To create a pet-friendly garden, read this article to find a comprehensive list of outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs in various groups based on their care requirements, size, and appearance. Keep reading.
Cats and dogs are very playful; they like to play with plants and sometimes nibble them, but are all the plants in your garden safe for them? Some of the lovely ornamental plants in your garden are toxic to your cats and dogs. Do you know them?
In this article, first, I provide you with a list of 20 pet-friendly outdoor plants. Then, to make it easy for you, I grouped them into various categories based on their caring requirements (watering, lighting, and temperature needs), size, and other practical characteristics such as flowering or not.
It will help you find your favourite outdoor plants easily to build your pet-friendly garden. If you are ready, let’s start our journey to the world of outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs.
➡ You can hear the audio version of this article too.
Outdoor Plants Safe for Cats and Dogs
Here, you will find a list of the best pet-friendly outdoor plants. I provide you with a brief overview of their appearances and scientific names. I recommend you use the scientific names for buying the plants, due to the common names may vary in different areas and cultures, plus it is possible vthat arious species have had the same common name.
Please note that although all plants in our list are generally considered safe for cats and dogs, individual pets may have different sensitivities or allergies. So, I recommend monitoring your pets after introducing any new plants. Let’s go find the 20 outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs:
Marigold
Scientific Name: Tagetes spp.
Marigolds are known for their bright and cheerful blooms. Its flowers can be yellow, orange, and red. They have aromatic leaves and typically grow to a height of 6 inches to 2 feet.
Sunflower
Scientific Name: Helianthus annuus
Sunflowers are tall, sturdy plants known for their large, iconic flower heads with bright yellow petals surrounding a dark central disk. They can reach impressive heights, with some varieties growing up to 12 feet or more.
Snapdragon
Scientific Name: Antirrhinum majus
Snapdragons produce spikes of colourful, tubular-shaped flowers that resemble a dragon’s mouth when squeezed. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, and the plant itself can range from 6 inches to 3 feet in height.
Impatiens
Scientific Name: Impatiens spp.
Impatiens are low-growing plants with lush green foliage and single or double flowers in a wide range of colours, including pink, purple, white, and orange. They typically reach heights of 6 inches to 2 feet.
Alyssum
Scientific Name: Lobularia maritima
Alyssum is a low-growing plant with tiny, fragrant flowers that form dense clusters. The flowers are typically white, pink, or purple, and the plant itself reaches a height of 4 to 8 inches.
Phlox
Scientific Name: Phlox spp.
Phlox plants produce clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in various colours, including pink, purple, and white. They can grow to be 1 to 3 feet tall, depending on the variety.
Lavender
Scientific Name: Lavandula spp.
Lavender is known for its slender, aromatic leaves and spikes of fragrant, purple, blue, or pink flowers. It typically grows into a compact, bushy shape ranging from 1 to 3 feet in height.
Catnip
Scientific Name: Nepeta cataria
Catnip is a low-growing herb with triangular, toothed leaves. It produces spikes of small, tubular, white to lavender flowers. Catnip has a distinctive, aromatic fragrance that is particularly attractive to cats.
Thyme
Scientific Name: Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is a low-growing herb with small, aromatic leaves. When it flowers, it produces clusters of tiny, pale pink to lavender-colored blossoms. It typically forms a mat-like ground cover.
Mint
Scientific Name: Mentha spp.
Mint plants have square stems and produce small, tubular white, pink, or purple flowers. They grow vigorously and can reach heights of 1 to 3 feet.
Sage
Scientific Name: Salvia officinalis
Sage has greyish-green, fuzzy leaves and spikes of tubular flowers in various colours, including purple, blue, and white. It can grow into a woody shrub, ranging from 1 to 3 feet in height.
Fountain Grass
Scientific Name: Pennisetum spp.
Fountain grasses are ornamental grasses known for their arching, fountain-like growth habit. They have narrow, feathery flower spikes that can range in colour from white to pink to purple, depending on the variety.
Scientific Name: Bambusoideae (various species of bamboo)
Bamboo is a group of fast-growing, woody grasses that come in various species and sizes. They typically have tall, slender, upright stems (culms) with green or variegated leaves. The appearance can vary widely among different bamboo species.
African Violet
Scientific Name: Saintpaulia spp.
African Violets are small, low-growing houseplants with fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves. They produce clusters of dainty, five-petaled purple, blue, pink, and white flowers.
Areca Palm
Scientific Name: Dypsis lutescens (formerly Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Areca Palms, also known as Butterfly Palms, have feathery, arching fronds with narrow leaflets. They are typically bright green and create a lush, tropical appearance.
Boston Fern
Scientific Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
Boston Ferns are known for their graceful, arching fronds with delicate, feathery leaflets. They have a lush, vibrant green appearance and are often grown as hanging or potted plants. It is one of the famous air-purifying plants.
Spider Plant
Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Spider Plants have long, arching leaves that are typically green with white stripes. They produce small, baby plantlets at the ends of long stems, giving them a unique and spider-like appearance. It is also one of the common houseplants.
Scientific Name: Zinnia elegans
Zinnias are bushy plants with large, daisy-like flowers that come in a wide array of vibrant colours, including red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. They typically range from 6 inches to 3 feet in height.
Hens and Chicks
Scientific Name: Sempervivum spp.
Hens and Chicks are succulent plants that form rosettes of fleshy leaves. They come in various colours and can spread to create ground cover.
Rosemary
Scientific Name: Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosemary is an aromatic, woody shrub with needle-like leaves. It produces small, two-lipped, blue-to-purple flowers along its stems and can reach heights of 2 to 6 feet.
List of Large outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs
Size is a critical factor in designing landscapes and gardens. In this part, I provide you with a list of the large pet-friendly plants that have the potential to grow into larger sizes when given the appropriate conditions and space in your outdoor garden or landscape.
However, you must note that the ultimate size of these plants can vary based on factors such as:
- Climate of the area
- The soil characteristics.
- And finally, your caring conditions
Hence, I strongly recommend researching the specific requirements of each plant for your region to help them reach their potential size. Let’s go find the Large outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs
- Bamboo
- Areca Palm
- Boston Fern
- Fountain Grass (depending on the variety)
- Lavender (can grow into large shrubs)
- Sage (depending on the variety)
- Spider Plant (can grow large when potted or in the ground)
- Zinnia (can create large, bushy displays)
- Hens and Chicks (tend to form clusters and can cover a sizable area when planted together)
List of flowering outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs
I write this part for those who like to have a colourful pet-friendly garden. These plants are popular choices for adding colour and beauty to outdoor gardens. I put in my list plants with vibrant and often fragrant flowers. I love them.
Keep in mind that the specific flowering characteristics may vary among different varieties and species within each plant type. The following plants in the list are known for their flowering qualities and are commonly grown for their attractive blooms. Below you can find 11 flowering outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs:
- Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
- Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
- Alyssum (Lobularia maritime)
- Phlox (Phlox spp.)
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
- Mint (Mentha spp.)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
List of perennial outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs
Perennial plants are those that can live for multiple growing seasons under the right conditions. Below you can find a list of perennial outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs. They are very useful in designing landscapes and gardens but you must note that the longevity of perennial plants can vary depending on factors like:
- Climate
- Care
- growing conditions
so, before starting to plant them, consider the hardiness zone of your garden and the caring points of your plant. Now, let’s find these plants:
- Lavender
- Catnip
- Thyme
- Mint
- Sage
- Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum)
- Rosemary
List of drought-tolerant outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs
Watering is a critical factor in caring for a garden. If you are into having a pet-friendly garden but are concerned about watering, I provided you with a list of drought-tolerant outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs.
However, please note that these plants require occasional watering during prolonged periods of drought to thrive and maintain their health and appearance. I recommend you consider your local climate conditions and water accordingly to ensure the well-being of your plants.
- Lavender Lavandula spp.): Lavender is known for its drought tolerance once established. It thrives in well-drained soil and is suitable for dry climates.
- Catnip
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme is known for its drought tolerance and thrives in well-drained, drier conditions.
- Mint: It is adaptable and can tolerate dry periods once established, although it generally prefers evenly moist soil.
- Sage
- Fountain Grass (Pennisetum spp.): Fountain grasses are drought-tolerant once established and are often used in xeriscaping and dry gardens.
- Bamboo (depending on the species)
- Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum): Hens and Chicks are succulent plants that are highly drought-tolerant and can thrive in dry conditions.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary is drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny, arid conditions. It’s well-suited for dry gardens.
List of outdoor bushes safe for cats and dogs
Bushes are one of the popular factors in management the of gardens. Here I provide you with a list of the outdoor bushes safe for cats and dogs. Please note that while these plants can develop a bushy form, they are not traditional bushes or shrubs but rather herbs (in the case of Lavender, Rosemary, and Mint) or ornamental grasses (Fountain Grass) with similar growth habits.
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Lavender can grow into a shrubby, bush-like form, especially when pruned to maintain its shape.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary is an aromatic, woody shrub with a bushy growth habit.
- Mint (Mentha spp.): Mint plants have a spreading growth habit and can become bushy as they mature.
- Fountain Grass (Pennisetum spp.): Fountain grasses are not true bushes but have a clumping, ornamental grass growth habit that can resemble a bush in appearance.
List of outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs that can thrive in the shade
If you have a dark backyard or a dim balcony and want to add greenery to it, I provideed you with a list of outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs that can thrive in the shade.
Please note that although these plants can tolerate shade to varying degrees, they will generally grow best when they receive at least some sunlight. If you have a particularly shady garden area, it’s a good idea to select plants that are specifically adapted to low-light conditions for the best results.
- Impatiens (Impatiens spp.): Impatiens are known for their ability to thrive in shady areas. They prefer filtered or dappled sunlight and can tolerate relatively low light conditions.
- Alyssum (Lobularia maritima): Alyssum can grow in partial shade, making it suitable for areas with limited direct sunlight.
- Phlox (Phlox spp.): Some varieties of phlox can tolerate light shade, although they generally prefer full sun. In regions with hot summers, they may benefit from some afternoon shade.
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.): While lavender prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade, especially in areas with hot summers.
- Mint (Mentha spp.): Mint is adaptable and can grow in both partial shade and full sun, making it a versatile choice for various garden conditions.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage can tolerate partial shade, but it typically thrives in full sun. In regions with intense heat, some afternoon shade may be beneficial.
- Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.): Hens and Chicks can grow in partial shade, but they may develop more vibrant colours when exposed to some sunlight.
List of outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs that need direct sunlight
Before diving into the outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs that need direct sunlight, I want to define the meaning of “Full sun” in horticulture.
The term “full sun” typically means at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. So, when you plan a garden, be sure to consider the specific light conditions in your outdoor space and choose plants accordingly to ensure their healthy growth and blooming.
Here are some of the plants that typically need direct sunlight:
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Sunflowers are sun-loving plants and require full sun, which means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to grow tall and produce their characteristic large blooms.
- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus): Snapdragons prefer full sun to thrive and produce their colourful, tubular flowers. They may not perform well in areas with limited sunlight.
- Zinnia (Zinnia elegans): Zinnias are sun-loving annuals that need full sun to produce their vibrant, daisy-like flowers. They perform best in bright, direct sunlight.
- Marigold (Tagetes spp.): Marigolds are known for their love of the full sun. They require ample sunlight to produce their bright and cheerful blooms.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary is a sun-loving herb and prefers full sun exposure to thrive. It’s well-suited to hot and sunny garden locations.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Thyme is a Mediterranean herb that prefers full sun. It thrives in well-drained, sunny locations.
- Phlox (Phlox spp.): While some phlox varieties can tolerate partial shade, they generally perform best and produce more flowers when grown in full sun.
- Alyssum (Lobularia maritima): Alyssum prefers full sun and will produce more blooms in sunny locations.
- Impatiens (Impatiens spp.): Although they can tolerate some shade, impatiens bloom more profusely in full sun.
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Catnip prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade. It will produce more aromatic foliage in sunny conditions.
A list of outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs based on their Hardiness Zone
Temperature is a critical factor for planting outdoors. Before building a garden, you must ensure that the climate conditions of your region. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map divides the United States into zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperature.
To make it easy for you, I provided you with a classification of the outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs based on their general suitability for different USDA hardiness zones.
Please note that these are general guidelines, and the specific hardiness of a plant can depend on the variety or cultivar. It’s essential to check the recommended hardiness zones provided by plant nurseries or on seed packets for the specific varieties you plan to grow in your area, as microclimates can also influence plant survival.
Plants Suitable for a Range of Zones (Zones 3-9):
- Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
- Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
- Sage (Salvia officinalis)
- Mint (Mentha spp.)
- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Plants Suitable for Zones 4-9:
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Plants Suitable for Zones 5-9:
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Plants Suitable for Zones 6-9:
- Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)
Plants Suitable for Zones 7-9:
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Plants Suitable for Zones 9-11:
- Alyssum (Lobularia maritima) – In cooler climates, it’s often grown as an annual.
Plants with Variable Hardiness (Dependent on Variety and Care):
- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) – Generally, zones 7-10, but some varieties may tolerate colder zones with protection.
- Phlox (Phlox spp.) – Zones can vary by variety, but many are suitable for zones 4-8.
- Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum spp.) – Many varieties are cold-hardy and suitable for zones 3-8 or higher with proper care.
Conclusion
Congratulation! Now you have all the things that you need to build your pet-friendly garden. I provided you with a comprehensive list of outdoor plants safe for cats and dogs, along with a lot of practical information about these plants.
Do you think which ones on my list are the best pet-friendly outdoor plants? Why? If you create your favourite list, which ones will be on top of it? Please write your comments below this page to share your ideas and experiments with our readers.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.