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Planting a Dog-Friendly Garden: 16 Outdoor Plants Safe for Dogs

Every pup needs to stop and smell the roses.
Chewy Editors
Dr. Teresa Manucy
By Chewy Editors. Reviewed by Dr. Teresa Manucy
Updated
Jul. 6, 2025
A large brown dog lies in a yard of blue pansies.

Photo by Petra Richli/iStock/Getty Images Plus

With a fresh breeze and so many delightful smells, the backyard might just be your dog’s favorite place—outside of your lap, of course. To make sure your yard is beautiful and dog-friendly, you’ll need to choose safe outdoor plants. 

Jump to section

  • Why Are Some Plants Not Safe for Your Dog?
  • What Are Some Common Plants That Are Not Safe for Dogs?
  • 16 Dog-Safe Plants to Add to Your Backyard
  • What If Your Dog Eats a Plant That’s Not Safe?
  • FAQs About Dog-Friendly Gardens

Key Takeaways:


  • There are plenty of dog-safe plants and flowers to add to your garden or backyard.
  • Even everyday plants can contain toxins, so it’s important to know which plants are canine-friendly and which aren’t.
  • If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic or poisonous, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 and head straight to an emergency vet.

Why Are Some Plants Not Safe for Your Dog?


Surprise! Even everyday plants can contain toxic substances. “Toxins can be found in certain parts of some plants, and in all the parts of other plants,” says Brian Collins, DVM, an extension veterinarian with Cornell University’s Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center.  

Depending on the toxin, symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to tremors; some plants can even be fatal if ingested.   

But it’s complicated, says Stephen Hall, the eastern regional vice president of Moon Valley Nurseries.  

“Most plants have some level of natural toxicity, but that doesn’t mean they’re [necessarily] deadly,” he explains. “What matters is how much the dog ingests and the size and curiosity level of the dog.”   

What Are Some Common Plants That Are Not Safe for Dogs?


Here are some popular plants to avoid for a dog-friendly garden. 

Lily of the valley  

With small, white bell-shaped flowers, this plant is toxic if ingested because it contains cardiac glycosides that cause vomiting and diarrhea, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, seizures, or worse, Collins says.   

Lily of the Valley

Photo by Irina Khabarova/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Azaleas and rhododendrons

Azaleas and rhododendrons are flowering shrubs that burst into bloom each spring. Collins notes they contain grayanotoxins, which can cause gastrointestinal problems, as well as generalized weakness or heart failure in dogs. 

Azaleas

Photo by ooyoo/E+

Tomatoes

Like other plants in the nightshade family, tomato plants contain toxic glycoalkaloids. Collins points out that your pup can eat ripe tomatoes in moderation, but the plant itself and any green tomatoes are off limits.  

Tomato plant

Photo by Katarina Molnarova/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Oleander

Toxic to animals and humans when ingested, this plant (which comes in white, yellow, pink, red, and other colors) contains glycosides that can affect the cardiovascular system and cause neurological and gastrointestinal issues.  

Sago palm

The drought-tolerant sago palm is popular for landscaping, but it’s at the top of Hall’s list of plants to avoid if you have a pup. “They’re not just toxic—they’re actually poisonous, especially the root system,” he says. (“Poisonous” suggests a particularly high level of toxicity.)  

Sago palm

Photo by siramatt1988/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Podocarpus

If you’re looking for an evergreen to add year-round color, pass on the podocarpus (also known as a Buddhist pine or yew pine). All parts of the plant and its seeds are toxic, and it can cause digestive upset in dogs.  

Stone fruit trees

While stone fruit trees are not necessarily toxic, Hall suggests thinking twice before planting one. “It’s usually the pits or seeds that can be dangerous,” he explains. The hard pit can pose a choking hazard, especially if your pup tends to gobble down every tasty treat they find. 

Apricot tree

Photo by Dmytro Skrypnykov/iStock/Getty Images Plus

16 Dog-Safe Plants to Add to Your Backyard


Thankfully, there are lots of outdoor plants that are safe for dogs. Here are some popular options.  

Daylilies

Daylilies are outdoor perennial plants safe for dogs—and they’re at the top of Hall’s list of recommendations. He says these nontoxic plants adapt well to all light and soil conditions.  

Daylilies

Photo by bauhaus1000/E+

Sunflowers

Even if your dog snacks on a few seeds, the cheery sunflower poses no threat, as long as it’s in moderation.  

Sunflower

Photo by Gaitanides/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Roses

A pretty pick for a dog–friendly garden, these perennials grow in most areas of the U.S. except for the coldest regions.  

Rose

Photo by Difydave/E+

Marigolds

The marigold plant is well-known for its orange, red, or yellow blooms and green foliage, and they can grow just about anywhere as long as they receive six hours of sun.  

Marigolds

Photo by Jagannath Karmakar/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Pansies

Charming pansies produce solid or bicolor blooms in cool weather—perfectly pup-safe! 

Pansies

Photo by Bowonpat Sakaew/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Impatiens

For a hardy blooming plant, consider impatiens, which come in a wide range of colors and grow across most of North America. 

Impatiens

Photo by Elise Hay/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Zinnias

This annual plant will bloom all summer long, producing eye-catching flowers in a range of hues.  

Zinnias

Photo by glennimage/E+

Ferns

Ferns are dog-safe outdoor plants that add a touch of soft greenery to your space.

Ferns

Photo by Boogich/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Phlox

Phlox is a flowering groundcover plant—perfectly OK for canine kiddos.  

Phlox

Photo by aleroy4/E+

Hens and chicks

This rosette-shaped succulent is a cute addition to any garden and perfectly safe for your dog—although they’ll probably avoid its prickly leaves.  

Hens and chicks

Photo by Claudia Cooper/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Crape myrtle

“Available in gorgeous violet and pink tones, this plant is common in Southern gardens,” says Hall.  

Crape myrtle

Photo by y-studio/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Thyme

You can use creeping thyme as a groundcover or grow the aromatic shrub to use in cooking. Either way, it’s canine-safe.  

Thyme

Photo by dirkr/E+

Camellias

The camellia is a small tree or shrub known for its beautiful blooms during the cooler seasons. You may see single or double blossoms in pink, red, or white hues. 

Camellia

Photo by Carmen K Sisson/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Saucer magnolias

Also known as Japanese magnolias, these ornamental trees produce large, saucer-shaped flowers in colors like creamy white, delicate lavender, rich rose, or a soft yellow. Super pretty and super nontoxic.  

Saucer magnolia

Photo by Nahhan/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Roses of Sharon

A Rose of Sharon is a type of hibiscus with single or double flowers in shades such as pink, red, and lavender.  

Rose of Sharon

Photo by matunka/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Bamboo

Part of the grass family, bamboo plants are safe for dogs. The tall ones are a great option for adding some privacy to your backyard—or just something for the tennis ball to bounce off when your dog doesn’t quite catch it in time.   

Bamboo

Photo by Supersmario/iStock/Getty Images Plus

No matter which dog-friendly plant you choose, make sure your pup always has supervision and plenty of water outside—not to mention some canine-friendly accessories to make the backyard one of their favorite spots.  

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What If Your Dog Eats a Plant That’s Not Safe?


“It’s a good idea to take a photo of the plant so that it can be accurately identified,” even if you’re sure what it is, Collins says. He advises pet parents to consult a veterinarian right away—use an emergency veterinary service if it’s after hours.  

On your way to the vet, if possible, you also should contact the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.  

In the meantime, Collins says to closely monitor your dog for breathing difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures. 

FAQs About Dog-Friendly Gardens


Q: How can you create a dog-friendly backyard without grass?   

A: You don’t need grass to create a backyard oasis for your four-legged friend. Hall suggests pet-friendly groundcover or hardscape, such as decomposed granite or flagstone: “These provide flat surfaces for dogs to walk or lay on and reduce muddy messes.” Consider a dog hammock and provide some shade, under an umbrella or pergola, along with plenty of fresh drinking water. 

Q: Do dogs enjoy smelling flowers?  

A: Yep, our pups like to stop and smell the roses—figuratively and literally. Dogs have more olfactory receptors in their noses, and a larger part of their brain is dedicated to smell, Collins says. “This is how they communicate, and sniffing is important to their happiness,” he notes.  

Attributions


Chewy Editors

Chewy Editors

Dr. Teresa Manucy

Dr. Teresa Manucy

Dr. Teresa Manucy is a 1997 graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small
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