This guide will help you find pet friendly plants that are safe for your furry companions and can withstand the extra stresses pets place on a garden. Whether you’re looking for cat safe plants, dog friendly plants, or colorful pet friendly flowers, these tips and recommendations will help you design a garden that’s as beautiful as it is pet safe.
Shrubs
Some plants make better, um, “fire hydrants” than others. Pet safe plants like Spiraeas, Viburnums, and Weigelas are all rather tolerant of Rover lifting his leg. You’ll also want shrubs that handle heavy pruning and soil compaction—common side effects of curious cats and energetic dogs.
Both dogs and cats often find their favorite shady spots under shrubs. These repeated visits compress the soil in the root zone, so choosing tough, dog friendly plants and cat friendly plants is key.
Here are some of the toughest pet friendly shrubs in the Southern Living Plant Collection, all of which are non-toxic and safe for pets:
Little Bonnie™ Dwarf Spiraea – A compact, durable shrub that makes a resilient addition to any pet safe garden.
Rainbow Sensation® Weigela – Adds colorful interest while being a reliable pet safe plant.
Coppertop™ Sweet Viburnum – Attractive foliage and a hardy constitution make this a great choice for pet owners.
Also try: Mojo® Pittosporum, Ultra Violet™ Buddleia, and any of the Crapemyrtles, all excellent pet friendly plants.
Groundcovers and Flowering Perennials
Pets, especially dogs and cats, call for groundcovers that can withstand paw traffic and occasional roughhousing. Cats are also known for nibbling on foliage, so be sure to include cat safe plants and avoid harmful pesticides in your garden.
For dense cover and pet exploration zones, these cat friendly plants offer both safety and sensory appeal:
Chef’s Choice® Rosemary – A fragrant herb that’s not only culinary but also safe for cats.
Garden Jewels™ Gerbera Daisies – Vibrant and cheerful, these make excellent pet friendly flowers.
Believe it or not, it is possible to have dogs and flowers in the same garden! While you may lose a few blooms, planting smartly helps. Protect delicate flowers by planting them further into garden beds, away from the edges. Mounds, raised beds, and dense planting can help discourage trampling.
Try these dog friendly flowers in your garden:
Crazy Pink™ Echinacea – Resilient and vibrant, these are tough enough to co-exist with pups.
Love and Wishes™ Salvia – Long-blooming and a pollinator favorite, they’re also pet friendly flowers.
Garden Design Tips for Pet Safety and Comfort
Creating a harmonious garden that welcomes pets doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty. Here are some key design strategies to integrate pet friendly plants into a functional, pet-safe space:
- Include an open turf area where your dog can run and play.
- Provide cats with elevated platforms or climbing structures where they can perch and survey the garden.
- Leave narrow paths between fences and plants—dogs love to patrol the perimeter and will create a path whether or not you plan for one.
- Use wire mesh under mulch to prevent cats from using garden beds as litter boxes.
- Ensure shaded areas where your pets can rest and escape the heat.
