Most people love receiving flowers. They’re a wonderful gift that can immediately bring a splash of colour and joy to the home. But for pet owners, buying or receiving flowers can be a bit of a minefield. Because while we love the colour, scent, and general vivacity of beautifully arranged blooms, we always have to ask ourselves the question: is it safe? A whole range of flowers can be highly toxic for pets, from the notorious lily to the ubiquitous chrysanthemum.
So, what flowers should you look for if you’re buying for a pet owner?
Our Five Favourite Flowers for Pet Owners
Roses
You can’t really go wrong with a rose. And the good news is, aside from their thorns, they’re pretty innocuous to everyone. Parts of them are even edible. So, they look beautiful, smell amazing, are available a range of different colours and sizes, and are safe for all.
Sun flowers
Sunflowers are usually seasonal. It can be very hard to find them in the winter months. But when they are available in summer and autumn, they can’t help but wow. Big and bold, they will take your breath away in any bouquet. And they are totally safe for pets.
Gerbera and germini
Gerbera and germini are some of the cheeriest flowers around. Their simple daisy form can resemble a child’s drawing. And they come in an amazing range of colours, from creamy white to sunshine yellow and pillar box red. But despite being members of the Asteraceae family, and closely related the chrysanthemum, they are non-toxic and pet-safe.
Antirrhinum
Absolute favourites of kids (and the young at heart), it’s almost impossible to resist poking your finger into the mouth of an antirrhinum (snap dragon). But they also make wonderful cut flowers. They come in an absolute riot of colours, with some varieties possessing stunning rainbow tones. They’re non-toxic. And can last up to two weeks in a vase.
Phalaenopsis
Also known as the moth orchid, phalaenopsis is one of the UK’s best-loved pot plants. But they also make wonderful cut flowers. Not least because they really grab the attention. You can find them in a variety of colours. And they contain no toxic properties.
What flowers should you avoid for pet owners?
This is far from an extensive list. But the most popular floristry plants that should be avoided by pet owners are as follows:
- Lilies
- Chrysanthemums
- Tulips
- Delphinium
- Peonies
- Calla lilies
- Ranunculus
- Irises
- Gladioli
- Eucalyptus
One of the nicest things about gifting flowers is making a choice that shows you’ve put some thought into it. And for pet owners, that can mean an enormous amount. Because while beautiful and kind, flowers that are dangerous for pets can cause a huge amount of anxiety for the receiver. So, next time you’re buying a floral gift for a pet owner, maybe don’t just buy off the shelf. Contact your local florist and arrange something special – and most importantly, safe.
If you are looking for a pet-friendly flower arrangement, why not get in touch with Blue Florist and find out more about our one-of-a-kind arrangement service.