Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Toxic flowers
As you peruse garden catalogs and local garden center websites, there are some flowers you might think twice about planting if you have a pet that likes to gnaw on everything.
One plant that’s controversial is ‘Lily of the Valley’, which is NOT a lily, has an attractive smell. I hate how it takes over wherever it’s planted.
But wait, there’s more. All parts of the plant are toxic to humans, cats and dogs if ingested. For shade, try Virginia Spiderwort instead.
One annual I love and is VERY popular is lantana.
If eaten, it’s toxic to people, pets and livestock also! If this concerns you, Verbena is a good option.
Have you ever noticed that your hydrangeas are not nibbled on by rabbits?
That’s because hydrangeas are toxic to them as well as your pets.
While not a perennial in our cold climate, Oleander is very pretty and very poisonous.
It can be grown in a pot and brought in for the winter but it is highly recommended that anyone with pets or children do NOT have this plant in their home. Bringing oleander indoors.
Mountain Laurel is also a very pretty shade loving shrub and marginally hardy to zone 4.
If munched on, Mountain Laurel is toxic to pets and people. Dogwood is a safe option.
Monkshood is a very late blooming perennial with cool purple flowers. I’ve had it at a couple of homes.
However, it’s also toxic to pets, people and livestock and because of its high toxicity, it is not a recommended choice unless gardening with proper protective gear. I always wear gloves and don’t eat it!
