Gardening is a wonderful hobby that offers a creative outlet, aesthetic appeal, and sometimes even a bounty of homegrown fruits and vegetables. However, not all plants are created equal, and some that seem harmless at first can turn into troublesome, invasive species. As garden enthusiasts, it’s essential to know which plants can negatively impact your backyard’s ecosystem, your time, and your overall garden’s health.
Here’s a deep dive into nine common plants that you should think twice about planting in your garden. Trust us—you’ll seriously regret it if you do.
1. Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica)
One of the most notorious plants for ruining gardens is Japanese knotweed. This plant is so invasive that it is considered one of the top ten most problematic species worldwide. Japanese knotweed can grow rapidly and invade nearly every part of your yard. Its rhizomes (underground stems) spread far and wide, often causing damage to foundations, walls, and even pavements. It is almost impossible to remove once established, requiring professional treatment in most cases. Not only does this plant spread quickly, but it also pushes out native species, disrupting local ecosystems. In many places, it is also illegal to grow or transport Japanese knotweed.
How to Avoid It: If you want to enjoy the aesthetic beauty of ornamental grasses or large-leafed plants, consider alternatives like ornamental rhubarb or various native grasses that won’t cause long-term damage.
2. Bamboo (Phyllostachys spp.)
Bamboo has a reputation for being one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth. While its height and dense green foliage may seem like an appealing option for a natural privacy fence or statement piece in the garden, bamboo’s aggressive growth habit can make it an absolute nightmare to manage. It spreads through underground rhizomes that can infiltrate your lawn, flower beds, and even your neighbor’s garden. Once bamboo becomes established, it’s extremely difficult to eradicate.
How to Avoid It: Instead of bamboo, try planting other tall grasses or shrubs, like lilacs, or use non-invasive bamboo varieties. If you absolutely must have bamboo, consider installing a root barrier or choosing clumping bamboo varieties.
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a popular groundcover plant that often appears in landscaping due to its hardy nature and evergreen foliage. However, this plant is known to be highly invasive, often growing up trees and suffocating them by blocking sunlight. It can also spread across soil, smothering other plants and harming native ecosystems. English Ivy is difficult to control once it takes hold and can cause significant structural damage if it begins to climb your home’s foundation.
How to Avoid It: If you like the idea of ivy as ground cover, consider planting native varieties like Virginia creeper or creeping thyme, which are much less aggressive.
4. Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Morning Glory may be charming with its vibrant flowers, but it is another plant that can quickly take over your garden. This climbing vine is notorious for aggressively growing and sprawling over other plants. While it can bring a burst of color to your garden, it can quickly choke out other plants, making it an invasive species in many regions. Additionally, it has the potential to be difficult to remove once it has spread.
How to Avoid It: Instead of morning glories, consider planting clematis, honeysuckle, or other native vines that are more manageable and don’t pose a risk of crowding out your garden.
5. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)
While the butterfly bush attracts beneficial pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, it is also considered invasive in many parts of the world. This plant can quickly spread beyond its intended space, displacing native plants and causing problems for local wildlife that depend on indigenous flora. The butterfly bush is particularly invasive in North America, where it can spread by seed and grow uncontrollably in neglected areas.
How to Avoid It: Choose native plants like milkweed, which will also attract pollinators and provide a better habitat for local wildlife, without the risk of spreading out of control.
6. Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
Purple loosestrife is a highly invasive plant that thrives in wetlands and moist areas. It forms dense stands that crowd out native plants and disrupt natural habitats. This plant is particularly harmful to wetlands, where it competes with other plants for space and resources. Additionally, it spreads easily by seed and can take over an entire area in a short period.
How to Avoid It: Opt for native wetland species like marsh marigolds or native iris, which are beautiful, beneficial to local wildlife, and won’t take over your garden.
7. Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
The tree of heaven is fast-growing, invasive, and can quickly become a problem in urban and rural landscapes. This tree is particularly aggressive and spreads through root suckers, which can cause it to take over your garden, lawn, and even neighboring areas. The tree is also prone to producing large amounts of seeds, further increasing its spread. Moreover, it has a tendency to weaken and destabilize soil, which can cause damage to foundations or nearby structures.
How to Avoid It: Consider planting native trees like black walnut or tulip tree, which provide the same size and aesthetic benefits without the risk of becoming invasive.
8. Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis)
Wisteria’s cascading flowers are a stunning sight in spring, but this plant can become a nightmare if not properly maintained. It is a highly aggressive vine that can damage structures, overpower trees, and spread uncontrollably in your garden. Wisteria has a strong root system and can damage garden structures, fences, and even buildings. In the wrong location, it can also be difficult to control.
How to Avoid It: If you love flowering vines, choose more manageable alternatives like clematis or passionflower, which are less likely to overtake your space.
9. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is a delightful herb, often used for its fragrant leaves in teas, cooking, and natural remedies. However, mint is infamous for its invasive nature. It spreads quickly through underground runners and can take over your garden, overpowering other plants. While mint is easy to grow and manage in containers, when planted in the ground, it can rapidly become a garden menace.
How to Avoid It: Plant mint in a container or opt for less invasive herbs like oregano or thyme, which are easy to grow and won’t take over your garden.
Conclusion:
While these plants may seem like great additions to your garden at first glance, many of them come with unforeseen consequences that can make your life much harder. From the rapid spread of invasive roots to the difficulty of managing their growth, these plants can quickly become a headache in your backyard. Before you plant, take the time to research the growth habits and potential impacts of each species to ensure that you’re creating a healthy, sustainable garden environment.
By selecting native or non-invasive plants, you’ll not only help maintain the balance of local ecosystems, but you’ll also make sure that your garden remains manageable, beautiful, and enjoyable for years to come. So, before you add any new plants to your backyard, think carefully about their long-term impact—your garden will thank you!
What do you think? Have you dealt with any of these invasive plants in your garden? Let us know in the comments!