Seven beautiful but deadly garden plants commonly sold in UK garden centres contain toxins that can be fatal to children, cats, and dogs, according to a Surrey gardener. Ryan Dowsell, who shares gardening advice on TikTok, identified lupins, foxgloves, azaleas, lilies, yew trees, oleander, and laburnum as plants that pose serious health risks if ingested.
Deadly Toxins in Common Garden Plants
Dowsell explained that all parts of these plants are poisonous, with some being potentially fatal even in small amounts. "Lupins are poisonous to humans and pets if eaten, with the highest level of toxin found in the seeds," he said. "All parts of foxgloves are poisonous to humans and pets, and consuming even a small amount can be fatal."
Lilies are particularly dangerous for cats, as consuming any part of the plant can be fatal. Oleander and laburnum are also highly toxic, with ingestion often leading to death. Dowsell noted that while accidental poisoning in humans is extremely rare, young children and pets remain at risk.
RHS Advice for Garden Safety
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has issued guidance for parents and pet owners. They advise teaching children not to play with or eat plants, and to understand which parts of edible crops are safe—for example, tomato or potato leaves and flowers are not edible. Gardeners should wear gloves when pruning or weeding and keep skin covered.
The RHS also recommends not planting edible and ornamental plants together in the same bed, border, container, or pot. Prunings and dug-up plants should be kept out of reach of children, pets, and wildlife. "Don’t touch plants unless you know what they are," the RHS added.
List of Toxic Plants to Avoid
- Lupins – All parts toxic, especially seeds. Causes illness in humans and pets.
- Foxgloves – All parts toxic. Potentially fatal to humans and pets.
- Azaleas – All parts toxic. Causes illness in humans and pets.
- Lilies – All parts toxic. Extremely toxic to cats; potentially fatal.
- Yew trees – All parts toxic. Causes illness; potentially fatal.
- Oleander – All parts toxic. Often fatal if ingested.
- Laburnum – All parts toxic. Highly poisonous; potentially fatal.
As temperatures are forecast to reach up to 38°C in parts of the UK this week, many gardeners may be tempted to add new plants. Dowsell urged caution: "Think carefully before adding these toxic plants to your garden."
