I'm looking for some easy-to-grow outdoor plants that thrive in shady areas and are safe for my cats. I have two rockeries, a few garden beds, and plenty of potting space. While some of the pots can handle a bit of sun, the majority of my garden is shaded, and I would love to add some color! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
You might also want to consider Astilbe and hostas; both love the shade and can add some lovely color to your garden. I’m unsure about their safety for cats, but they haven't been a problem with my dogs and tortoise. Little Acer trees are another great choice; they offer stunning colors and also prefer shaded spots!
If you're considering plants that are safe for cats, I'd recommend looking into Heuchera. It comes in various colors and some types do well in full shade while others can tolerate a little sun. Another option is Sweet Box (Sarcococca confusa), an evergreen shrub that's perfect for full shade. Just a heads up, while it's often labeled as safe for cats, it does produce berries that could be toxic, but generally, pets tend to avoid them. Also, remember that you can't fully control what's in your neighbors' gardens, so it's good to keep an eye on that.
Looked them up... Both beautiful suggestions! Thanks so much!
Thanks! I'll look these up since I'm not an expert on plants! You're right about the neighbors' gardens; it's tough to manage what our cats might wander into. My two are old and don't go far anymore, so hopefully, they'll stick to the safe stuff!