People, including toddlers, have been warned repeatedly not to go munch on random flowers out in the wild. However, these warnings occasionally go unheeded by pets. It’s not always obvious which flowers are dangerous – even seemingly innocuous flowers like daffodils can pose a threat once ingested.
While dogs and cats usually don’t feel compelled to consume large quantities of foxgloves, if you’re truly worried, it’s best to select safe flowers in the event that your pet does run afoul of their toxic properties. Another way you can keep your flowers safe is to grow them in elevated raised beds, which are tall enough that they won’t fall to predation attempts. Here are a few beautiful, pet-friendly options (that aren’t daylilies or pansies) for your home and garden.
1. Hollyhock
Hollyhocks are fantastic bloomers and a great alternative if you fancy the florid blooms of foxgloves but not their toxins. Towering up to eight feet, with a wide color palette to choose from, hollyhocks are tall, stately plants ideal for backdrops and borders in raised beds. They are popular in cottage gardens, where they are mixed in with other frilly, pastel flowers like sweet peas, delphiniums, and roses.
2. Hummingbird Mint (Agastache)
Hummingbird mint happens to be one of those native flowers that are both resilient and vibrant in color. Its bright, magenta plumes exude a fragrant, honey-mint scent, attracting loads of bees and butterflies. Like other native pollinators, it helps conserve water, a crucial measure during a time when temperatures continue to rise. To meet the demands of all your plants and save water, try Vego’s efficient watering technology.
3. Snapdragon
If your pet dog displays raccoon energy, then snapdragons are a safe pet for their undiscriminating appetites. Snapdragons are striking with their stacked plumes and sweet perfume. Because of their unique shape, snapdragons have a longer vase life than other single flowered blooms. When you gently squeeze the flowers, they form the shape of a dragon’s mouth, hence the name.
4. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are not only edible but surprisingly easy to grow – you can simply dump a pile of seeds and expect a few to pop up next year. A few plain sunflowers can appear ‘sterile’ in the scorching sun, but there’s more to sunflowers than the ubiquitous yellow. The Sungold variety bears lovable, teddy bear-like flowers, while the aptly named Autumn Beauty is richly toned, like a caramel apple.
5. Orchids
If your cat is confined to indoor spaces, then you generally don’t have anything to worry about. However, even with the best intentions, some cats tend to wreak havoc. Orchids are non-toxic, widely available, and generally cheap. And if you think they’re boring, think again – there’s a whole world of orchids, from the exotic, near-black Monnierara Millennium Magic 'Witchcraft' to the strikingly patterned jewel orchid. Even the staid phalaenopsis will have specialty cultivars, such as the stunning Phalaenopsis Summer Rose 'Blue Star'.
6. Marigolds
Although some varieties are mildly toxic when ingested, marigolds are generally safe for pets to snack on (as long as they don’t make it a habit). Marigolds are fast bloomers that attract pollinators and help minimize pests when interplanted between garden beds. In addition to being pleasant to look at, they’re sometimes grown as a sacrificial crop, luring away pests like aphids from vegetable beds.
7. Bachelor's Buttons
Bachelor’s button, also known as cornflower, ranges from a deep azure to a pale sky blue. Sometimes grown as a cover crop to improve soil, cornflower will gallivant all over your yard, perpetuating its spritely blooms. Bachelor’s buttons thrive in well-drained soil and can survive in depleted soil. Do not overwater, as it can lead to root rot.
8. Nasturtium
According to many vegetable gardeners, interplanting is key. Another flower often used as pest-deterrent, nasturtium attracts pollinators while drawing away pests. You may find your blooms laden with caterpillars, but don’t be alarmed – they will stay away from your brassicas and other crops. Besides, plain vegetables tend to get boring; nasturtiums help add a burst of flavor.
9. Rose
Roses have little in the way of toxins, except for their thorns, which generally aren’t a threat. A special shoutout goes to the Peggy Martin climbing rose – its ability to survive challenging conditions, including the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, has earned it the title of “survivor rose.” Combine with an arched trellis for a gorgeous cascade of blossoms.
10. Petunias
Petunias are one of these flowers that are thrown around for show. They tend to get leggy and can be boring to look at. However, the tradeoff is that they flower all summer long in waves of color. Some of the rarer varieties are exceptional: Night Sky petunia is a beautiful cultivar whose petals resemble the night sky, appearing almost unreal.
11. Asters
A late-season pollinator, asters, along with goldenrods, are magnets for insects. They’re great for a splash of unexpected fall color. Asters grow best in loamy, well-drained soil and can be planted in dappled shade, having adapted to the conditions of deciduous forests.
12. Chocolate cosmos
Prized for its dusky, brownish-red flowers, chocolate cosmos has endeared itself to many in its native Mexico for its rich, cocoa scent. Should your pet take a liking to its chocolatey blossoms, they likely won’t experience any toxic side effects. That said, any flowers should be kept away from the mouths of pets.