Best plants for a chicken run – 7 fragrant and floral plants for happy hens and beautiful coops

If you want happy hens, then it's well worth researching the plants that are ideal for growing in a chicken run.

In addition to learning how to keep chickens safe from garden predators, knowing the best plants to grow when keeping chickens is important, and will keep your feathered friends in fine spirits.

And, what's more, the best plants to grow in a chicken run won't just be good to look at; they'll offer shade and shelter, as well as a boost of nutrition for your beloved birds.

7 plants that are ideal for growing in a chicken run

Once you've installed your chicken coop, it's time to deck it out with the best plants for a chicken run.

Lisa Steele, a fifth-generation chicken-keeper, cookbook author and host of the Create TV/ American Public Television series, Welcome To My Farm, explains that her hens usually spend the day (ahem) cooped up in their pen.

'Since we routinely spot coyotes, hawks, and other predators, my chickens spend most days inside their large, secure pen,' she says.

'I like to plant some of the best perennials and shrubs around the perimeter and also inside the run to not only provide them shade, and something to nibble on, but also give them the illusion of free ranging – albeit from the safety of their run.'

Whether you're hoping for fragrant shrubs, self-seeding flowers, or something completely different, one rule always applies: make sure to select a species that is suited to your climate or US hardiness zone.

Lisa Steele

Dubbed 'Queen of the Coop', Lisa is a chicken lifestyle expert, a New Englander, born and bred, and a fifth-generation chicken keeper who grew up across the street from her grandparents' chicken farm. She spent her childhood raising chickens, rabbits, always an outdoor cat, and the occasional pet goat.

1. Comfrey, marigolds, and nasturtiums

First up on our list of chicken-friendly plants are some old favourites: marigolds, nasturtiums, and comfrey.

'Comfrey, in particular, grows back very rapidly after a rough pecking,' says Elam Miller, an Amish craftsperson and owner of The Hen House Collection. 'Chickens nibble it, but never seem to destroy it entirely.'

Marigolds (Tagetes patula) are generally considered to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 2 through 11, while nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) will return as a perennial if selected for Zones 9-11.

Marigold seeds are available from Amazon.

Comfrey (Symphytum), when grown as a perennial herb, grows in USDA growing zones 3-9. You can also use it to make comfrey fertiliser, which is perfect for feeding tomatoes and other hungry crops grown in planters and growbags.

2. Buddleia

Whether you call it a butterfly bush or Buddleia, these incredibly beautiful plants are considered ideal for growing in a chicken run by experts.

'In the way of tougher, more ornamental shrubs left alone by chickens, I have found great success with butterfly bush,' says Gloria Sims, gardener, florist, and owner of Florist Empire.

'Butterfly bush is non-toxic and not generally eaten by chickens, especially anything on older established wood. It's also a plant that welcomes the pollinators into your garden – an added plus!'

Most types of butterfly bush grow in zones 5 through 9, as they're able to remain hardy up to minus 20 degrees; ideal for those who want to add a little extra coverage to their chicken run in the colder months.

Live butterfly bush plants are available from Amazon.

3. Herbs

One of the best herb ideas is to plant them all around your hens, as these are some of the best plants for a chicken run.

'Let the chickens nibble the parts of the plant that grow through the fencing,' suggests Lisa.

Her favorite herbs to grow include:

• Mint: If you're thinking about how to grow mint (which is generally hardy in USDA zones 3 to 11), remember it's a vigorous grower and can take over quickly if not kept in check.
• Rosemary: This Mediterranean aromatic herb behaves like a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 8-11, but it can be grown in containers that can be taken indoors for winter in zones below 7. Live rosemary plants are available from Walmart.
• Thyme: If you know how to grow thyme, you likely are already aware that this tasty herb is generally hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
• Cilantro: A cool-season herb, this one can thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 2-11, so be sure to brush up on how to grow cilantro if this works for you.

4. Bamboo

While it admittedly takes some effort to stop bamboo from spreading, this fast-growing privacy screen is another of those plants that are ideal for growing in a chicken run.

'Bamboo is another surprisingly good option, especially the clumping varieties like Bambusa multiplex, which are non-invasive,' says Gloria, 'most thrive in hardiness zones all the way down to 4.

'Chickens are unlikely to be pecking at those hard stalks, and it grows thick and tall, affording shade as well as a windbreak,' she adds.

5. Lavender

One of the biggest lavender-growing mistakes? Failing to realise that this perfumed beauty is on our list of chicken-friendly plants, quite frankly.

Live lavender plants are available from Walmart.

'Lavender, or Lavandula, is perfectly safe for the chickens to browse occasionally, and their strong aromatic oils do deter them somewhat from excessive destruction,' says Gloria.

'It's especially dear to my heart, as it is safe for the chicken run, with the bonus of repelling flies and producing a calming fragrance.'

Elam agrees, adding that he would 'recommend hardy shrubs around the perimeter', so long as you're careful about the variety (while most are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9, some prefer it warmer in 8-11).

6. Lilacs

If you have already learned how to grow lilac, Syringa, then you'll likely be pleased to learn that it's recommended as a plant that is ideal for growing in a chicken run.

'Be sure to cage the plants and put stone or bricks around the base to protect the bushes until they are tall enough and have established roots so they will survive the chickens!' says Lisa.

Lilacs are recommended for US hardiness zones 3 to 7, so long as you use well-draining loamy soil, and pop it in the sunniest spot you can (the brighter the better, as it makes for more blooms).

7. Small fruiting trees

We know already that fruit trees are great for attracting birds and beneficial insects, but did you know that many are also ideal for growing in a chicken run?

'Thinking beyond the coop, small fruiting trees such as mulberry (Morus spp.) or elderberry (Sambucus spp.) would be highly advantageous,' promises Gloria.

'Mulberry trees grow fast, are hardy, and offer shade with seasonal pretty berries that chickens just adore. Elderberry also makes a good selection, but be mindful to only let your chickens have the ripe fruits; the leaves, stems, and unripe stuff can all be mildly toxic in larger quantities if ingested,' she adds.

Most mulberries and elderberries can tolerate temperatures down to -30°F, making them generally hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3-9, although take care to check the specifics of your particular variety.

FAQs

What is the best tree to plant in a chicken run?

If you're wondering which is the best tree to plant in the chicken run, it's advisable to opt for small fruit trees, although Elam Miller also recommends a bay tree.

'I once planted a small bay tree in a corner of a large coop, more out of curiosity to see what would happen. To my surprise, that tree survived. The birds ignored it, and over time, it grew into a strong tree,' he says.

'That was a lesson to think in terms of form and texture rather than other aspects of plants that might survive the battle with chickens. Woody stems, thick leaves, and bitter oils tend to stand their ground better than lush options.'

Once you've sourced your plants that are ideal for growing in a chicken run, it's important to remember to protect them from their new feathery friends accordingly.

'Any planting made inside the run should consider using chicken wire cages or raised beds with mesh covers to protect young plants until established,' says Gloria.

'Tender shoots will be trampled and scratched by chickens quite rapidly, so this head start helps.' Chicken wire is available from Walmart.

For more information, see our guide on how to care for chickens in winter.