Who wouldn’t want a yard that’s the talk of the town, bursting with beautiful blooms? No wonder we jump on the latest trends, planting anything that catches our eye!
But you know the saying, looks can be deceiving! Some plants may look like showstoppers but the beauty hides the beast! I’m talking about aggressive species that’ll bring more trouble to your yard than they’re worth.
So, if any of these plants below are on your shopping list, you might want to think again because they’ll leave you with a mess that’s no quick fix!
1. Bamboo Is A Big NO-NO!
Having a bamboo plant has always been my dream. There are so many projects you can do with the harvested canes, so why not grow them yourself?
Well, DON’T! This species spreads super fast, and while that may be a good feature for impatient gardeners, your neighbor will strongly disagree.
Yes, bamboo can quickly overtake your yard, and let me tell you, it won’t stop there. Before you know it, you’ll be dealing with roots that are almost impossible to get rid of.
Believe it or not, the roots can reach 25 feet and easily break through bricks. Do you really want something like that in your yard? I didn’t think so!
To spare you the trouble of removing bamboo from the yard, I highly recommend choosing another plant.
My pick for a bamboo alternative is the lovely Common Rush; with its grass-like foliage and captivating rounded stems, it’ll make your garden breathtaking!
2. Think Twice Before Planting Corkscrew Willow
Oh, those beautiful willows… Who would’ve thought that such a graceful and delicate plant could hide so much trouble below the ground.
So, what’s the problem with willow and why is it a tree you don’t want in your yard? For starters, willows can reach 30 feet in height and in record speed. This is especially a problem with smaller spaces.
But that’s not where this villain’s story ends. The roots are too strong and long and will easily spread below the soil line. They’ll search for water and, before you know it, they’ll attack your pipes.
The verdict is clear: willows shouldn’t be in your yard!
Instead of willow, you can plant our native Bald Cypress and enjoy its wonderful appearance!
3. Don’t Follow The Trends And Plant Privet
Images of lovely privets are all over the internet and you can find them in every big store. Well, it may be popular but it’s not a plant you really want in your yard.
This is a highly invasive species and its seeds spread like wildfire. The problem is that privet tolerates all soil types and will thrive even on neglect.
Its resilience leads to various problems and getting rid of it will be impossible unless you contact the professionals.
For me, a way better option is to plant winterberry, which not only looks beautiful but has berries that are source of food for birds all winter long!
4. Yucca Is A Beauty With A Hidden Agenda!
I believe some gardeners will disagree with me, but yucca may not be the best choice for a new plant. If you’ve never tried to remove yucca from your garden, then you don’t know what you’re dealing with.
I wanted to transplant my yucca a few years ago and I simply dug it out and moved it to a new spot. But some time after, a surprise was waiting for me in the very spot where my yucca previously grew.
Yes, the roots found a way to sprout again. My next step was to remove the roots (which took ages) and get rid of the yucca I transplanted. Honestly, I don’t want to go through so much trouble ever again.
If you’re into the appearance of yuccas, then I’m sure you’re gonna like our native Little Bluestem.
5. Don’t Let The Delicate Looks Of The Cup Plant Fool You
Once you see the lovely blossoms of the Cup plant, I’m sure you’ll fall in love with them. But that’s exactly what this little plant wants from you.
You’ll bring it home, plant it, and take good care of it. It’ll grow, produce blossoms, and that’s when the plot twists. The flowers will drop countless seeds and they’ll be all over your yard. Unfortunately, they sprout easily, so you’ll end with a dozen Cup plants.
If you don’t remove the roots at an early stage, a well-established Cup plant will be impossible to get rid of. The roots are really strong and you’ll need to put a lot of effort into removing them.
So, is there anything to plant instead? My vote goes to Golden Glow coneflower. Its yellow blooms look absolutely amazing and the plant requires minimal maintenance.
6. Variegated Bishop’s Weed is A Twist You Don’t Want In Your Yard
And here comes a plant I first saw in my grandma’s garden. I asked her for a cutting and she told me NO immediately.
She explained it’s an invasive plant and when I asked why she didn’t remove it, she simply responded she couldn’t get rid of it and that’s the only reason it’s still there.
And that’s the truth about the variegated Bishop’s weed. Some may claim that the variegated species are less invasive, but trust me, they aren’t.
These plants spread via both rhizomes and seeds, so it’s double trouble.
If you want a low-growing plant that can thrive in shady spots, then Epidemium is a perfect species for you.
7. Northern Sea Oats Is More Trouble Than It’s Worth
Many of you will be shocked to find a native plant on this list. Northern Sea Oats is a wonderful specimen renowned for its blossoms that look amazing in flower arrangements.
So, what’s the catch? These very blooms generate numerous seeds, and once they start sprouting, they’re impossible to stop.
A patch of Northern Sea Oats will turn into a large site and you’ll spend a lot of time getting rid of it. In my humble opinion, it’s not worth it.
If you’re a fan of ornamental grasses, it would be best to go with something such as Prairie dropseed. This fascinating species is actually a host plant to various butterfly and moth species, so it’s a win-win situation.
8. English Ivy Will Just Take Over Everything
English ivy is another plant that might seem like a great ground cover option, but believe me, it can quickly turn your garden into an ivy jungle!
This plant grows so fast it can suffocate other plants, cover fences, and even climb up your house, damaging walls and roofing. The roots will spread underneath the soil, making it nearly impossible to get rid of once it’s established.
If you love the look of ivy, try Boston ivy instead, which is more manageable and won’t spread uncontrollably. Plus, it still gives you that lush, green aesthetic without the hassle!
9. Mint May Smell Sweet, But It’s A Thief Of Space
Ah, mint – it smells divine and is perfect for a summer drink or cooking, but let it loose in your garden and you’ll regret it.
This plant will quickly take over any plot it’s in, often crowding out surrounding plants. Its underground runners spread far and wide, making it a tough plant to contain.
Lemon balm or oregano are fantastic substitutes that still offer fragrant leaves without the rampant spread of mint. They’re also easier to maintain, and you can use them in the kitchen just as easily!
But if you still want to grow mint, it’s best to keep it in containers. This way, they won’t cause any troubles to the surrounding plants.
10. Daylilies Are A Blooming Disaster Waiting To Happen!
Daylilies are stunning in bloom, but their fast-growing, invasive nature can make them a nightmare if not contained.
They’ll spread like wildfire, especially if they’re given too much space, and their roots can crowd out other plants.
While they’re resilient and beautiful for a season, they tend to take over garden beds, leaving little room for anything else.
If you want similar beauty with less fuss, try Black-eyed Susans or Coneflowers. They offer similar vibrant colors and are much more manageable in the long run.
11. Japanese Knotweed Is A Nightmare To Deal With
This plant looks innocent at first, but Japanese knotweed is infamous for its fast-growing nature and destructive tendencies.
It spreads rapidly through both its extensive root system and seeds, pushing through pavements, walls, and even foundations.
Trying to remove it is no easy feat either – digging it out only encourages more growth.
If you want something that won’t wreck your space, consider planting Astilbe or Hostas instead. These alternatives thrive in the same environments but won’t create chaos in your garden.
12. Wisteria Can Be A Silent Destroyer
Wisteria is beloved for its cascading flowers, but don’t let its beauty fool you – it’s a destructive powerhouse.
This vine grows rapidly and can easily overwhelm trellises, fences, and even structures like pergolas, causing significant damage over time. Its roots and tendrils can invade the surrounding garden beds, choking out weaker plants.
Clematis is a great alternative that offers similar beautiful blooms but with less damage. It grows beautifully on trellises and won’t wreck your landscape.
A garden is a long-term commitment, so choose wisely! The wrong plants can spell trouble, so skip the ones I warned you about and pick options that won’t make you regret it.