Begonias are popular ornamental plants, appreciated for their vibrant colors and ability to thrive in shady areas. A common concern for gardeners is how they fare against browsing wildlife like deer and rabbits. Begonias are generally considered resistant to damage from these animals. While not completely immune, the plant possesses natural deterrents that place it low on the menu for most common garden pests.
Begonias and Deer: The Primary Assessment
Deer are browsers, preferring to nibble on leaves, buds, and tender shoots. They typically avoid begonias due to the plant’s unique chemical composition and physical characteristics. Begonia foliage contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are microscopic, needle-shaped structures that cause an immediate, irritating sensation in the mouth and throat upon ingestion. Many begonia varieties also feature textures deer find unappealing, such as the waxy coating on Wax Begonias or the fuzzy leaves of Rex and Angel Wing Begonias. Furthermore, these plants often emit a slightly bitter taste and pungent scent that discourages deer when preferred food sources are available. However, this resistance is not absolute, and deer will resort to eating begonias during periods of extreme hunger, such as drought or harsh winter conditions.
Begonias and Rabbits: The Specific Threat
Rabbits are grazers that feed closer to the ground, often targeting smaller, tender plants and young growth. They are deterred by the irritating calcium oxalate found in begonia tissue, though they can be more determined than deer, especially with newly established plants. The unpleasant oral irritation usually results in a rabbit taking only a single exploratory bite, which is enough to discourage further feeding. The roots, tubers, and rhizomes contain the highest concentration of oxalate crystals and are the most toxic parts of the plant. Rabbits have been known to pull up small, newly planted annuals, but a hungry population may still target begonias, particularly if the plants lack mature, waxy, or fuzzy leaf structures.
Factors that Influence Palatability
The level of resistance a begonia offers depends on several variables beyond defensive chemicals. Environmental stress, such as drought, significantly lowers the plant’s defenses, potentially making the foliage less toxic or more palatable to desperate animals. The specific begonia variety also plays a large role in its appeal to pests. Varieties with thick, waxy leaves, such as Begonia semperflorens (Wax Begonias), or those with fuzzy stems and leaves, offer higher physical resistance. Conversely, young, tender shoots and flower buds are often more susceptible to being sampled. The density of the local wildlife population is another major factor, as a high concentration of hungry animals will increase browsing pressure on any plant.
Protecting Begonias from Pests
If deer or rabbits begin to target begonias, gardeners can employ several strategies to mitigate the damage. Installing physical barriers is the most reliable method for exclusion, which includes using short wire mesh cages for rabbits or taller, eight-foot fencing for deer. For smaller plantings, keeping begonias elevated on decks or in hanging baskets places them out of reach of rabbits and ground-level deer browsing. Repellents using strong scents or unpleasant tastes can also be applied directly to the foliage. Taste-based repellents are effective because they reinforce the plant’s natural bitterness, while scent-based products mask the plant’s odor or introduce a smell the animals instinctively avoid. Rotating the type of repellent used is necessary for sustained protection, as deer and rabbits can become accustomed to a single formula over time.