Deers and flowers always go hand in hand. These creatures are known to eat almost anything and everything. And flowers are on the top of the list, which is why planting flowers in your yard might look like an issue.
Now, if you are planning on planting begonias in your garden, then it can be essential to look into the answer for ‘Do deer eat begonias?’.
And if you are looking for these answers, then you are at the right door. We are going to have a detailed discussion on whether or not deers eat begonias. Therefore, bear with us till the end.
So, without a delay, let’s start!
Do deer eat begonias?
Deers would eat begonias. However, it wouldn’t be their first choice if there are other food sources available around them. Nevertheless, if they are hungry they will consume begonias without any hesitation. In order to protect your begonias you can take necessary measures.
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Begonias are perennials that are well known for their elegant looks and have a rich history of being a houseplant. In case you are planning on adding them to your garden then there are a few factors that you should bear in your mind.
One of these is the fact that begonias are also renowned for having vivid foliage. This means that herbivore animals will pay them a lot of attention and flock around them.
However, when it comes to begonias, it is not their first choice. The pungent smell of the flowers discourages deers to consuming them. Additionally, it does not mean that deers will not munch on begonia plants.
Wax begonias:
Wax begonias are one of the most famous options you would have in your hand if you are planning on having a flower bed. These flowers are well known for their deer-resistant, heat and drought tolerance.
However, there still remains a chance deers will consume wax begonias if there aren’t any food sources near them.
Rieger begonias:
Deers have a voracious appetite, which means they will eat almost everything that is visible in their sight. Rieger begonias can be called deer resistant however they will never repel them.
A hungry deer would consume your rieger begonias. Although begonias have fuzzy, waxy and untasteful leaves, they can still be consumed by deers.
Double begonias:
The only plants deers would avoid would be either toxic or poisonous. And double begonias aren’t any of them. Therefore, chances are high that deers will eat double begonias.
However, begonias are actually known to be unappetizing to deer. But, that cannot guarantee you deer would not eat or flock around your double begonia plants. In order to prevent them, you would need to take necessary measures.
Whopper begonias:
Whopper begonias are not really enjoyed by deer and in most cases they are likely to leave them alone. However, if they are out of other tasty treats, they will go for whopper begonias.
This is not very likely to happen, but there remains a chance. Moreover, deers wouldn’t particularly be interested in these plants. So, you can add them to your garden.
Hardy begonias:
Hardy begonias are one of the least favorites of deers. They have a tendency of actively avoiding these plants. If they have the option of eating other plants or flowers that are appetizing, they will leave your hardy begonias alone.
However, when there is a scarcity of food they will not think twice before eating your hardy begonias.
Are begonias deer resistant?
Begonias are deer resistant. Begonias are deer resistant, but they are not considered to be deer repellent. Deer are defamed for their vicious hunger. These herbivores are mostly likely to eat anything and everything.
However, under circumstances where they will not have tasteful food resources around them, they will eat whatever they find. Begonias do not appear to be at the top of the deer diet list. They will, even so, eat begonias.
Additionally, if you are looking for deer repellent plants then look into some other options. Deers will only avoid plants that contain toxins.
Under such circumstances, you would take necessary measures that will genuinely help you protect your begonias. Although begonias are known to be deer-resistant, only some of them are actually avoided by deers.
Moreover, deers will consume them despite their bland and untasteful texture. The fuzzy leaves of these plants are usually eaten by deer.
When do deer eat begonias?
Deer will eat begonias if there are no other food resources available. Begonias are not usually enjoyed by deers. The basic reason behind this is the waxy texture and the bland taste. Deers will never really eat begonias if there is another source of food or a tastier source of treat.
However, under circumstances where they are not able to find anything to eat, they will not mind munching on begonias. They will consume them without having any second thoughts.
The usual diet of deer consists of nuts, vegetation, grasses, and different types of fruits. Flowers and vegetables are some of deer’s top most preferences. They also enjoy various kinds of crops.
When deers are hungry enough and they are unable to find anything convenient to eat, they will eat almost all kinds of begonias. Which is why it is mandatory to take necessary measures that will protect your begonias.
How do you keep deer from eating begonias?
Although begonias are considered deer resistant, they do not fully repel deers. However, there are a few things you can do to keep deer from eating begonias:
Planting prickly foliage around the garden:
If you do not want to add up a fence to your garden but at the same time want to protect your begonias and other flowers, go on and plant some prickly foliage. These foliage will prevent the deers from entering your garden.
Additionally, it will look more elegant and natural. Try and plant the prickly or fuzzy leaves around the edges of your garden. This creates a boundary and discourages the deer from being near your plants.
Placing soap bars near your plants:
This is one of the most used ideas that gardernes have been sticking to for a while now. The technique seems to work as the smell of the soap bar tends to interfere with deer’s smelling sense. And eventually, causes them to turn away.
Apart from using soap bars, you can also plant herbs that have a strong smell.
Installing a higher fence:
More or less, we all know that installing a fence is one of the easiest ways to repel deers. However, deers can jump pretty high. Therefore, while installing a fence you will need to ensure that the fence is high enough. Adding up a fence that is around 8ft or so should be helpful.
Moreover, try and use a fence that is made of steel wires.
Using deer repellent:
Using a repellent is one of the simplest and most commonly used methods in order to prevent deers. You can buy any commercial graded deer repellent to keep deers away from your garden.
However, make sure that you are using the right repellent. Using other repellents could damage their sense of smell severely.
Using a DIY deer repellent spray:
In case you do not wish to use a deer repellent spray, you can make one yourself. Simply use garlic and chili pepper to make a DIY deer repellent. You can blend them together with water and make a mixture.
Eventually, as the mixture is ready you can use a spray bottle to spray it around your garden. The pungent smell of garlic would keep deers away.
What animal is eating my begonias?
If you planted begonias and noticed that plants are harmed then there’s a chance that they are being eaten by some herbivorous animals. Here are a few animals that could be eating your begonias:
Squirrels:
Squirrels are one of the most common culprits that may cause damage to your garden. Although begonias are not their first choice, they will happily consume these flowers if they are hungry. You can use essential oils or repellent to deter them.
Deers:
As mentioned before, begonias aren’t a favorite for deers however, they will consume it. Deers are known to have almost everything in their food chart. Therefore, they will eat your begonias if they cannot find anything better.
Snails and slugs:
When it comes to begonias, snails and slugs cause the most damage. These small creatures will destroy your begonia plants overnight. They often feed on begonia plants at night, and most gardeners find the result the next morning.
Snails and slugs will eat both mature and young plants. Moreover, they will not spare any part of the plant.
Final Thoughts
Deer eat begonia. However, these plants are known to be deer-resistant as deers do not enjoy munching on them in general. Nevertheless, they will eat begonias if they are left with no choice. Therefore, you may need to take necessary measures to prevent this from happening.