Do Deer Eat Wax Begonias?

Do Deer Eat Wax Begonias?

Wax begonias are a popular flowering plant that is known for its colorful blooms and glossy leaves. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels. However, one potential problem with wax begonias is that they can be a target for deer.

Deer are herbivores, and they will eat a variety of plants, including wax begonias. If you have a garden with wax begonias, you may find that the deer have eaten the leaves, flowers, or stems. This can be unsightly and can also damage the plant.

In this article, we will discuss whether or not deer eat wax begonias, what to do if you have a problem with deer eating your wax begonias, and how to protect your plants from deer.

What Do Deer Eat?

Deer are herbivores, and they will eat a variety of plants, including:

  • Grasses
  • Clover
  • Dandelions
  • Wildflowers
  • Fruit trees
  • Vegetables
  • Shrubs
  • Trees

Deer are not picky eaters, and they will eat whatever is available. However, they do have some preferences. They tend to prefer plants that are young, tender, and easy to digest. They also like plants that are high in nutrients.

Wax begonias are a popular flowering plant that is known for its colorful blooms and glossy leaves. They are also relatively easy to care for, making them a good choice for gardeners of all skill levels. However, one potential problem with wax begonias is that they can be a target for deer.

Do Deer Eat Wax Begonias?

Yes, deer do eat wax begonias. They will eat the leaves, flowers, and stems of wax begonias. This can be unsightly and can also damage the plant.

What to Do if Deer Are Eating Your Wax Begonias

If you have a problem with deer eating your wax begonias, there are a few things you can do to deter them.

  • Install a fence. A fence is the most effective way to keep deer out of your garden. The fence should be at least 8 feet tall and should be made of a material that deer cannot easily climb or jump over.
  • Use repellents. There are a number of commercial repellents available that can help to keep deer away from your plants. These repellents are typically made with scents that deer find unpleasant, such as garlic, pepper, or capsaicin.
  • Plant deer-resistant plants. There are a number of plants that deer do not like to eat. These plants include:
  • Astilbe
  • Catmint
  • Coneflower
  • Daylily
  • Echinacea
  • Gaillardia
  • Hosta
  • Iris
  • Lavender
  • Monarda
  • Peony
  • Rudbeckia
  • Sedum
  • Yarrow
  • Hand-pick deer. If you only have a few deer in your area, you can hand-pick them. This involves catching the deer and relocating them to a new area. However, this is not always practical or safe.

How to Protect Your Wax Begonias from Deer

There are a few things you can do to protect your wax begonias from deer.

  • Plant your wax begonias in a raised bed. A raised bed will make it more difficult for deer to reach your plants.
  • Use a cage or netting to protect your plants. A cage or netting can help to keep deer from eating your plants.
  • Apply a repellent to your plants. A repellent can help to keep deer away from your plants.
  • Water your plants regularly. Deer are more likely to eat plants that are stressed or unhealthy. By keeping your plants well-watered, you can help to make them less appealing to deer.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your wax begonias from deer.

Question Answer Source
Do deer eat wax begonias? Yes, deer will eat wax begonias. The Spruce Garden

Wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens) are a popular flowering plant that is grown for its colorful blooms and attractive foliage. They are relatively easy to grow and care for, making them a good choice for gardeners of all levels. However, wax begonias can be susceptible to damage from deer, which can eat the leaves and flowers.

In this article, we will discuss the following topics:

  • What are wax begonias?
  • Do deer eat wax begonias?
  • Factors that attract deer to wax begonias
  • Ways to protect wax begonias from deer

What are wax begonias?

Wax begonias are a type of flowering plant that is native to South America. They are characterized by their glossy, waxy leaves and clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. Wax begonias are available in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and orange. They are also available in a variety of sizes, from small, compact plants to large, trailing plants.

Wax begonias are relatively easy to grow and care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be grown in containers or in the ground. Wax begonias are also relatively drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for gardeners in dry climates.

Do deer eat wax begonias?

Yes, deer do eat wax begonias. Deer are herbivores, and they will eat a variety of plants, including wax begonias. Deer are attracted to the leaves and flowers of wax begonias, and they will often eat them if they are available.

Factors that attract deer to wax begonias

There are a number of factors that can attract deer to wax begonias. These factors include:

  • The availability of food: Deer are attracted to plants that are easy to eat, and wax begonias are a soft, succulent plant that is easy for deer to chew.
  • The location of the plants: Deer are more likely to eat plants that are located in open areas, where they can see them easily. Wax begonias are often planted in gardens and flower beds, which are ideal locations for deer to find them.
  • The time of year: Deer are more likely to eat plants during the winter months, when food is scarce. Wax begonias are evergreen plants, so they are available for deer to eat all year round.

Ways to protect wax begonias from deer

There are a number of ways to protect wax begonias from deer. These methods include:

  • Fencing: The most effective way to protect wax begonias from deer is to fence them in. The fence should be at least 8 feet tall and should be made of a material that deer cannot easily jump or climb over.
  • Deer repellents: There are a number of commercial deer repellents available that can help to deter deer from eating wax begonias. These repellents are typically made from natural ingredients, such as garlic, pepper, or coyote urine.
  • Covering the plants: Another option is to cover the plants with a physical barrier, such as chicken wire or plastic sheeting. This will make it more difficult for deer to reach the plants and eat them.
  • Growing deer-resistant plants: There are a number of plants that deer do not like to eat, such as lavender, rosemary, and thyme. Planting these plants near your wax begonias can help to deter deer from eating them.

Wax begonias are a beautiful and popular flowering plant, but they can be susceptible to damage from deer. By following the tips in this article, you can help to protect your wax begonias from deer and enjoy their beautiful blooms for years to come.

1. What are wax begonias?

Wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens) are a type of flowering plant that is native to South America. They are characterized by their glossy, waxy leaves and clusters of small, brightly colored flowers. Wax begonias are available in a wide variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and orange. They are also available in a variety of sizes, from small, compact plants to large, trailing plants.

Wax begonias are relatively easy to grow and care for. They prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They can be grown in containers or in the ground. Wax begonias are also relatively drought-tolerant, making them a good choice for gardeners in dry climates.

**2. Do deer eat wax be

Do Deer Eat Wax Begonias?

Wax begonias (Begonia semperflorens) are a popular flowering plant that is often grown in gardens and containers. They are known for their bright, colorful blooms and their ability to tolerate a wide range of conditions. However, deer can be a problem for wax begonias, as they will often eat the leaves and flowers of these plants.

How to prevent deer from eating wax begonias

There are a number of ways to prevent deer from eating wax begonias. Some of the most effective methods include:

  • Physical barriers: One of the best ways to keep deer away from your wax begonias is to use a physical barrier. This could be a fence, a wire mesh, or even a row of tall plants. The barrier should be at least 8 feet tall, as deer can jump very high.
  • Chemical repellents: There are a number of chemical repellents that can be used to keep deer away from wax begonias. These repellents are typically sprayed on the plants or the ground around them. Some of the most effective repellents include deer urine, predator urine, and capsaicin.
  • Natural repellents: There are a number of natural repellents that can be used to keep deer away from wax begonias. These repellents include garlic, onions, hot peppers, and coffee grounds. The repellents can be sprayed on the plants or the ground around them.
  • Other methods: There are a number of other methods that can be used to keep deer away from wax begonias. These methods include:
  • Installing a motion-activated sprinkler: A motion-activated sprinkler can be used to scare deer away from your wax begonias. The sprinkler will spray water when it detects movement, which will startle the deer and make them run away.
  • Playing loud music: Playing loud music can also be used to scare deer away from your wax begonias. The noise will startle the deer and make them run away.
  • Installing a decoy: Installing a decoy, such as a scarecrow or a fake owl, can also be used to scare deer away from your wax begonias. The decoy will make the deer think that there is a predator nearby, which will scare them away.

Wax begonias are a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that can add a touch of color to any garden. However, deer can be a problem for wax begonias, as they will often eat the leaves and flowers of these plants. There are a number of ways to prevent deer from eating wax begonias, including using physical barriers, chemical repellents, natural repellents, and other methods. By following these tips, you can enjoy your wax begonias without having to worry about deer damage.

Do deer eat wax begonias?

Yes, deer will eat wax begonias. They are a favorite food of deer, and will often eat them if they are available.

What can I do to protect my wax begonias from deer?

There are a few things you can do to protect your wax begonias from deer.

  • Fencing is the most effective way to keep deer away from your plants. A deer-proof fence should be at least 8 feet tall and made of a material that deer cannot see through, such as wire mesh or plastic sheeting.
  • Planting deer-resistant plants can also help to deter deer. Some plants that deer do not like include lavender, mint, rosemary, and marigolds.
  • Using repellents can help to keep deer away from your plants. There are a variety of commercial repellents available, or you can make your own using ingredients such as garlic, hot pepper, or vinegar.
  • Scarecrows and motion-activated lights can also be effective in scaring deer away.

How can I tell if deer have been eating my wax begonias?

There are a few signs that can indicate that deer have been eating your wax begonias.

  • Leaves that have been chewed or stripped off
  • Stems that have been broken or snapped
  • Flower buds that have been eaten
  • Plants that have been knocked over or trampled

What if I catch a deer eating my wax begonias?

If you catch a deer eating your wax begonias, you can try to scare it away by making loud noises, clapping your hands, or throwing rocks. You can also try using a hose to spray the deer with water. If the deer does not leave, you may need to contact your local animal control officer.

deer do eat wax begonias, but they are not a preferred food source. Deer will typically only eat wax begonias if other food sources are scarce. Wax begonias are poisonous to deer, and eating them can cause health problems. If you have wax begonias in your garden, it is important to take steps to protect them from deer, such as using a deer repellent or fencing them in.

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Kelsey Hammons
Kelsey Hammons
I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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