boxwood (Buxus): Its strong scent and dense leaves are highly unpalatable.
- Butterfly Bush (Buddleia): Fast-growing with fragrant flowers deer ignore.
- Daffodils (Narcissus): All parts are toxic and deer know to avoid them.
- Alliums: The onion/garlic scent is a powerful natural repellent.
- Japanese Pieris: Contains toxins that make it very deer-resistant.
What To Do If Deer Eat Your Begonias
Despite your best efforts, deer damage can sometimes occur. Here’s how to asses the damage and help your plants recover.
Assessing The Damage And Plant Recovery
First, check how severe the browsing is. If deer only nipped off a few flowers or the tips of stems, the begonia will likely recover on its own. Simply clean up any ragged edges with clean pruners.
If the plant was heavily eaten back, you may need to prune it more significantly to encourage bushy new growth. Ensure the plant is well-watered and consider a light application of balanced fertilizer to support recovery. Container begonias may bounce back quicker than those in the ground due to less root competition.
Adjusting Your Defense Strategy
An attack is a clear sign your current deterrents are insufficient. Use this as feedback.
- Upgrade Barriers: If you were using only repellents, add a physical barrier like netting or a small cage.
- Change Repellent Type: Immediately switch to a different brand or formula of repellent and apply it more frequently.
- Reevaluate Plant Placement: Consider moving container begonias closer to the house, onto a patio, or to a more protected area of the yard.
- Increase Scare Tactics: Temporarily add motion-activated sprinklers or lights to startle deer and break their feeding habit in your garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Begonias Deer Proof?
No, begonias are not deer proof. They are classified as deer-resistant, meaning deer will usually avoid them if other food is available. During times of scarcity or high deer pressure, they may be eaten.
What Flowers Do Deer Eat The Most?
Deer have a strong preference for hostas, daylilies, roses, tulips, pansies, and impatiens. They also readily eat many vegetables, like beans, peas, and lettuce. These plants should be given maximum protection or avoided in high-risk areas.
Do Deer Eat Begonia Flowers Or Just Leaves?
Deer typically eat the tender leaves and stems of plants. However, if they are sampling begonias, they may also consume the flowers. The flowers are not necessarily more or less palatable than the foliage to a hungry deer.
What Is The Most Effective Deer Repellent?
The most effective repellent is a tall physical fence. For spray repellents, those containing putrescent egg solids consistently rank high in effectiveness studies, as they mimic the scent of predator activity. Remember, consistency and rotation are key to any repellent’s success.
Will Irish Spring Soap Keep Deer Away?
Irish Spring soap is a common home remedy. The strong scent may deter deer for a short period in a very small area, but its effectiveness is limited and unreliable. It washes away quickly in rain and deer can become habituated to the smell. It is not a substitute for more proven methods.