17 Safe Plants for Dogs You Can Add to Almost Any Garden Right Now

Looking to spice up your garden or your balcony, but unsure which are plants are safe for dogs? We’ve got your back. We’ve done some of the legwork for you and picked out 17 pet-friendly garden favorites that will add beauty and color without harming your dog.

Dog-Safe Plants for Yard or Garden

Begonias

Begonias come in climbing or trailing varieties and grow beautifully outside in partial shade. They look particularly gorgeous in hanging baskets that allow their flowers to cascade over the side.

Daylilies

Daylilies are a low-maintenance way to add a pop of color to outdoor gardens. They grow quickly and are quite resilient. They prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.

Camellias

These flowering shrubs take some work to establish, but once they’re firmly rooted in your garden they’ll keep coming back each year with little effort. They prefer partial shade, and mature plants can survive off of natural water. If the plant is brand new, it will require some watering.

Dill

Unlike parsley, which is toxic to cats and dogs, Dill is an edible plant that won’t harm your pets. This herb goes well in creamy dressings, soups, and meats. Just make sure you give it plenty of room to grow—these plants get bigger than you expect.

Garden Marigolds

These flowers aren’t just beautiful—they also help bring bees to your garden and protect your vegetables (if you’re growing any). They give off a strong scent that deters beetles and other harmful bugs from infesting your edible plants. Their stunning, sun-like blooms aren’t too bad either.

Fuchsias

These elegant pink and purple flowers look great in hanging baskets outdoors. They do best in mild, temperate climates like the Pacific Northwest, and can remain in bloom from late spring to late fall.

Magnolia Bushes

Most people think of large, stately trees when they picture magnolias, but this plant also grows as a bush. Most magnolia bushes offer spectacular flowers in purple, pink, or white. They enjoy full sun if you can give it to them.

Purple Basil

This gorgeous variety of basil still whips up a delicious (purple) pesto, but also brings stunning color to your garden beds. Plant these guys after all chance of frost is over, and give them plenty of water and a place in the sun. Cut and eat what you want and you and your dog can enjoy until the first frost of the year.

Summer Hyacinth

These bulb perennials sprout lovely white or purple flowers in the summer that flood your garden with graceful color. They require regular drinking water and partial sunlight but will give plenty of flowers with the right care and attention.

Thyme

Another practical herb that won’t harm your pets, Thyme is a perennial plant that doesn’t need a lot of attention. Just a little water and sun, and it’s good to go.  This herb goes well with roasted vegetables, meat, soups, and potatoes.

African Daisy

African daisies are a drought-tolerant annual available in a huge range of colors. These flowers add a pop of color anywhere you want (partial to full sun) all summer long. The best part of all? They don’t smell funky like those Shasta daisies.

Creeping Rosemary

All rosemary is suitable for culinary use and pet safe, but this creeping variety is a hardy way to fill empty spaces in your yard with a low, fluffy cloud of evergreen. The trailing stems look especially beautiful cascading over the edge of a raised bed or container. This sun-loving ground cover will release a waft of scent whenever your dog scampers through.

Heuchera a.k.a. Coral Bells

Coral Bells grow low mounds of leaves in a range of shades from green to orange to black, with small sprigs of tiny flowers on long stems waving far above. There are many varieties to choose from, but this variegated coral variety looks like a winner.

Pineapple Sage

Pineapple sage smells amazing, attracts hummingbirds with its pink tubular flowers, and is a tasty addition to everything from fruit salads and salsas to sangria. Bright like an annual but may come back in spring if your winter is kind.

Polka Dot Plant

This low-growing, shade-loving perennial adds a splash of pink all summer long. Perennial in warm climates, and even makes a nice houseplant.

Fennel

This tasty bulb has beautiful feathery foliage and the flavor of licorice.

Snapdragons

Everyone loves a snapdragon patch. Easy to grow from seed in full sun, this mix produces a range of colors from yellow to red on tall stems. Makes great cut flower arrangements too.

Worried about poisonous plants in your garden?

Now that you have 17 great options for your garden, you may be wondering if the plants you already have in your garden are safe for your furry friend.

Never fear! We’ve collected regional lists of common wild and landscaping plants dangerous for dogs in the US:

Plants Poisonous to Dogs in the West

Plants Poisonous to Dogs in the Southwest

Plants Poisonous to Dogs in the Midwest

Plants Poisonous to Dogs in the Northeast

Plants Poisonous to Dogs in the Southeast

House Plants Poisonous to Dogs

Interested in seeing a comprehensive list of dog-friendly plants? The ASPCA has a huge list of toxic and non-toxic plants to refer to when you shop.

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Featured image: Vegetable Gardener