We all want our pets to be safe and sound. But did you know that letting them run around the garden freely might be more dangerous than it seems?
That’s because specific plants and flowers might contain hazardous chemicals that upset your pets and make them ill – I am talking about Azaleas, Day lilies, and Daffodils. And, of course, you can’t be on the lookout 24/7 and prevent your dog or cat from taking a bite of these pretty flowers.
That’s why I started planting pet-friendly flowers in my garden. My dog Luna loves exploring the garden, and now I don’t have to worry about her accidentally munching on something harmful. It’s a simple change that makes a big difference for our furry friends.
There’s this one flowering plant that I’m absolutely obsessed with – and the best part is, it’s safe for pets!
Stick around to find out more about this colorful and pet-friendly flower, and why it might be perfect for your garden. 🌼🐾
Grow Pet-Friendly Angelonia And Keep Your Garden Worry-Free
I was chatting with my fellow gardener about how worried I was about Luna munching on something from my garden. Sure, she doesn’t usually snack on plants, but I always say it’s better to be safe than sorry.
My friend totally got it since she also has a dog, and she suggested I grow Angelonia. This beautiful plant, often called summer snapdragon, comes in vibrant shades of pink, white, and blue, and best of all, it’s pet-friendly!
I decided to give it a try and planted it last year. I was totally surprised by how good it looked in my garden.
To grow Angelonia, I chose a sunny spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight daily. I made sure the soil was well-drained and added some organic matter to keep it loose.
I spaced the plants about 12 to 16 inches apart for a stunning flower display. Angelonia thrived all summer long with minimal care, and Luna could roam freely without any worries.
You can find Angelonia plants at garden centers or start them from seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last frost. Once they’re growing strong, you can collect seeds from the pods for next season.
There are also low-growing varieties like the AngelMist series, perfect for ground covers, pots, and hanging baskets (I absolutely love how they look hanging from the basket on my patio).
Now, Angelonia is definitely one of my favorite garden additions, adding a splash of color and peace of mind!
Related: Are Monsteras Toxic To Dogs? All The Answers And More
How To Keep Your Angelonia Happy
We all want our plants to be happy and healthy just like our pets – I like to think of myself as a proud plant parent!
Luckily, angelonia is a pretty easy plant to care for once it’s settled in. It’s drought-tolerant but needs regular watering when it’s new. During long dry spells, give it a bit more water to keep it happy.
This plant loves the heat, making it perfect for warmer areas, and it’s resistant to pests as well as a good deer-repellant.
Avoid over-fertilizing with high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they’ll give you lots of green leaves but few flowers.
Instead, use a balanced fertilizer with potassium and phosphorus – I usually apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the summer to keep those blooms coming.
I honestly think that planting Angelonia was one of the best gardening decisions I’ve made. My garden looks good, my pets can go and run safely, and I don’t have to spend so much time and energy on keeping a plant alive in this heatness.
So, if you’re looking for a gorgeous, pet-friendly plant, Angelonia is definitely worth a try!
Also read: Are Monsteras Toxic To Cats? The Definitive Answer