Some perennials seem like the perfect choice—until they take over your garden or refuse to thrive. They might need too much care, spread like crazy, or attract pests.
Instead of dealing with endless frustration, swap them for better options. Here are 35 perennials that experts say aren’t worth the hassle, plus smarter alternatives to plant instead.
1. Bamboo
Gardeners often find themselves overwhelmed by unexpected invasions. Bamboo is one of those deceptive plants. Its rapid growth and spreading rhizomes make it a relentless invader. Once established, it’s hard to control, requiring constant vigilance.
Regular pruning and root barriers are needed to keep it in check. Instead, consider planting clumping varieties or ornamental grasses. These alternatives offer similar visual appeal without the aggressive take-over. Bamboo can quickly overshadow other plants, making maintenance a full-time job.
2. Mint
Once introduced, things can spiral out of control. Mint spreads vigorously through underground runners, taking over beds. Its invasive nature can easily overwhelm other plants, leading to a monoculture.
If you’re looking for a similar fragrance, try planting lemon balm or basil. These alternatives have a more restrained growth pattern. With mint, regular pruning is essential. Otherwise, it becomes a dominant force in your garden.
3. English Ivy
Walls and fences may seem like perfect backdrops for greenery. English Ivy is a popular choice, but it clings tightly to surfaces. Its aggressive growth can damage masonry and wood. Regular trimming is required to prevent structural harm. Consider planting Virginia creeper or Boston ivy as alternatives.
They offer similar coverage without the destructive grip. Ivy’s fast growth demands frequent attention to stop it from overwhelming structures. By choosing less aggressive climbers, you can maintain your garden’s integrity.
4. Wisteria
Graceful blooms can be enticing. Wisteria is known for its stunning flowers, but its vigorous nature can be problematic. It can overwhelm structures and trees, requiring heavy pruning to control. Instead, try planting clematis or honeysuckle.
These alternatives provide beautiful blooms without the rampant growth. Managing wisteria involves regular maintenance to prevent it from becoming a burden. Opting for more manageable vines allows for easier upkeep.
5. Periwinkle
Groundcovers can quickly turn into nuisances. Periwinkle spreads aggressively, forming dense mats that smother other plants. It’s persistent and can invade lawns and beds. To manage it, regular cutting back is necessary. Instead, consider planting creeping thyme or phlox.
These alternatives offer ground coverage without the aggressive spread. Periwinkle’s rapid growth requires constant attention to prevent it from overtaking your garden. Choosing more restrained plants helps keep areas well-balanced.
6. Japanese Knotweed
Some plants are best left in their native habitats. Japanese Knotweed is a notorious invader with bamboo-like stems. It can tear through foundations and driveways. Controlling it requires persistent effort and often professional help. Instead, consider planting native shrubs or wildflowers.
These plants support local ecosystems without the destructive tendencies. Knotweed’s tenacity makes it a high-maintenance choice. Opting for non-invasive species is a safer bet.
7. Yellow Archangel
Shaded areas can be a challenge to fill. Yellow Archangel seems ideal, but it quickly becomes unruly. Its rapid spread can crowd out native plants, demanding frequent control measures. Instead, plant lungwort or hostas.
These alternatives thrive in shade without overtaking other plants. Maintaining Yellow Archangel can turn into a frustrating task. By choosing less aggressive species, you preserve garden harmony.
8. Ajuga
Colorful groundcovers are tempting additions. Ajuga, with its striking foliage, is appealing yet aggressive. Its tendency to spread quickly can lead to overgrowth, requiring regular trimming. Try alternatives like heucheras or ferns, which offer similar aesthetics without the rapid expansion.
Ajuga’s growth rate demands consistent maintenance. Choosing plants with controlled growth helps manage garden spaces effectively.
9. Lily Of The Valley
Fragrance can be a captivating feature in gardens. Lily of the Valley offers a sweet scent but can dominate areas. Its spreading roots make it difficult to contain, overtaking beds. Consider planting astilbe or foamflower instead.
These choices provide fragrance and beauty without the invasive behavior. Lily of the Valley requires ongoing control to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. Opting for less invasive options ensures easier garden management.
10. Creeping Jenny
Trailing plants add a whimsical touch. Creeping Jenny is visually appealing but spreads rapidly. It can crowd out other plants, leading to a monoculture if unchecked. Regular trimming is needed for control. Instead, try sweet woodruff or bugleweed.
These alternatives offer similar trailing effects without the rampant spread. Controlling Creeping Jenny is crucial to maintain garden diversity.
11. Creeping Charlie
Some perennials are resilient to a fault. Creeping Charlie is one such plant, spreading through lawns and beds. Its aggressive growth requires constant attention to prevent it from taking over. Try planting wild ginger or barrenwort instead.
These options provide ground coverage without overwhelming other plants. Managing Creeping Charlie involves regular effort to keep it in check.
12. Houttuynia
Vibrant foliage can be tempting. Houttuynia offers colorful leaves but can be invasive. It spreads aggressively, making it hard to control once established. Consider alternatives like Japanese forest grass or coral bells.
These choices provide color without the rampant growth. Managing Houttuynia requires vigilance to prevent it from overtaking your garden.
13. Crown Vetch
Sloped areas often need ground stability. Crown Vetch is commonly used but can spread beyond control. Its rampant growth can crowd out native plants, requiring frequent management. Try planting native grasses or wildflowers instead.
These options stabilize soil without aggressive spreading. Controlling Crown Vetch is crucial to maintain biodiversity in your garden.
14. Horseherb
Lawns often need resilient groundcovers. Horseherb is tough but can spread aggressively. It’s a prolific grower, often taking over lawns and beds. Consider alternatives like dichondra or native groundcovers.
These choices offer resilience without the invasive tendencies. Maintaining Horseherb involves regular trimming to keep it in check.
15. Vinca Minor
Trailing plants can enhance garden borders. Vinca Minor is attractive but spreads rapidly. It can crowd out other plants if not managed regularly. Instead, try planting perennials like creeping phlox or wild geraniums.
These offer similar coverage without aggressive spread. Vinca Minor requires consistent trimming to maintain garden balance.
16. Evergreen Clematis
Climbing vines can add vertical interest. Evergreen Clematis is a popular choice but grows vigorously. Its rapid ascent can overwhelm structures and other plants. Consider alternatives like passionflower or climbing hydrangea.
These provide similar blooms without the excessive growth. Managing Evergreen Clematis involves regular trimming to prevent overgrowth.
17. Russian Sage
Silver foliage can bring unique contrast. Russian Sage is eye-catching but spreads quickly. Its vigorous growth can overshadow less aggressive plants. Try planting lavender or catmint instead.
These offer similar beauty with more controlled growth. Russian Sage requires regular trimming to prevent it from dominating garden beds.
18. Bee Balm
Some flowers are irresistible to pollinators. Bee Balm is beloved but spreads aggressively. Its rhizomatous roots can lead to overcrowding. Consider planting coneflowers or black-eyed Susans instead.
These alternatives attract pollinators without overwhelming garden spaces. Managing Bee Balm requires frequent division to keep it contained.
19. Chameleon Plant
Colorful foliage can be an eye-catcher. Chameleon Plant is vibrant but invasive. It spreads quickly and can be hard to remove once established. Try alternatives like coleus or heuchera.
These offer vibrant colors without aggressive tendencies. Managing the Chameleon Plant involves regular care to prevent overgrowth.
20. Ostrich Fern
Woodland gardens benefit from greenery. Ostrich Fern is lush but can spread rapidly. Its rhizomes can lead to overcrowding if not managed. Instead, plant more controlled ferns like lady or Christmas ferns.
These provide similar aesthetics without aggressive spread. Ostrich Fern requires frequent division to maintain garden balance.
21. Sweet Woodruff
Shade-loving plants can fill difficult spots. Sweet Woodruff is a favorite but spreads quickly. Its rapid growth can crowd out other shade plants. Consider alternatives like astilbe or hostas.
These thrive in similar conditions without the aggressive tendencies. Sweet Woodruff requires regular trimming to keep it contained.
22. Tansy
Herbs often add unique textures. Tansy is ornamental but spreads aggressively. Its vigorous growth can dominate garden beds if unchecked. Consider alternatives like yarrow or feverfew.
These offer similar textures without rampant spread. Tansy requires regular trimming to maintain garden diversity.
23. Obedient Plant
Tall flowering plants can be striking. Obedient Plant is appealing but spreads quickly. Its rhizomatous roots lead to overcrowding. Instead, try planting foxglove or lupine.
These offer similar blooms without the invasive behavior. Managing Obedient Plant involves regular division to prevent overgrowth.
24. Jerusalem Artichoke
Edible plants can double as ornamentals. Jerusalem Artichoke is productive but spreads aggressively. Its tubers can lead to overcrowding. Instead, plant less prolific edibles like rhubarb.
These offer similar benefits without rampant spread. Managing Jerusalem Artichoke involves frequent harvesting to control its growth.
25. Yellow Flag Iris
Wetland perennials can add color. Yellow Flag Iris is vibrant but invasive. It spreads quickly, displacing native species. Consider planting native iris or other wetland plants.
These thrive in similar conditions without disrupting ecosystems. Yellow Flag Iris requires constant control to prevent ecological imbalance.
26. Chinese Lantern
Unique seed pods can captivate. Chinese Lantern is ornamental but spreads vigorously. Its underground runners can lead to garden domination. Try alternatives like balloon flower or ornamental peppers.
These offer unique features without aggressive spread. Managing Chinese Lantern involves regular root management to keep it contained.
27. Hollyhock
Tall flowers can add grandeur. Hollyhock is beloved for its blooms but can reseed aggressively. It requires frequent deadheading to prevent spread. Instead, try planting delphinium or foxglove.
These offer similar vertical interest without aggressive seeding. Managing Hollyhock involves regular attention to control its proliferation.
28. Gooseneck Loosestrife
Distinctive flowers catch the eye. Gooseneck Loosestrife is charming but spreads rapidly. Its aggressive nature can lead to overcrowding. Consider alternatives like astilbe or monkshood.
These provide similar blooms without rampant spread. Gooseneck Loosestrife requires consistent management to maintain balance.
29. Lamb’s Ear
Soft textures can be soothing. Lamb’s Ear is tactile but can spread aggressively. Its rapid growth requires regular division to control. Try alternatives like artemisia or dusty miller.
These offer similar tactile appeal without overwhelming spread. Managing Lamb’s Ear involves frequent maintenance to keep it contained.
30. Sweet Autumn Clematis
Late-season blooms can extend floral displays. Sweet Autumn Clematis is prolific but invasive. Its rapid growth can engulf structures. Consider planting clematis varieties with controlled growth.
These provide similar late blooms without aggressive spread. Sweet Autumn Clematis requires regular trimming to prevent overgrowth.
31. Virginia Creeper
Autumn colors can be spectacular. Virginia Creeper is vibrant but spreads aggressively. Its clinging vines require constant management. Consider alternatives like Boston ivy or native vines.
These provide seasonal color without the invasive tendencies. Virginia Creeper requires regular trimming to prevent it from dominating areas.
32. Common Yarrow
Herbs and wildflowers can attract pollinators. Common Yarrow is beneficial but spreads rapidly. Its ability to reseed can lead to overcrowding. Try planting New England aster or coreopsis.
These offer similar benefits without aggressive spread. Managing Common Yarrow involves regular deadheading to control its growth.
33. Feverfew
Herbs can be both ornamental and useful. Feverfew is pretty but reseeds aggressively. It requires frequent deadheading to prevent spread. Instead, consider planting daisies or marigolds.
These offer similar blooms without prolific seeding. Managing Feverfew involves regular care to control its growth.
34. Creeping Bellflower
Bell-shaped flowers can be charming. Creeping Bellflower is attractive but invasive. Its underground runners can lead to garden takeovers. Consider alternatives like campanula or bluebells.
These offer similar blooms without aggressive spread. Managing Creeping Bellflower involves vigilant root management to keep it contained.
35. Liriope
Edge plants add definition. Liriope is popular but can spread aggressively. Its clumping nature requires regular division. Try alternatives like sedge or carex.
These provide similar edging effects without prolific growth. Liriope requires consistent management to maintain tidy garden edges.