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12 Pet-Safe Plants for Dogs in Zone 6
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Important: While the plants listed here are not listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA, individual animals may have sensitivities. Always consult your veterinarian. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.
Creating a beautiful garden in USDA Zone 6 doesn't mean you have to compromise on your dog's safety. Here are 12 beautiful, dog-safe plants that thrive in Zone 6 gardens.
1. Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Coneflowers are a staple of the summer garden, producing large, daisy-like blooms with prominent central cones. Not only are they completely safe for dogs, but they are incredibly hardy, drought-tolerant, and beloved by pollinators.
2. Coral Bells (Heuchera micrantha)
If you have a shady spot in your yard where your dog likes to nap, Coral Bells are the perfect addition. Grown primarily for their stunning foliage in shades of purple, lime green, bronze, and silver.
3. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
These cheerful, iconic wildflowers are a must-have for any dog-friendly garden. With their bright yellow petals and dark brown centers, they are vigorous growers, drought-tolerant, and completely safe.
4. Catmint (Nepeta x faassenii)
Despite the name, Catmint is perfectly safe for dogs too. This tough, aromatic perennial produces soft, gray-green foliage and spikes of lavender-blue flowers. It's highly attractive to pollinators.
5. Salvia (Salvia nemorosa)
Perennial Salvias are long-blooming workhorses in the Zone 6 garden. They are non-toxic to dogs, highly deer-resistant, and very easy to care for.
6. Coreopsis (Coreopsis grandiflora)
Also known as Tickseed, Coreopsis produces bright, daisy-like flowers that bloom profusely throughout the summer. Excellent for borders, highly drought-tolerant, and completely safe for dogs.
7. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
Blanket Flowers are vibrant, long-blooming perennials with a cheerful daisy-like appearance, often featuring rings of red, orange, and yellow. They thrive in full sun and poor soil.
8. Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
A member of the mint family, Bee Balm is safe for dogs and a massive draw for hummingbirds and bees. Its unique, shaggy flowers come in shades of red, pink, and purple.
9. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Zinnias are annuals that bloom non-stop until frost and are completely safe for dogs. They also make excellent cut flowers.
10. Marigold (Tagetes)
Marigolds thrive in the heat and are often used as companion plants in vegetable gardens to deter pests. Your dog can safely sniff and explore around them.
11. Snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus)
Snapdragons provide tall spikes of color in the cooler parts of the growing season. They are not listed as toxic to dogs and add great vertical interest to garden beds.
12. Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflowers are safe for dogs. Whether you grow the giant varieties or the smaller, branching types, you don't have to worry if your dog decides to investigate the fallen seeds.
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