
What Eats Begonias?
- Slugs and Snails. Slugs and snails do not miss a chance to feed on the leaves of a begonia plant. ...
- Aphids. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that affect many plants. ...
- Caterpillars, Earwigs and Other Pests. Caterpillars and earwigs cause similar damage to slugs and snails. ...
- People. ...
...
What Animal Bugs Eat Begonias?
- Fungus gnats.
- Mealybugs.
- Shore flies.
- Spider mites.
- Thrips.
- Whiteflies.
What eats begonias?
Snails and Slugs eat Begonias. Insects like Aphids, Whiteflies, Mealybugs, Spider Mites, Scale, Earwigs, and Caterpillars eat holes into Begonias. Squirrels and Rats eat Begonias too. Begonias produce beautiful flowers. But like every other flowering plant, they are also prone to pest and insect attacks.
Are begonias poisonous to cats?
Don’t get too excited if you’re planting begonias, though. You may be sending your cat to his or her doom. Cats eat begonias, and they’re toxic to felines, according to the University of Florida. What Animal Bugs Eat Begonias?
Do slugs eat begonias?
You may not need to worry about four-legged animals demolishing your beautiful garden-variety begonias, though; slugs can power-eat their way through a whole patch before you know it. Snails can do the same. Sure, they look harmless… but they eat a lot faster than they move.
Do deer eat Dragon Wing Begonias?
Dragon wing begonias are perfect food for deer. They take their name from the shale of their leaves, which are divided into two opposite parts, or “wings”, and they have small flowers in clusters. Unfortunately these begonias have foliage with a smooth, glossy surface… And deer will have no problems eating them.
See more

What is eating my begonia leaves?
Slugs. Slugs, or snails without their shells, are a problematic pest for begonia plants. Measuring 1/4 inch to several inches in length, slugs are slimy, black, brown, grey or orange muscle-like creatures that leave a path of slime behind them as they travel.
Do deer like to eat begonias?
Deer Will Eat Some Tuberous Begonias Tuberous begonias have large, showy and colorful flowers, but it's the foliage that deer are interested in. Some plants in this group have hairy foliage, and deer will avoid them, others have smooth leaves, and they become more appetizing to deer.
Do rabbits or squirrels eat begonias?
Rats, Rabbits, Groundhogs, and Chipmunks eat Begonias. Squirrels and Deer eat Begonias if they don't have anything else to eat.
Do squirrels eat begonias?
These flowers include alliums, crocus (tomasinianus variety), lilies, marigolds, hyacinth, daffodils and, from personal experience, impatiens, geraniums, columbine, and the squirrels seem to leave my begonias alone though I have heard that they are not against eating them also.
Do rabbits eat begonias?
Begonias are yet another annual that some rabbits avoid, while others seem to enjoy snacking on them. If you want to experiment in an area where rabbits are a problem, avoid planting an entire row or bed of them.
Do animals eat begonias?
Deer are not the only animals that may eat begonias. Rabbits, like deer, will eat begonias, though they too do not seek them out. Wax begonias, in particular, do not seem to be a rabbit's favorite meal. However, in the same way that not every person eats the same diet, some rabbits will eat begonias.
Do Groundhogs eat begonias?
Unfortunately, the vivid, pleasantly scented blooms tend to draw the attention of groundhogs and other wildlife. Though each creature tends to be put off by different plants, including snapdragons, wax begonias, annual poppies, garden pinks, and floss flowers in the garden's design will help to deter most animal pests.
Are begonias rabbit resistant?
Begonias are yet another annual that some rabbits avoid, while others seem to enjoy snacking on them. If you want to experiment in an area where rabbits are a problem, avoid planting an entire row or bed of them.
What flowers do chipmunks not eat?
Planting them in your flowerbeds and containers can help keep them away from other plants they enjoy. Daffodils are a prime example of a flowering plant that chipmunks dislike. Other examples include marigolds, lavender, and allium, as well as yarrow and common camas.
What animal is digging in my potted plants?
Rodents, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, and household pets can be digging up your potted plants at night. They might be attracted to the plants or the bugs crawling around in the potting soil. You can add a physical barrier, repellent herbs, bonemeal, or cayenne pepper to keep them away.
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away?
Coffee grounds will often keep squirrels away. However, they need to be replenished frequently and may not be a good fit for every area that needs to be squirrel-proofed.
How do I keep squirrels out of my potted plants?
Mix something into the potting soil that squirrels find distasteful. Natural repellents may include cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, vinegar, peppermint oil, or garlic (or try a combination of two or more).
Are begonias deer repellent?
Not all begonias are deer-resistant, but those with fuzzy stems/leaves or waxy/leathery leaves tend to be. Begonias have rhizomatous or tuberous stems and tremendous species and cultivar diversity, both in numbers (1,800 species worldwide) and in plant form.
Do deer eat impatiens or begonias?
Yes, deer eat impatiens. They will readily eat these plants if you leave them unprotected. If you live in an area where deer are common, it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your impatiens.
What flowers deer do not eat?
Daffodils, foxgloves, and poppies are common flowers with a toxicity that deer avoid. Deer also tend to turn their noses up at fragrant plants with strong scents. Herbs such as sages, ornamental salvias, and lavender, as well as flowers like peonies and bearded irises, are just “stinky” to deer.
What are the best deer resistant annual flowers?
Quite a few cutting flower favorites seem to fit the deer resistant annuals category, such as zinnia, Shirley poppy, larkspur, sunflower, tall ageratum and Verbena bonariensis, which makes having a cutting garden a strong possibility even when you're wrestling with deer visiting your yard.
What is feeding on my begonia leaves?
Slugs and snails do not miss a chance to feed on the leaves of a begonia plant. These pests feed on begonias at night, leaving you to find the damage the next morning. If you want to make sure slugs or snails are indeed the cause, grab a flashlight and check after dark. Slugs and snails are easily eliminated and controlled with a slug and snail bait. Placing this bait in your planting beds keeps your begonia leaves safe from attack by these pests.
What are aphids in begonias?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that affect many plants. Feeding on the leaves and stems of begonia plants, aphids suck moisture and nutrients from begonias, leading to wilting leaves, stunted growth and distortion. During feeding, aphids leave behind a calling card that can alert you of their presence.
How to control aphids on begonias?
Aphids are easily controlled by making sure your begonias are properly watered. If aphid populations are particularly large, spray a ready-to-use insecticidal soap over all the begonia's leaf surfaces. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com. Loading.
Do begonias overwinter?
Begonias (Begonia spp.) are usually grown as annuals, although some overwinter in the frost-free climates of U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11. Some begonias are grown for their ornamental flowers, while others are mostly grown for their attractive foliage.
Is begonia edible?
Although it is unlike ly your begonias are missing because someone ate them, some begonias are edible. The only known toxic species is the hollyhock begonia (Begonia gracilis). Begonia foliage is used for its sweet, tangy and bitter flavors, depending on the variety, in soups, salads and sandwiches. The flowers are also used as a garnish. Proceed with caution, as begonias are known to have a laxative effect. Additionally, do not use begonia foliage that has been treated or sprayed with chemical insecticides or other toxic chemicals.
What are the plants in Little Gem?
In the formal garden, Little Gem and Sweet Bay magnolias and Eagleston Hollies frame plantings of boxwoods, Shi Shi sasanquas, upright rosemary and miniature bottlebrush. Beds of blooming violas, dianthus, snapdragons, wall flowers, alyssum and flowering kale border meandering flagstone paths. Strolling to the backyard, guests will view the property’s private lake and a vigorously blooming heirloom Peggy Martin rose which drapes a fence.
How to divide cannas?
I cut the foliage back to the ground, chop through the rhizome with a spade and lift out a portion to reset or divide further. When dividing rhizomes, there must be at least one eye on each division.
What are the bugs that eat begonias?
Scales are one of the most prominent pest problems on begonias, according to the Clemson University Extension. The green shield scale, a soft scale pest, targets begonia plants for feeding. Generally measuring up to approximately 1/4 inch in length, soft scales display round bodies in a light green hue, sometimes surrounded by their eggs that look like cotton. Scales are "sucking bugs" that feed on the inner tissue fluid of begonia plants, resulting in yellowed, wilted leaves that often drop early and potential growth problems.
Why are begonias so popular?
Begonias are well-known additions to the home garden for their season-long bloom and brilliant display of color. When pests take an interest in these blossoms, their feeding leads to cosmetic damage and health problems.
What are mealy bugs?
Mealybug infestations are a prevalent problem among begonias. These pests are sucking bugs that also produce honeydew. The University of California IPM Online explains that the greatest amount of mealybug damage is attributed to sooty mold development. Measuring .05 to .2 inches in length, mealybugs are oval in shape, appearing spiky and commonly covered with a white, cotton-like material. Home growers should look for collections of the cottony material where mealybugs gather in groups. To prevent early leaf drop and dieback associated with this pest infestation, natural enemies like mealybug destroyers assist in control. Gardeners can also spray mealybugs from plant surfaces with water or apply horticultural oil as a means of chemical management.
What causes begonia leaves to turn yellow?
Spider mites are found on a wide variety of plants, causing a great deal of problems for begonias. These pests are sucking bugs that result in the appearance of tiny faded dots on leaf surfaces as well as leaves that discolor to a yellow or bronze hue before dropping from the begonia plant.
Do mealybugs gather in groups?
Home growers should look for collections of the cottony material where mealybugs gather in groups. To prevent early leaf drop and dieback associated with this pest infestation, natural enemies like mealybug destroyers assist in control.
Begonias and Deer: a Short History
There are about 2,000 species of begonias from all over the world, but they come from areas where you will find no, or very few deer. They are tropical and subtropical plants, while deer like temperate and even cold regions.
Deer ad Flower Taste – How Much Do They Like Begonias
Deer like some flowers and leaves more than others and begonias are not top of their list. They will go crazy for hostas, roses, daylilies, rhododendrons, azaleas, pansies and violas… But when it comes to our subtropical flowers they are not so keen…
What Makes Some Begonias Deer Resistant?
Deer do not like fuzzy leaves; they will even tolerate soft thorns, like on the young stems of roses, but fuzziness… No! It really is a matter of texture.
Begonia Types That Deer Eat
There are some types of begonias that deer will eat quite eagerly. This is because they have the texture and consistency that these animals like. And as you know, begonias are divided into groups, so, let’s see them one by one.
When Will Deer Eat Hairy Begonias?
Even if you plant a super hairy begonia variety, you are never really fully safe from deer. Why? The reason is that deer resistant does not mean deer immune.
How to Keep Deer From Eating Begonias
But you love begonias and you want to take a risk, make it hard for deer to eat them, and here are some simple steps you can take to prevent deer from eating your begonias:
Begonias Can Be Deer Resistant But They Are Not Deer Repellent
Deer will unusually leave your fuzzy leafed begonias alone, but they are not afraid if them. This means that they have no use in repelling these hungry visitors. Plants that do need to be strong smelling, or even poisonous…
What plants discourage deer?
Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and most animals are discouraged by aromatic plants like strong herbs (basil, lavender, rosemary); plants with spines like Prickly Pear; plants with tough leaves (lamb’s ear); or plants with milky sap, like Milkweed.
How to keep deer from eating plants?
Tips to keep rabbits and deer from eating your plants 1 Deer, rabbits, squirrels, and most animals are discouraged by aromatic plants like strong herbs (basil, lavender, rosemary); plants with spines like Prickly Pear; plants with tough leaves (lamb’s ear); or plants with milky sap, like Milkweed. Use these deterrent plants near your more tempting plants and animals may leave them alone. 2 New plants are more likely to be nibbled on than well-established, large plants. Protect new transplants and early season growth as long as possible with perimeter fencing, milk jugs, or deer, squirrel, and rabbit repellents. 3 The best way to keep rabbits and deer from eating your plants is to fence them off – at least 3 feet high to discourage rabbits and at least 6 feet high for deer. It’s unsightly yes, but a physical barrier works better than anything else. 4 I’ve had great success with bottled repellents like Liquid Fence that are made with putrescent egg solids – animals appear to take one whiff and wander off. The downside is that you have to spray after every rainfall, which can become expensive during a rainy season. To enjoy finely scented blooms, spray repellents around the shrub or flower and not on it. 5 As far as your vegetable garden is concerned, nothing but onions and garlic are off-limits to deer and rabbits. Liquid repellents are the best bet to keep roving wildlife from sampling the smorgasbord.
Can deer eat garlic?
As far as your vegetable garden is concerned, nothing but onions and garlic are off-limits to deer and rabbits. Liquid repellents are the best bet to keep roving wildlife from sampling the smorgasbord.
Do rabbits eat crocuses?
Some years, rabbits eat the foliage on the crocus, some years they don’t. Deer eat the lilies and take a few flowers off the hydrangeas. Or both of them eat the crocus under the trees, but not next to the patio. Or vice versa. But one thing is certain: rabbits and deer will always eat the tulips. There are actually a few plants ...
