Every gardener has two things they love deeply: plants and pets. That’s why many of us are always on the lookout for pet-friendly plants that won’t harm our best friends if they take a curious nibble.
For the uninitiated, many common garden and houseplants can be toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. Reactions can range from mild stomach upset to more serious health issues. To help you build a safer outdoor space, our team at Urban Gardeners in South East London put together a list of beautiful, pet-friendly plants you can add to your garden with more confidence.
P.S. If you’re ever unsure whether a plant is safe for your dog or cat, double-check using a trusted plant toxicity database (like the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants database) before planting. It includes both indoor and outdoor plants. And if you already have a rough idea of what you want to plant, we can help you plan it and install it properly through our Garden Landscaping and Design service.
Quick list of most common pet-friendly plants
- Lavender
Roses
Marigolds
Peonies
Ornamental grass (Switchgrass, Reed grass, Purple Millet, ...)
Coneflowers
Japanese maples
Lavender
Most of you already know lavender, but it deserves its spot. Lavender is a fragrant herb with purple flowers that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. It’s generally considered pet-friendly when used normally in gardens.
How to grow it well:
Loves full sun
Needs well-drained, sandy soil
Prune after flowering to encourage bushy growth
Once established, lavender is drought-tolerant and low maintenance.
Roses
Roses are a classic garden favourite with beautiful, fragrant blooms. They’re generally pet-friendly, though the thorns can obviously be an issue if pets run into them.
How to grow them well:
Prefer full sun
Like fertile, well-drained soil
Regular watering and feeding helps with healthy blooms
Prune regularly to shape the plant and stimulate new growth.
Marigolds
Marigolds are bright, cheerful annual flowers that add colour quickly and easily. They’re commonly used in borders and beds, and many gardeners love them because they’re simple and effective.
Pet note: They’re generally considered safe, but like any plant, it’s best to discourage pets from eating large amounts.
How to grow them well:
Full sun is best
Water regularly until established
Deadhead (remove old blooms) to keep flowers coming
Need help creating a pet-friendly garden long term?
We can help you choose safer plants, plan where to place them, and keep everything tidy so curious dogs and cats stay out of trouble.
Explore our services: Garden Maintenance, Garden Landscaping and Design, or Garden Fencing.
Peonies
Peonies are showy perennials with big, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring. They’re a perfect “statement plant” if you want something that looks expensive and elegant.
How to grow them well:
- Full sun to part shade
- Fertile, well-drained soil
- Use supports so heavy blooms don’t droop
Divide clumps every few years to keep them strong.
Learn more about peonies and their meaning here.
Ornamental Grass
Ornamental grasses add texture, movement, and a modern look to borders. They can also be great for soft “zoning” in a garden.
Most ornamental grasses are generally considered pet-friendly, and they’re also low-maintenance once established.
How do you choose ornamental grass?
Here are a few popular options and the conditions they like:
Ornamental Grass | About | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
Switchgrass | Airy plumes in late summer and autumn. Great as a soft privacy screen or as an accent plant. | Full sun or part shade, well-drained soil |
Reed Grass | Forms strong clumps with upright flower stalks. Adds height and structure. | Full sun and well-drained soil |
Purple Millet | Tough annual grass with burgundy foliage and fuzzy purple flower heads. Very striking and attracts birds. | Full sun or part shade, well-drained soil |
Little Bluestem | Turns bronze-orange in autumn with silvery seed heads into winter. | Full sun and well-drained soil |
Fountain Grass | Mounding shape with soft feathery plumes that move in the breeze. | Full sun and well-drained soil |
Blue Fescue | Short, tidy grass with powder-blue foliage, great for edging. | Full sun or part shade and well-drained soil |
If you want a clean and balanced layout (so it looks good year-round), this is exactly the kind of choice we help with inside our Garden Landscaping and Design service.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers (Echinacea) are hardy native-style perennials with daisy-like flowers that attract bees and butterflies. They’re a great pick if you want colour with minimal fuss.
How to grow them well:
Full sun to part shade
Well-drained soil
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering
Divide clumps every few years to keep them vigorous.
Japanese Maples
If you want a tree that looks premium without taking over your whole garden, Japanese maples are a beautiful option. They’re smaller trees with elegant shapes and colourful foliage.
How to care for them:
Prefer part shade
Like well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Mulch around the base to protect roots and retain moisture
Shelter from harsh winds and strong afternoon sun if possible.
Important note about Daylilies and Hostas
You might see lists online claiming plants like daylilies or hostas are safe. But safety depends on the plant and the pet.
- Daylilies are not safe for cats and can be dangerous if ingested. If you have cats, it’s best to avoid them completely.
- If you’re ever unsure about any plant, double-check using the RSPCA database before planting.
If you already have plants in your garden and want help making the space safer, we can guide you through safer alternatives during a Garden Maintenance visit, especially if you need pruning, tidy-up, or plant swaps.
Tips for Pet-Safe Plant Parenting
Here are a few simple rules that actually work:
- Research thoroughly: Always confirm plant safety before bringing it home
- Monitor your pets: Some pets chew anything new
- Create plant zones: Use barriers, raised planters, or place certain plants out of reach
- Be prepared: Keep your vet contact info handy in case anything gets chewed
If your dog is an escape artist or you want to block off certain areas, Garden Fencing can be a smart solution for creating safe zones in the garden.
FAQ
Not always. “Pet-friendly” usually means the plant is not known to be toxic, but eating large amounts can still cause stomach upset. It’s always best to discourage pets from chewing plants whenever possible.
Cats are especially sensitive to certain plants, particularly lilies. Even small amounts of some lilies can be dangerous for cats. If you have cats, always double-check plant safety before planting and avoid bringing unknown plants into your garden.
Not necessarily. Some plants may be safe for dogs but harmful to cats. Always check plant safety for both species, especially if you have multiple pets at home.
If your pet has chewed a plant and seems unwell, contact your vet as soon as possible. If you’re unsure about the plant’s safety, the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plants database can help identify potential risks.
Absolutely. There are plenty of attractive, pet-friendly plants that offer colour, texture, and structure. With the right layout and plant choices, you can have a garden that looks great and feels safer for pets.
Good garden design and regular upkeep help a lot. Keeping borders tidy, removing unknown plants, and creating clear zones can reduce risk. Services like garden maintenance, garden landscaping and design, and garden fencing can help create a safer outdoor space for pets.
How our gardening services can help a pet-friendly garden
We don’t just plant “pretty” gardens. We help you build a space that’s safer for curious dogs and cats, with plant choices, layouts, and maintenance that reduce risk if pets like to sniff, chew, or dig.
- Garden maintenance to keep borders tidy, remove risky plants, and stop pets from chewing fresh growth
- Garden clearance to remove overgrown corners where pets can hide, chew unknown plants, or pick up debris
- Garden fencing to create safe zones and block off areas you want pets to avoid
- Lawn care and mowing to keep grass healthy, reduce mud patches, and help spot pet wear-and-tear early
- Garden landscaping and design to plan a pet-friendly layout (safe planting zones, raised beds, pathways, and pet-safe areas)
- Patio cleaning to keep hard surfaces cleaner and safer for paws, especially where pets eat or drink outside
Want help making your garden more pet-friendly in South East London? Get in touch and we’ll recommend the best service for your outdoor space.
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