Creating a beautiful garden shouldn't come at the expense of your pets' safety. Fortunately, there are plenty of stunning outdoor plants that are considered safe for both cats and dogs.

Whether you're planting a native garden, creating privacy with hedges, or adding flowering colour to your backyard, you can build a landscape that's both beautiful and pet friendly.

Here's our guide to the best outdoor plants for homes with furry family members.

What Makes an Outdoor Plant Pet Friendly?

Pet-friendly outdoor plants are those recognised as non-toxic to cats and dogs if accidentally chewed or ingested.

While they're considered safe, no plant should become part of your pet's regular diet. Eating large amounts of foliage can still lead to vomiting or digestive discomfort.

Considered the international "gold standard" plant toxicity database, the ASPCA Plant Toxixity Database is used by veterinarians, poison centres and horticultural professionals worldwide.

While this database and the following list can be used as a guide, it is best to confirm with your Vet on any specific plant varieties in your garden.

Best Pet-Friendly Outdoor Plants

The Best Pet-Friendly Garden Styles

Australian Native Gardens

Choose Bottlebrush, Grevillea, Banksia, Kangaroo Paw, Correa and Native Violet for a colourful, wildlife-friendly garden.

Privacy & Screening

Lily Pilly, Camellias and Bottlebrush make excellent hedges while remaining pet friendly.

Flower Gardens

Add year-round colour with Camellias, Crepe Myrtles, Magnolias, Roses, Snapdragons and Zinnias.

Coastal Gardens

Pigface, Banksias and Bottlebrush thrive in sunny coastal conditions.

Outdoor Plants to Avoid Around Pets

Some popular landscape plants are toxic to cats and dogs, including:

• Lillies (extremely toxic to Cats)
• Oleander
• Azalea
• Sago Palm (extremely toxic)
• Autumn Crocus
• Foxglove
• Lantana
• Spring Bulbs (Daffodils, Bluebells etc)
• Cyclamen
• Wisteria
• Aloe Vera
• Poppies
• Ivy
• Castor Bean
• Brunfelisa

If you already have these in your garden, keep pets away from them and consider removing or replacing them with safer alternatives.

Check HERE for a suggested list of toxic outdoor plants for your pets from Animal Emercency Service Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the safest outdoor plants for dogs?

Bottlebrush, Lily Pilly, Native Violet, Kangaroo Paw, Camellias and Magnolias are excellent choices for Australian gardens.

Are Australian native plants pet friendly?

Many are, including Bottlebrush, Grevillea, Correa, Banksia, Pigface and Kangaroo Paw. However, it's always important to check each species individually.

Can dogs become sick from eating garden plants?

Yes. Even non-toxic plants can upset your dog's stomach if eaten in large amounts, while toxic species can cause serious illness.

Final Thoughts

A pet-friendly garden can still be colourful, productive and full of life. By choosing safe outdoor plants and avoiding known toxic species, you'll create a backyard that your whole family can enjoy.

Whether you're starting from scratch or updating an existing landscape, Plants in a Box has a wide range of outdoor plants to help you build a beautiful, pet-friendly Australian garden.

Shop the range HERE

Plant safety information:

The information in this guide has been compiled using reputable veterinary and animal welfare resources, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center , Animal Emergency Service and the RSPCA. 

While the plants listed are generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs, chewing or eating any plant material may still cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Individual pets may also react differently.

If you suspect your pet has eaten a poisonous plant or is showing any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian immediately.