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Looking to spice up your garden or your balcony, but unsure which dog-safe plants to choose? We’ve done some of the legwork for you with this list of 15 dog-safe plants and garden favourites that will add beauty and colour to your garden without posing any threat to your pup.
Keep in mind the varieties on this list are specific—for example, while African daisies may be harmless to dogs, other varieties of daisies are considered toxic—and that this list is specific to dogs. If you’re interested in learning about what plants are poisonous to cats, or about other plants not on this list that may be poisonous to pets, check out our guide: Poisonous Plants to Dogs and Cats.
14 Dog-Safe Plants To Add Colour, Variety and Fragrance
You’ll be able to find many of these dog-safe plants at your local garden centre as seeds, starts or potted plants. You can also find seeds for good deals online on Amazon and other gardening sites.
1. Camellia
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.
Camellias prefer partial shade, and mature plants are able to survive with little watering. If the plant is brand new however, it will require some watering to establish its roots.
Find Camellias on Amazon2. Dill
Culinary dill is obviously safe for humans, but this feathery weed is also a dog-safe plant. This herb goes well with creamy dressings, soups and meats. Just make sure you give it plenty of room to grow—these plants get bigger than you expect.
Find Dill on Amazon3. 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) as a form of natural pest control that can deter beetles and other harmful bugs from infesting your edible plants. Their stunning, sun-like blooms aren’t too bad either. A win-win, all-around dog-safe plant!
Find Marigolds on Amazon4. Fuchsias
These elegant pink and purple flowers look great in hanging baskets outdoors. They do best in mild, temperate climates, and can remain in bloom from late spring to late fall.
Find Fuschias on Amazon5. Magnolia Bushes
Most people think of large, stately trees when they picture magnolias, but this dog-safe plant also grows as a bush. Most magnolia bushes offer spectacular flowers in purple, pink or white. They do well in full sun if you can give it to them.
Find Magnolias on Amazon6. Purple Basil
This gorgeous variety of basil whips up a delicious (purple) pesto, and also brings stunning colour 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.
Find Purple Basil on Amazon7. Creeping 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 pairs well with roasted vegetables, meat, soups, and potatoes.
Find Thyme on Amazon8. Sunflower
Sunflowers are the epitome of summer and come in a huge range of heights and colours. These dog-safe plants can grow several feet tall, make a great border along fences or in front of the house, and they love a sunny spot with plenty of water. As sunflowers lose their bright petals, the seeds mature and attract birds through the fall (that is if you don’t harvest them yourself for a tasty snack!).
Find Sunflowers on Amazon9. Rosemary
All rosemary is suitable for culinary use and is considered a dog-safe plant, 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.
Find Rosemary on Amazon10. Pineapple Sage
Pineapple sage smells amazing, and is a tasty addition to everything from fruit salads and salsas to sangria. It’s generally considered an annual but may come back in spring if your winter is mild enough.
Find Pineapple Sage on Amazon11. Polka Dot Plant
This low-growing, shade-loving, dog-safe plant adds a splash of pink all summer long. It’s perennial in warm climates and also makes a nice houseplant.
Find Polka Dot Plants on Amazon12. Fennel
This tasty bulb has beautiful feathery foliage and the flavour of liquorice. While it’s safe for dogs, it’s even better for humans: it’s delicious grilled and makes a fragrant addition to salads. Its seeds are also a great breath freshener and make a soothing tea.
Find Fennel on Amazon13. Snapdragons
Everyone loves a sunny snapdragon patch. These dog-safe plants are easy to grow from seed in full sun, and produce a range of colours from yellow to red on their lovely tall stems. They make great additions to cut flower arrangements too.
Find Snapdragons on Amazon14. Nasturtium
Nasturtiums are popular annual flowers to grow for a few reasons. The flowers are edible and have a surprising spicy flavour. They can grow in poorer soils without needing fertilizers, so you can plant them in any odd spot for a splash of colour. Plus they elegantly drape down garden boxes and rock walls—and they smell like heaven!
Find Nasturtium on AmazonFurther Reading
Now that you have 14 great options for your garden, you might be wondering if the plants you already have in your garden are safe for your furry friend. For a comprehensive list of pet-safe plants for both dogs and cats, here’s out list of non-toxic plants for cats and dogs.
For more about poisonous plants inside your home, see our article, 15 Common House Plants Poisonous to Dogs.
No matter where you grow your plants, whether it’s in a big, beautiful back garden or on a sunny windowsill, we hope it’s always relaxing for you and safe for your pets. Happy planting!
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Featured image: Vegetable Gardener
