Thinking about planting a garden?
Hold up!
Some plants can cause big problems.
Learn why you should NEVER grow these 12 plants in your yard.
Protect your garden and save yourself from future headaches.
Curious? Let’s explore more!
English Ivy
Sure, it looks pretty climbing up walls, but English Ivy can be a real pain. This fast-growing plant can choke out other plants and harm trees.
Plus, it can damage brickwork and fences. If you’re into maintaining your home and garden, you definitely don’t want this one causing trouble.
Instead, go for more manageable vines or ground covers that won’t try to take over your entire yard.
Bamboo
Bamboo might give you those zen garden vibes, but beware! This stuff spreads like wildfire.
Once it’s planted, you’ll have a tough time getting rid of it. It can even crack through concrete and invade your neighbors’ yards.
If you like your peace and your paving slabs intact, maybe skip this one. Consider clumping varieties if you’re really keen, as they’re much less invasive.
Mint
Who doesn’t love a fresh minty drink? But planting mint straight into your garden is asking for trouble.
It spreads aggressively, taking over garden beds and crowding out other plants. The solution?
Grow it in pots! You’ll still get all the minty goodness without the invasion.
Purple Loosestrife
This plant has beautiful purple flowers, but it’s seriously bad news. Purple Loosestrife spreads quickly and crowds out native species, messing with local ecosystems.
It’s even banned in some places. Instead, look for native alternatives that are just as pretty but much friendlier to your environment.
Norway Maple
At first glance, Norway Maple trees seem like a solid choice. They’re hardy and grow pretty quickly.
But their dense canopy and root system can suffocate your lawn and other plants. The fallen leaves also create a thick layer that prevents sunlight from reaching the grass.
Opt for native trees that play nice with the rest of your yard.
Wisteria
Wisteria’s cascading flowers are stunning, but beware of its powerful growth. It can quickly get out of hand, wrapping around other plants, trees, and even structures.
This vine needs constant pruning to keep it under control. For a similar but less aggressive option, try American varieties of Wisteria.
Morning Glory
Morning Glories might look sweet with their trumpet-shaped flowers, but they can become a tangled mess. They grow rapidly and can choke out other plants.
If you really want them in your garden, go for a decorative trellis but be prepared to keep them in check.
Japanese Barberry
Japanese Barberry is an attractive shrub, but it’s a magnet for ticks and can spread like crazy. It invades forests and crowds out native plants.
To avoid dealing with these problems, choose native shrubs that provide similar colors without the invasiveness.
Butterfly Bush
Though it’s named “Butterfly Bush,” this plant isn’t as friendly as it sounds. It can take over your garden and spread into the wild, disrupting local ecosystems.
Plus, it often doesn’t provide the right resources for butterfly larvae. For a truly butterfly-friendly garden, plant native flowers that support all life stages of butterflies.
Bradford Pear
Bradford Pear trees seem charming with their white blooms, but they’re notorious for weak branches that break easily. They’re also invasive, spreading into wild areas and outcompeting native plants.
Instead, pick stronger, non-invasive ornamental trees that will stand the test of time.
Oleander
Oleander is toxic – like, really toxic. If you have pets or kids, you definitely don’t want them anywhere near this plant’s leaves or flowers.
Even inhaling the smoke from burning its branches can be harmful. Seek out non-toxic flowering shrubs to keep your yard safe for everyone.
Russian Olive
Russian Olive trees can look nice, but they’re a real headache. These trees spread aggressively and can overrun local ecosystems.
Their sharp thorns make them hard to manage and unpleasant to be around. Native species will often offer similar benefits without the hassle.