Perennials To Avoid: A Guide For Gardeners

: Perennials, Gardening, Avoid

Are you planning to add new plants to your garden this spring? While perennials are a great addition to any garden, some of them can be more trouble than they're worth. In this post, we'll discuss some perennials that you should avoid planting in your garden.

Gardening is a wonderful hobby that brings joy and beauty to our homes. However, not all plants are suitable for every garden. Some perennials can become invasive or require too much maintenance, which can be overwhelming for gardeners. It's important to choose plants that are well-suited for your garden’s climate, soil type, and light conditions. By avoiding the following perennials, you can save yourself time and effort in maintaining your garden.

15 Perennials To Avoid

1. Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed may seem like an attractive plant to add to your garden because of its bamboo-like appearance. However, it is an invasive species that can quickly take over your garden and cause damage to your home’s foundation. This plant is extremely difficult to get rid of once it has established itself in your garden.

2. Mint

Mint is a delicious herb that can be used in cooking and drinks. However, it is also a fast-spreading plant that can quickly take over your garden. If you do decide to grow mint, make sure to plant it in a container to prevent it from spreading out of control.

3. Purple Loosestrife

Purple loosestrife is a beautiful flowering plant that can grow up to five feet tall. However, it is also an invasive species that can quickly take over wetland areas and harm native plants.

4. Russian Sage

Russian sage is a popular perennial because of its attractive silver-gray foliage and lavender-colored flowers. However, it can be difficult to maintain in your garden because it requires well-drained soil and full sun. Additionally, it can become too large for small gardens.

5. Goldenrod

Goldenrod is a bright yellow flowering plant that can add a pop of color to your garden. However, it can also spread rapidly and become invasive if not properly managed.

6. Houttuynia

Houttuynia is a unique plant with variegated leaves and a strong scent. However, it can also spread rapidly and become invasive if not properly managed. Some gardeners consider it a weed.

7. Sweet Woodruff

Sweet woodruff is a fragrant plant that can be used as ground cover in shady areas of your garden. However, it can be difficult to control and can easily spread out of control.

8. Yellow Archangel

Yellow archangel is a fast-spreading plant that can quickly take over your garden. It is also known as a shade-tolerant plant, making it difficult to control in areas where other plants struggle to grow.

9. Bishop's Weed

Bishop's weed is a low-growing plant that is often used as ground cover. However, it can quickly spread and become invasive if not properly managed.

10. Goutweed

Goutweed is a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of conditions. However, it is also an invasive species that can quickly take over your garden.

11. Chameleon Plant

Chameleon plant is a colorful plant with variegated leaves and small, white flowers. However, it can quickly spread and become invasive if not properly managed.

12. Lily of the Valley

Lily of the valley is a fragrant plant that can add beauty to your garden. However, it is also a fast-spreading plant that can quickly take over your garden.

13. Gooseneck Loosestrife

Gooseneck loosestrife is a beautiful flowering plant that can grow up to three feet tall. However, it is also an invasive species that can quickly take over wetland areas and harm native plants.

14. Mexican Petunia

Mexican petunia is a popular plant because of its purple flowers and low maintenance requirements. However, it is also an invasive species that can quickly take over your garden.

15. Daylilies

Daylilies are a popular choice for many gardeners because of their attractive flowers and ease of care. However, they can be invasive and can quickly take over your garden if not properly managed.

The Consequences Of Planting Invasive Perennials

Planting invasive perennials in your garden can have serious consequences. These plants can quickly take over your garden and crowd out other plants. They can also cause harm to the environment by displacing native plants and disrupting ecosystems. Additionally, some invasive plants can damage your home’s foundation or other structures.

How To Avoid Planting Invasive Perennials

The best way to avoid planting invasive perennials is to do your research before you buy any plants. Look for information about the plant’s growth habits, maintenance requirements, and whether it is considered invasive in your area. Additionally, make sure to properly dispose of any invasive plants that you remove from your garden to prevent them from spreading.

Alternatives To Invasive Perennials

If you're looking for alternatives to the perennials listed above, there are many options available. Some examples include:

• Salvia
• Catmint
• Coreopsis
• Black-eyed Susan
• Coneflower

In planting invasive perennials in your garden can have serious consequences. By avoiding the plants listed above and doing your research before buying any new plants, you can save yourself time and effort in maintaining your garden. Remember to always properly dispose of any invasive plants to prevent them from spreading.

FAQs

Q: Are all perennials invasive?

A: No, not all perennials are invasive. There are many perennials that are well-suited for gardens and do not pose a threat to the environment or your home’s foundation.

Q: Can I still grow some of the perennials on this list?

A: Yes, you can still grow some of the perennials on this list if you take precautions to prevent them from becoming invasive. For example, you can plant them in containers or regularly prune them to prevent them from spreading.

Q: What should I do if I already have invasive perennials in my garden?

A: If you already have invasive perennials in your garden, it's important to remove them as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading. Make sure to properly dispose of any removed plants to prevent them from spreading.

Q: How do I properly dispose of invasive plants?

A: The best way to dispose of invasive plants is to contact your local waste management facility or extension office for guidance. In some cases, you may need to bag the plants and dispose of them in a landfill.

Q: Are there any benefits to planting invasive perennials?

A: While some invasive perennials may have attractive features, the negative consequences of planting them outweigh any potential benefits. It's best to choose plants that are well-suited for your garden and do not pose a threat to the environment or your home’s foundation.