Eleven Perennial Plants to Avoid Planting in Your Garden Area
While perennials offer the joy of renewal annually, they can shift into a nuisance if integrated incorrectly within your garden. Invasive species can outmaneuver native flora, surpassing native vegetation and harming the environment. In some instances, invasives can even breach concrete structures, causing destruction not only to your yard but potentially your home as well. Expert advice follows, highlighting the top perennials to steer clear of in your garden and suggests alternatives for a healthier and more balanced outdoor space.
- Tammy Sons, founder and CEO at Tennessee Native Nursery
- Chris Turner, owner and landscape designer at Elevate by Design
- Nicole Dillon, micro-flower farmer and owner at Breemar Flower Farm
01of 11## Kudzu
renowned for its invasiveness, kudzu overshadows native ecosystems by overwhelming local vegetation and damaging the environment. In light of this, Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of Tennessee Native Nursery, endorses Creeping Jenny as a safer substitute. "Characterized by ground-cover growth, it's considerably less aggressive than kudzu," She explains. "It's not invasive, and will enrich your garden without clashing with neighboring plants."
02of 11## Bamboo
Another invasive species with aggressive growth is bamboo. "It's prone to overwhelming nearby plants, causing damage by cracking sidewalks or foundations," says Chris Turner, owner and landscape designer at Elevate by Design. "Managing its growth requires constant maintenance, and it can escalate into a significant hassle."
Turner champions the use of miscanthus or feather reed grass, which provide a comparable visual impact but are effortless to control.
03of 11## Japanese Spirea
Japanese spirea is adept at naturalizing an area and swiftly crowding out native plants, according to Nicole Dillon, micro-flower farmer and owner of Breemar Flower Farm. "It permeates meadows and open forest areas, with seeds from spirea often persisting in the soil for several years, rendering control a formidable task," she explains. If you find the pink umbels of spirea captivating, consider Joe Pye weed as an alternative. It's natively sourced, and comes in diverse heights to fit various garden spaces.
04of 11## Norway Maple
Norway maples are problematic due to their invasive nature and shallow, dense root systems that outcompete native plants for nutrients and water. "They infamously create barren patches beneath their canopies," says Turner. Plant a red maple instead. It boasts breathtaking autumn colors and respects native ecosystems.
05of 11## Purple Loosestrife
If your garden has more of a wetland ambiance, Sons cautions against purple loosestrife as a possible addition. Aquatic ecosystems risk overpopulation with this plant, which leads to the depletion of plants that provide sustenance or shelter for wildlife.
"Consider the aesthetics of Joe Pye weed instead," suggests Sons. "This native plant doesn't impede your space, yet attracts pollinators, making it a valuable addition to your garden without infringing on the local ecosystem."
06of 11## Chinese Wisteria
While Chinese wisteria exhibits enchanting beauty, it has a tendency to endanger host trees by climbing and ultimately suffocating them. "Plant American wisteria, Coral honeysuckle, or Carolina jessamine instead," says Dillon.
07of 11## Periwinkle
Periwinkle might be striking with its purple blooms, but it aggressively crowds out alternative plants in your flower beds. "If your garden gets ample sunlight, I highly recommend creeping phlox for ground cover," says Dillon. "It's semi-evergreen, and the flowers boast a variety of colors, including periwinkle blue."
08of 11## Japanese Knotweed
Extremely invasive, Japanese knotweed is capable of penetrating through concrete structures. "It can even harm structures and interfere with home foundations," says Sons. "It's difficult to exterminate once established, and its presence can destabilize the ecosystem, just like kudzu can."
Sons advocates for creeping thyme instead. "It forms low, dense mats and is not invasive, as well as being tolerant of foot traffic," she says.
09of 11## Nandina
Common in American landscapes, but classified as an invasive species in numerous U.S. states, nandina. "There are many native plants such as native hollies and winterberry that also boast attractive red berries," says Dillon. "Yellow twig dogwoods also display striking color in the winter garden."
10of 11## Privet
Privet is exceptionally hardy, according to Dillon, and creates dense thickets that prevent native plants from flourishing. "The leaves contain compounds that insects native to the area are not adapted to eat," she explains. "If you seek to screen an area, consider native viburnums, elderberry, or native holly."
11of 11## English Ivy
tops every expert's prohibited list. "Its beauty may be alluring, but it is indeed invasive," Sons says. "It climbs trees, causing significant damage to branches or trunks. It encourages the spread of fungal diseases and illness to other plants as well."
Dillon advises against obtaining this popular plant. "It's frequently stocked in shops, and I notice it frequently in winter container gardens," she mentions. "If you fail to maintain the vine or shift the plant to the soil, it becomes a headache to manage later on. It can cause harm to trees and even damage your residence if you let it thrive there."
Son recommends opting for Boston ivy instead. "It's a similar vine that's totally non-intrusive and offers a similar visual allure to any area with its vivid fall hues," she says.
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Martha Stewart, known for her expertise in gardening and home decor, advises against planting kudzu due to its invasive nature, suggesting Creeping Jenny as a safer alternative. Chris Turner, a landscape designer, warns against using bamboo due to its aggressive growth and potential damage to concrete structures, recommending miscanthus as an alternative.
