Foxgloves, lupins, azaleas, lilies, yew, oleander, and laburnum are among the common garden plants that can be deadly to children and pets, yet they are widely sold in UK garden centres. As temperatures are forecast to reach up to 38°C in parts of the UK this week, many homeowners are looking to brighten their outdoor spaces, but some beautiful plants contain toxins that can be fatal.
Gardening Expert's Warning on Seven Deadly Plants
Ryan Dowsell, a Surrey-based gardener who shares gardening tips on TikTok, warned about seven attractive yet dangerous plants. He stated: "Lupins are poisonous to humans and pets if eaten, with the highest level of toxin found in the seeds. All parts of foxgloves are poisonous to humans and pets, and consuming even a small amount can be fatal."
"Azaleas are toxic if eaten, causing illness in humans and pets. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and consuming any part of the plant can be fatal. Yew trees are poisonous if eaten, causing illness in humans and pets. All parts of oleander are poisonous to humans and pets, and consuming it is often fatal. Laburnum trees are highly poisonous and potentially fatal if any part of the tree is eaten by a human or an animal."
Dowsell added that accidental poisoning in humans is extremely rare despite the toxicity of these plants.
Royal Horticultural Society's Safety Advice
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has issued guidance for pet owners and parents. They recommend educating children not to handle or consume plants and teaching them which parts of edible crops are safe to eat—for example, tomato or potato leaves and flowers should never be consumed.
Gardeners are advised to wear gloves while pruning or weeding and to keep skin covered. The RHS also advises against eating ornamental plants, leaving prunings or uprooted plants within reach of children, pets, or wildlife, and handling unfamiliar plants without proper identification.
The RHS added: "Don't plant edible and ornamental plants together in the same bed, border, container or pot."
