As a professional landscaper, one of the most common concerns I hear from pet owners is how to design a backyard landscape that is not only beautiful but also safe for their furry friends. Fortunately, Iowa is home to a variety of pet-friendly plants that can thrive in the state’s climate while adding color and texture to your outdoor space. In this article, I will share the top six pet-friendly plants for a backyard landscape in Iowa.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
The Purple Coneflower, also known as Echinacea, is a beautiful native wildflower that is pet-friendly and easy to grow. This plant produces stunning pink, purple, or white flowers from early summer to early fall and is a magnet for butterflies and bees. Not only is this plant low maintenance, but it is also drought-tolerant, making it perfect for Iowa’s hot summers. The best part is that it is non-toxic to pets, making it a safe choice for your backyard landscape.
Creeping Phlox (Phlox subulata)![]()
Another excellent plant for a pet-friendly backyard landscape in Iowa is Creeping Phlox. This low-growing perennial produces a beautiful blanket of blooms in shades of pink, purple, blue, and white. It is perfect for adding color to rock gardens, borders, and pathways. Creeping Phlox is not only easy to grow but also pet-friendly. This plant is safe for pets and will not cause any harm if they accidentally ingest it.
Catmint (Nepeta mussinii)
If you are a cat owner looking for a pet-friendly plant for your backyard, Catmint is a great option. This perennial produces fragrant blue-purple flowers from early summer to early fall, and its leaves are also highly aromatic. Catmint is easy to grow and low maintenance, making it perfect for busy pet owners. Not only is it non-toxic to pets, but it is also a natural mosquito repellent, making it an excellent addition to your backyard landscape.
Bluebells (Campanula)
Bluebells, also known as Campanula, are another pet-friendly plant that is perfect for adding color and texture to your backyard landscape. These bell-shaped flowers come in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, and they bloom from late spring to early summer. Bluebells are easy to grow and prefer moist, well-drained soil. They are also non-toxic to pets, making them a safe choice for your backyard.
Daylilies (Hemerocallis)
Daylilies are a popular choice for Iowa’s backyard landscapes, and for good reason. These hardy perennials come in a variety of colors, including orange, yellow, pink, and red, and they bloom from early summer to early fall. Daylilies are easy to grow and require minimal maintenance, making them a great choice for busy pet owners. The best part is that they are also pet-friendly and safe for your furry friends to be around.
Ferns (Polystichum)
If you are looking for a pet-friendly plant that can add texture and visual interest to your backyard landscape, ferns are a great choice. There are several varieties of ferns that can thrive in Iowa’s climate, including the Polystichum. These hardy evergreen ferns are perfect for shady areas and produce dark green fronds that can grow up to two feet long. Not only are ferns non-toxic to pets, but they also help improve air quality by filtering pollutants.
In conclusion, designing a pet-friendly backyard landscape in Iowa is not as difficult as it may seem. By incorporating these six plants into your outdoor space, you can create a beautiful and safe environment for your furry friends to enjoy.
Contact Tebock’s Landscape today to start designing your pet-friendly landscaping!
