If you're thinking about planting begonias in your garden to attract deer, think again! Deer do not eat begonias – they'll simply ignore them unless they are really hungry. There are plenty of other plants that deer love that you can plant instead and enjoy their company in your garden.
Begonias are a great deer-resistant plant you can put in your garden.
Why deer don't eat begonias
Deer tend to avoid eating begonias for a few reasons. The first is that the leaves of most begonia species are fairly tough and not very palatable to deer. Secondly, many begonias contain compounds that can be mildly toxic to deer if consumed in large quantities. Finally, the vast majority of begonia species originate from tropical or subtropical regions where deer are not found in the wild.
Why deer shouldn't eat begonias
Deer should not eat begonias for several reasons:
- Begonias are poisonous to deer. The leaves and stems of the plant contain a toxin that can cause digestive problems and even death in deer.
- Begonias are also not a very nutritious food source for deer. They are mostly water and will not provide the animal with enough energy or nutrients to sustain them.
- Deer typically only eat begonias when other food sources are scarce. If they consume too many begonia plants, it could lead to malnutrition or starvation
Are deer attracted to begonias?
There are many factors that can affect whether or not deer will be attracted to begonias. Some of these include the type of begonia, the location of the plant, and the time of year. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering if deer may be attracted to your begonias:
- The type of begonia can make a difference in how appealing it is to deer. Deer tend to prefer plants that are soft and fleshy, like impatiens or hibiscus. Begonias with thick leaves or waxier surfaces may not be as attractive.
- Where you live can also influence how likely it is for deer to eat your begonias. If you live in an area where there aren't many other food options for wildlife, they may be more likely to sample your plants. Conversely, if there's plenty else for them to eat around your home, they may leave begonia alone altogether.
- Finally, the time of year makes a big impact on whether deer will go after begonias or not. In springtime, new growth appears on lots of different types of foliage, so tender young shoots are often targeted by hungry herbivores looking for something fresh to munch on. However, once leaves have matured later in the season, they're generally less appetizing (and nutritious)to animals - so deer probably won't be bothering your full - grown begonies come autumn.
What type of begonias are deer-resistant?
When it comes to deer-resistant begonias, there are a few different types that stand out. The first is the Rex Begonia, which is known for its large and colorful leaves. This type of plant is native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to two feet tall. Another popular choice is the Rhizomatous Begonia, which has long stems with small flowers. These plants are native to South America and can reach heights of four feet if left unchecked. Lastly, Tuberous Begonias are another great option when looking for deer-resistant varieties. These Plants typically have bright flowers and originated in Central America.
How to prevent deer from trying to eat begonias
If you are having trouble with deer eating your begonias, there are a few things that you can do to prevent this from happening. Here are some tips:
- Plant your begonias in an area that is not easily accessible for deer. This might mean choosing a spot that is fenced in or further away from wooded areas where deer tend to roam.
- Use repellents around the perimeter of your garden. There are many commercial products available, or you can make your own using ingredients like garlic and chili peppers diluted in water. Reapply after heavy rains or every couple of weeks as needed. Deer will typically avoid areas that smell strongly of these repellents.
- Install motion - activated sprinklers in your garden. These devices will deter deer (and other animals) by startlng them with a sudden burst of water when they enter the area. With a little bit of effort, you can keep deer from eating your begonias and enjoy these beautiful plants for many years to come.
What animals eat begonias?
There are a variety of animals that eat begonias, including rabbits, slugs, and snails. Each type of animal has its own preference for which part of the plant to eat.
Rabbits prefer younger begonia plants with softer foliage. However, they will consume both the leaves and stems of these plants if given the opportunity. Slugs and snails feast on begonia leaves at night when most other animals are asleep or inactive.
Do deer eat begonias summary
No, deer don't eat begonias. While they may nibble on the leaves of some plants in your garden, begonias are not typically a favorite food choice for deer. This means that you can rest assured that your flowers will be safe from hungry deer looking for a snack. If you're still worried about potential damage to your plants, you can always take measures to deter deer from entering your garden in the first place. These steps can include installing a fence or using deer repellent products available at your local nursery or garden center.
