Are Rieger Begonias Deer Resistant? Advice from Experience

A deer standing next to blooming Rieger Begonias with the text “Are Rieger Begonias Deer Resistant?

Worried that hungry deer might destroy your Rieger Begonias overnight? You’re not alone. While these rose-like beauties bring vibrant color to shady patios and indoor corners, many gardeners wonder: Are Rieger Begonias deer resistant—Really? The answer isn’t black and white—and that’s where experience counts.

In this guide, we’ll explore whether deer eat Rieger Begonias, why they sometimes do, and how to protect your garden using gardener-tested tips. From natural deer repellents and companion planting to smart container placement, discover real-world ways to keep your begonias safe and blooming—even in deer country.

Rieger Begonias are not fully deer resistant, but hanging them in baskets and surrounding them with deer-repellent plants like rosemary offers strong protection. Deer may nibble if food is scarce, so elevation and scent deterrents are key.

What is Rieger Begonias?

Begonias (also known as Elatior Begonias) are small hybrids prized for their rose-like clusters of colorful flowers. A cross between tuberous and winter-blooming begonia species, they light up shady gardens, patios and indoor spaces. From pristine white to cerise to crimson, these hardy beauties flower for months with very little fuss.

Close-up of vibrant orange-pink Rieger Begonia flowers in full bloom.

Are Rieger Begonias Really Deer Resistant?

So, are Rieger Begonias deer resistant? Here’s the honest truth: they’re not fully deer proof.
Deer don’t love begonias the way they swoon for hostas or daylilies, but hungry deer are
opportunists. If there’s not much else available, they will nibble on tender Rieger Begonias
without a second thought.

The leaves have a mild bitterness that helps a little, but unlike geraniums — which can make
deer sick in large amounts — begonias pose no threat to them.
So if you garden in deer country, don’t count on your begonias being safe just because they
sometimes get skipped over.

Why Do Deer Sometimes Eat Begonias Anyway?

Deer have simple logic: if it’s green, tender, and easy to reach, it’s fair game — especially in late summer or during droughts when natural food runs low.

Spiny roses or fragrant lavender are dry and hard compared with begonias. They’re also low to the ground, so they’re perfect for reaching to eat a midnight snack.

Begonias have been stories cause for many a gardener, who one day wakes up to discover the beloved plants have been stripped overnight to the bone by them.

So, although they’re less tempting than some plants, nothing is completely off-limits when Bambi’s hungry.

How to Protect Rieger Begonias From Hungry Deer

Don’t panic — you can keep your colorful begonias safe with a few clever tricks. Here’s how
smart gardeners outwit deer:

Use Hanging Baskets and Window Boxes

One of the easiest ways to keep deer away is to lift your begonias out of their reach. Rieger
Begonias thrive in hanging baskets — on a porch, a sturdy shepherd’s hook, or even from tree
branches. Window boxes are another winner, especially on a second story or high balcony. Deer rarely jump that high for a snack when easier meals are available.

Plant Them With Deer-Repellent Companions

You can create a natural “living fence” around your begonias by surrounding them with plants
deer dislike. Good choices include:

  • Lavender: Its strong scent sends deer packing.
  • Russian Sage: Fuzzy texture, pungent aroma.
  • Boxwood: Dense and unappetizing.
  • Rosemary: Another fragrant option deer tend to avoid.

Combining plants this way helps mask the tempting scent of your begonias.

Try Simple Barriers and Fencing

When in doubt, block access. For container gardens, lightweight mesh domes or cloches keep deer at bay overnight. For beds, a low chicken wire fence can make deer think twice. For serious problems, a taller fence (around 8 feet) is the most reliable option — deer are impressive jumpers!

Use Safe Deer Repellents

Many gardeners swear by natural repellents made from garlic, eggs, or spicy oils. These make
your begonias taste terrible without harming the plants or wildlife. Rotate brands or recipes every few weeks so deer don’t get used to one smell. Always reapply after rain for best results.

Related: Strawberry Begonia: The Ultimate Guide to Buy and Care

Simple Ways to Overwinter Rieger Begonias

Most folks don’t realize this, but Rieger Begonias aren’t really annuals — they’re subtropical perennials. Trouble is, they don’t grow tubers to stash energy like tuberous types do. So, if you leave them outside when frost hits, they’re toast. Hate tossing good plants every fall? I sure do. Here’s what works for me:

  • Bring them inside before it gets too chilly.
  • Chop the stems down to an inch or two — don’t be shy.
  • Stick them somewhere bright but cool, around 45–55°F if you can swing it.
  • Water just enough to keep ‘em alive till new shoots show.
  • Snip a few cuttings late winter — it’s free insurance for spring.


Bit of fuss now, but come spring, you’ll have fresh blooms without buying new ones every single year.

When Rieger Begonias are placed in hanging baskets on high hooks and rosemary is planted around the base, deer damage is significantly reduced. This simple combination has proven effective in keeping deer away.

Care Tips for Thriving Rieger Begonias


Healthy, well-tended plants bounce back faster — even if they do get nibbled. Here’s how to
keep yours at their best:

  • Light: Outdoors, give them part to full shade; indoors, bright indirect light works best.
  • Soil: Well-draining soil with mulch keeps roots cool and moist.
  • Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy.
  • Feed: Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer for steady blooms.
  • Deadheading: Not needed, but removing old flowers keeps plants tidy and blooming.

Are Rieger Begonias Worth It?

Rieger Begonias aren’t totally deer-proof, but with a few smart tricks, you can enjoy them
without worry — even if deer roam your yard. Hang them up high, tuck in some deer-repelling plants, or use a simple barrier. They’re just too pretty to give up on — don’t let a hungry deer ruin your flowers!

Ready to Grow Happier Begonias?

Have you battled deer in your garden before? Share your best tips in the comments below —
you might just save another gardener’s flowers! If this guide helped, share it with your plant-loving friends and family members.

FAQs About Rieger Begonias & Deer

No — they’re not toxic. That’s why deer will eat them if they’re hungry enough.

Rarely! Hanging baskets are one of the best tricks for deer-proofing begonias.

No begonia is truly deer proof, but wax begonias and rex begonias are sometimes skipped
over more often than Riegers

Try mixing strong-smelling repellents with a bit of fencing or surround your begonias with plants deer hate.

Not really — they might upset a deer’s belly, but when food’s short, deer can still nibble on
them.

Deer often leave wax, rex, and tuberous begonias alone — they’re just not their top pick.

Not so much. They’re happier with filtered light or shade — strong sun can fry their leaves.

A cool, shady spot with good drainage is perfect — they’ll bloom better and stay healthy.

Tuberous ones sprout from tubers underground. Riegers don’t — they’re bushier and prefer cooler temps.

Deer usually steer clear of strong-scented picks like lavender, sage, and catmint.

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