7 Dog-Friendly Shrubs for Your Yard

Shrubs can make a big difference in how your yard looks and feels for your dog. They provide places to sniff and explore, and can even create safe spaces for your pet. But when you have a furry friend, choosing the right shrubs becomes very important. You wouldn’t want plants that are toxic or have thorns that could hurt your dog.

The good news is that many attractive, dog-friendly shrubs do well in yards. You can find options that look nice all year, have interesting scents, or just add some greenery to your outdoor space.

We’ve put together a list of 7 shrubs that work great in yards with dogs, helping you create a safe and enjoyable area for both you and your pet.

Witch Hazel

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Since witch hazel can tolerate a wide range of weather across the nation, it usually grows well in US Hardiness Zones 3 through 9. It is renowned for its many seasonal variations, showing off yellow to orange leaves in the fall and fragrant yellow blooms in the winter or late fall. The best seasons to plant this tree are often spring or early fall, when established roots and sufficient growth may be ensured before the onset of winter weather.

Forsythia

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Because of its remarkable rate of growth, forsythia is a great option for anyone wishing to add color or a hedge to their garden in a hurry. It is a climate-adaptable plant that grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. Popular kinds include ‘Gold Tide,’ which grows more compactly and is ideal for smaller spaces, and ‘Lynwood Gold,’ which is noted for its profusion of golden flowers.

Magnolia Bush

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Because magnolia shrubs grow well in Zones 4 through 9 of the US Hardiness Map, they are frequently found in gardens. These shrubs, which have a modest growth rate, can cover a space over a few years with their lush leaves and showy blossoms. Popular varieties ‘Jane’ and ‘Ann’ provide rich pink springtime blooms and are compact enough for small gardens, while ‘Jane’ delivers pink-purple late spring blooms.

Hibiscus

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The popular floral plant hibiscus thrives best in the warmer months, therefore planting in late spring or early summer, when there is less chance of frost, is essential. One variation, called “Luna Red,” is distinguished by its enormous, densely packed red blossoms and compact growth, remaining relatively small but projecting a big, bushy look. In general, hibiscus plants require minimal maintenance when taking environmental conditions into account. This includes routine watering and sporadic pruning to promote healthy development and flowering.

Rosemary

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When planted in the spring, rosemary grows best in full sun and needs well-drained soil to sustain its vigorous development. It thrives in US Hardiness Zones 7 through 10, where it can grow to heights of three to five feet with little upkeep. Rosemary is a fantastic choice for gardens that are frequently visited by wildlife because of its good resistance to deer. Popular types include “Tuscan Blue,” which is prized for its upright growth habit and scented leaves, and “Arp,” which is renowned for its cold resistance.

Spiraea

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Spiraea is a plant that may thrive in a variety of temperatures because of its tolerance to different US Hardiness Zones. It grows at a modest rate most of the time, so gardeners may anticipate its mature size and design their landscaping appropriately. Because of its exceptional disease resistance, this plant requires less upkeep and less chemical treatments. Popular cultivars like ‘Goldflame,’ renowned for its eye-catching golden leaf, provide gardeners a variety of choices to suit varying aesthetic tastes without sacrificing hardiness.

Camellia

Emőke Dénes, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When planted in early fall or spring, when the temperature is cool and damp and their roots can spread quickly, camellia plants grow to their full potential. These plants develop slowly, so patience is needed. In the right circumstances, they can eventually reach up to 12 feet in height and width. Camellias are a popular choice for gardeners searching for low-maintenance shrubs because of their durability and usually good resistance to common plant diseases.

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