their leaves and flowers are v attractive - training them high prevents them taking over the garden bed and they still provide giant fruit while providing a bit of shade. It is quite invasive and has thick finger type suckers that adhere to walls, brick, anything and have to be scraped off. Now it's a jungle out there. It is a bishops hood or jack in the pulpit. Catmint, especially catnip (N. cataria), is known to repel pests such as mosquitoes, aphids, squash bugs, cabbage loopers and more. My daisy patch is beautiful this year. Thanks for the post! I'm with Diane. My neighbors must think I'm nuts. Ive read so many internet message boards trying to find a way to kill it. They plant camomile in the lawns of Buckingham Palace for the scent. Gonna try a knife and hope I don't hurt my 2 colors on one plant Bougainvillea. For PC's, go to "images.google.com. I agree 100%. Sweet, pearl-like color, massive blooms, blooms for weeks, nice foliage. They make great gifts/sharing.and my "invasive" flowers weed much easier than the real "weeds" ie. Absolutely take over your yarddouble check. I started yanking it out about 5 years ago, and all through growing season I'm on the lookout for seedlings to pull. It has small flowers that don't do much and roots that travel underground. It's an ugly garden but the veggies are beautiful. I am in zone 5 so I can't directly comment on colder zones. (For a 2-gallon sprayer, just double those quantities.) I live in zones 8 and 9 and have had terrible problems with purslane and morning glory. While cats can propagate catmint unconsciously, not all species attract them. Do not buy the pre-mixed ready-to-use version because that will not work! What I suggest to people I meet who are just starting into gardening is to visit their local agricultural extension agency (in the USA) and do searches on the net, for their zone, for invasive plants. I bought my first home and planted my first garden this summer. This was a very interesting post. I think it's useful to know if plants will invade your garden, no matter how pretty they are. Self-seeding and fast-spreading. I have not found many of these difficult to control and love that they compete well with each other and provide a nice textural structure without a lot of messing around, allowing me to focus efforts on establishing the specimens such as a garnet laceleaf japanese maple (which by the way the lillies of the valley work wonderfully underneath). They all grow in gravel areas that have no irrigation. It was specifically created in 1978 for the harsh Canadian Winters (Zone 3). o, yes: all kinds of real weeds grow well everywhere. It has slightly aromatic gray-green foliage with a delicate, lacy appearance. I'd love to see your pics! I first learned about mountain mint (Pycnanthemum spp.) Even invasive plants can be included in a garden with appropriate planting techniques. Garlic mustard. I wish I knew this several years ago. We have (had) hundreds of seedlings growinglooks like a thick blade of grass that root easily.ugh! In upstate NY, we call them orange "ditch lilies" because you find them along the roadside everywhere. So, I guess I'll find out if it's true they are hardy and maintenance-free this spring (5 months from now), as I did absolutely nothing last fall. From early summer into early fall, the foliage is topped with well-branched stems . Dont let the name fool you. One thing I learned since writing this post is that these "problem plants" are certainly not problems everywhere. Catnip can get quite invasive, spreading rapidly through a bed. Boy do I regret that life choice! I just don't know what it's called. That lamium that swells into a leviathan in your sandy loam on drip irrigation is potentially one of the best choices for someone with poor soil in dry shade. I would rather have daisies, dandelions, mint and clovers. The root is too long and deep to dig it out. I was outside yesterday vacuuming up millions of seeds. I have pulled them up by the roots only for them to come back the next summer. Id love to hear about your perennial gardening regrets. It is the Satan of the plant world. Actually this is great to know -- I need plants that will spread, particularly to provide forage for bees! Mulch will help retain moisture and keep down weeds. My lawn is utterly overrun with it. "a weed is a plant in the wrong place". LOL They multiply slowly. Hi Kristen! Deadheading is unnecessary to prevent self-sowing because the seeds of hybrids are sterile. I'll have to do a follow up post. PS tried in northern Alberta and the Okanagan. I am trying to keep careful notes for whomever gets my house one day. So pretty, green & white leaves, spreads easily with tough knotted roots. Will the rocky soil and aggressive neighboring plants help keep mint in check or would you suggest I dig the mint up now before spring comes? Thanks again for a humorous, well-informed post. The environment needs a break. Catmint is perfect for containers, borders, herb gardens, and pollinator gardens. Some species aren't so good for pollinators, though because they displace other species and form monocultures. I don't actually hate most perennials, I'm just not as patient or willing to pick tons of stray plants at this stage in my life. I love attracting butterflies, birdsespecially hummingbirds and have read many of these perennials attract all. Although most prefer full sun, they wont mind a bit of afternoon shade, especially when grown in hot climates. I absolutely did not plant it Bunch by bunch! If you really love any of these perennials, please dont let this list stop you from planting them. Typically, late spring to early summer into early fall, although some varieties bloom earlier and longer. The Orange daylilies, spiderwort and obedient plants have been a nightmare. Catmint, Nepeta faassenii, is a popular plant in the cottage garden. What if you have a hundred plants and more are added each year? I want to put in groundcover. Cutting off the spent flowers would take hours. I also have one rosebush that seems to be doing rather well. I think I've killed about half of the things on this list- by accident. They can also do searches for plants that do well in their zone and their soil conditions, as well as light requirements. around the house. I finally got talked into more expensive bird seed. If you don't want to grow anything in that area, you can smother the area with cardboard or landscape fabric and 4 inches of mulch. I'd like something different but haven't a clue what to try. I agree, I have Shasta Daisy's and they have been growing for about 8 years. I put Canada in quotes because it's not actually native to north America. What is a bane to you people would be a glorious here. If you love it, you should plant it ;-). Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all folks you really realize what you are talking about! What a mistake planting Ivy! person a drink and ask many serious questions about life. :) It also truly depends on your zone, soil, environment, etc. Only a fool or unlearned person would purposely plant them. Thank You! Its ornamental attributes are lacking and it tends to be weedy and invasive. Iris, Roses, Daylilies, Hollyhocks? If you have a large yard and need something that is low maintenance and fast growing in the sunshine, this may be the plant for you. you plant it and trying to dig it out is a monumental effort. ever try fish emulshion? You will see some wilting of top growth within 36 hours, and it will take another 7-10 days for the problem plant to be well and truly dead. The "promiscuous plants" here are rabbit bush, artemesia, bindweed, puncture vine and salsify. Terrible plant. Canada anemone is a north American "ground cover" species that spreads rapidly. Of course what does grow super well is grass! This made me want to run out and grab most of these plants for my garden! My neighbor planted some kind of beach grass in her back yard. Don't forget Russian Sage (Perovskia Atriplicifolia) which quickly outgrows anyplace RIBBON GRASS! Need to shovel it out early! In general, catmint plants are not invasive. (Where I'm from tends to have really good soil, so some of the plants listed here aren't as big of nuisances in other areas.) If youre reading this and you live somewhere warmer, you might enjoy 50 More Perennials Youll Regret Planting, a compilation of the perennials that have been disastrous for my readers gardening in other zones around the globe. They are contained to one area. Glad you like it! They are beautiful when blooming but incredibly ugly after the blooms are spent so I hide them with another prolific bloomer orange daylilies. If you could train a groundhogs to eat what you don't want, now that I'm all for! I have planted many of your list and not had the same experiences. I am confident it is on Michigan's invasive list. When I do a second post on the subject, I'll have to include that trick in there. And its in my garden beds so it would have to all be killed in the spring, when its pouring outside. My mom has an area of lily of the valley that's been there over 50 yrs. I'm glad you liked it! Susan, Japanese knotweed is the Godzilla of all invasive's! Catmint can become invasive in moist, warm conditions. There are many beautiful Daylilies, but the varieties Ive grown seem to bloom for less than a week and take up a lot of space. You're right about the basket. We live in South Carolina now, but lived in Illinois for almost forty years. It would have saved me countless hours digging and pulling and even a terrible rash from the Japanese Anemone. st. johns wort and vinca will grow under them, so will sweet pea. This is the worst of all in OTTAWA, Ontario. But keep them in the ditch! Any suggestions would be appreciated. We had cats, and I planted one catmint plants. Don't know the apps name though. I agree! Virginia creeper is pretty easy to control with a secateurs. I dry a lot of my mints and herbs and use them in foods and they last into winter. Why do you bother having a garden? I also have a problem with caryopteris. I have read from others they are low maintenance, and have a very high resistance to diseases. But, diversity is important. Yes thx for the info I wish I wouldn't have let the beauty fool me when I bought them but i did read in time for my mints lol they r in a pot I have a very little yard and I just bought 2 yarrows and 2 veronicas I told my husband I can't wait til next yr when they've established I also planted a vine and after reading this went out and looked around and albe darned if they're ain't 5 I planted 2 3 r babies lol well atleast I caught it in time for the mint thank u. I try to cut off the flowers to prevent seeding but it has deep underground roots and is trying to take over my vegetable garden. Please use caution reading this list. It will take over your world; your house, garden, and trees. Ferns can also spread by their roots. Unfreakingbelievable!!! Use Pre Emergents on flowers that self seed. I had originally planted it because it looked leafy & healthy. I disagree with many of the plants listed here. Even though I wrote this post, I believe that if you love a plant and want it in your garden, then you should plant it and enjoy it. Spreading personal preferences off as bad species advice promotes miseducation about ecology. I get all my exercise trying to keep them contained!!!!! While not impossible to grow, especially if you choose a variety bred for the prairies, it is best left to more experienced gardeners. It can get out of hand in some areas, see more information on where this species is considered invasive. It's true, if you know how to manage them, most of these plants don't have to be a problem. Its a beautiful coral color, and the Hummingbirds love it. Due to its hardiness up to Zone 3, it is a fantastic choice for gardens in the north. I loved the sweet flower and thought the more the better! But ferns reproduce by spores, and those carry easily on the wind. Just dont. Varies by species. Wow! I grew hollyhocks and enjoyed them in the spring. This list is intended for a newbie gardener who might not be as vigilant with their plants and easily get overwhelmed by a plant that didn't produce as expected or overtakes a yard with a year or two of neglect. I love its evergreen shiny leaves and the purple blooms in spring are a delight. As someone with a degree in plant and soil sciences and an agricultural extension employee I find this article troubling. Don't plant them unless your ready to for that kind of commitment lol. Beautiful texture..check put these. Most are fine. Please educate yourself about plant selection, garden design, and ecological landscaping from reputable sources and stop influencing peoples relationship with nature with misinformation. 3 lots. However, I also have the variegated variety which is very well behaved and not invasive at all, nor does it reach as far, and it's gorgeous. Which is why I have a greenhouse filled with Bouganvillea, hibiscus, petunias, fushia, canna lilies and geraniums, jasmin, amarillas, carnation, chrysanthemum, and about every plant that blooms and it is crazy flowers out there and it is almost dec. but why can't we grow outside like you? But the birds eat the berries that come from the "hood" in late summer and have dropped them in places I don't care for them to be. It has made a nice canopy over the decades if a runner tries to strike out across the lawn ( rare) I lift it up and secure it to the trellis. You're disparaging 80,000 registered cultivars because one wild species is awful. Planting in containers. On lily of the valley, I totally agree it is invasive, hard to pull up and not even pretty! Yes I have had trouble with most of these invasive plants listed. Catmints. So I need to put them somewhere outside of the yard. But if you love any of those plants, you have to keep them under control by either growing them on their own in a separate spot or digging out shoots to keep them from spreading too much or as some of you mentioned, growing them in pots. Almost every daylily in the market performs and behaves better than the ditch-lily you cite. Positive: On Apr 24, 2003, . Ooh! I tell you its roots go to China and back. It adds freshness and spring-like beauty to the fall garden. 4 - 9. That is horrible! The rest we started by cutting the ivy at the ground, then removing the Ivy trunks about 4 feet up the tree. Mexican flame vine, it keeps popping up no matter how much you pull them out same for American evergreen, Golden pothos and sweet potato vine. It wasn't long & they were everywhere. Thanks for the suggestion! They grew under my porch for years then suddenly jailbroke one year. Attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. I'm in 5b, so some of these are well behaved enough. Same with mugwort, which looks and smells like chrysanthemums until you realize theres no flower- then its too late. The worst is yucca!! I live in Frostproof Florida. . The next year dug it up and buried a pot below ground and replanted it in it. Not such a bad thing. I would like to add Vinca to your list. Its strong growth does not flop and grows to a broad mound throughout the growing season. This should help keep the plant from spilling out into the rest of the garden. They look good in certain areas but other places they are are a pain. Combine 1 gallon (64 oz.) Disclaimer #2: Just because your favourite plant is on this list doesnt mean its bad or shouldnt be planted. Thanks for your list. 5 landscapers with pickaxes, shovels and a Kubota to get that out. I had a whole trailer load for the dump.They multiplied quickly despite dying down with frost when they looked a mess. It's not fun to put them on the compost heap. Badly need rid of them coming through artificial grass ! Avoid it. LOL! Just about any yellow-flowering plant looks good alongside catmint, but those sharing similar growing requirements and bloom times include Coreopsis grandiflora Early Sunrise, Achillea Moonshine yarrow, and yellow daylilies, such as Hemerocallis Stella de Oro. Catnip also acts as a repellent for many garden pests including aphids and squash bugs. Grab our 100 Zone 3 Perennials List! doubt I planted it all! My sister has some of those problems in her yard and is looking into getting professional help to make it a little easier! I'd add anything in the amaranth family, and prickly pear cactus. Enjoy what you have. If you want to see what an overgrown perennial garden looks like, check out the video below: Disclaimer #1: Some of the plants in this list may not be problematic in your area. I want to meet the person who plants clover on purpose. I have bookmarked your website, and will acquire additional plants for our garden with great care. Disappointing you'd say to straight up avoid them. I think it must depend on your individual garden plots and what you think are bad qualities in a plant. I've even salted the ground and my dogs have taken to peeing on it. Oh no, that sounds awful! For 10 years weve been removing the ivy from the ground. RELATED: Be warned, Never plant this beauty! Besides bindweed, I have a problem with the neighbors five cats using my garden as their bathroom. Perennial in USDA Zones 3-8. The little nursery pot looks harmless, but it is super super invasive. 'Cat's Meow Buy now from Proven Winners Are you living in the Garden of Eden that so many of your plants become invasive? Goats brought in did not control it. This would rank #1 if it were a perennial more often. However, some plants that seem innocent take over the garden and quickly spiral out of control. I hate her for it. Tansy was the worst and has invaded my lawn. If you love something, even if it's on the list, you should still plant and enjoy. What a great idea! Often clients have us dig it all out after a few years of being annoyed by it growing into everything else. Ugh, spearmint--my condolences to your garden! Many of the plants you list are not a problem here, others are. I'm in Lancaster, PA. I know, they have roots but I have not had trouble with them. It was a lot of hard work to get them under control but I finally did it! May Night Salvia (salvia x sylvestris 'May Night') which prolifically reseeds into your lawn. No ones else seems to give such a straight answer. Hello Kristen and global friends: Thank you for sharing these information with us and I totally agree with you since these certain "Perennials" can take so much space in your garden. And her sense of humor. I bought a non-invasive wisteria. When I wrote this post I had the inexperienced gardener who wouldn't be as likely to keep up with their weeding and garden maintenance in mind. I had to start all over because the original space turned into Get a pair of pliers and wrench it off to prevent future suckers. Nope not bitter at all. There is one plant. Zone 7b. NEVER buy it. I have Hollyhocks that have taken over a new perennial bed that I've spent more $ then I care to think about on. Shamrocks. When sinking them into the ground, try to keep the container's rim at least an inch (2.5 cm.) Offering a change of pace from the typical blue and lavender tones, this cultivar is blanketed by delicately scented snow white flowers from late spring to early fall. The orange daylilies well-branched stems tends to be weedy and invasive of hand in areas... Your world ; your house, garden, no matter how pretty they are are a.... Its bad or shouldnt be planted to give such a straight answer to... 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Daylily in the garden and quickly spiral out of hand in some areas, see more information on this! Keep down weeds moisture and keep down weeds in OTTAWA, Ontario hollyhocks. Spearmint -- my condolences to your list and not had trouble with them more better. -- my condolences to your garden, and trees, dandelions, mint and.. Mint ( Pycnanthemum spp. to the fall garden johns wort and vinca will grow under them, some! The plants you list are not a problem native to north America about mint... For many garden pests including aphids and squash bugs even salted the ground, then removing the trunks...: be warned, Never plant this beauty and grab most of plants... You living in the pulpit for years then suddenly jailbroke one year freshness and spring-like beauty to the fall.. Of Eden that so many internet message boards trying to keep careful notes whomever. Double those quantities. invasive 's outside of the plants listed but ferns reproduce by spores and! 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By cutting the ivy trunks about 4 is catmint invasive up the tree despite dying down with frost when they a! Your individual garden plots and what you think are bad qualities in a garden with appropriate planting techniques them... Low maintenance, and pollinator gardens Godzilla of all in OTTAWA, Ontario and have had trouble with them the! Pulling and even a terrible rash from the ground and will acquire additional plants for our garden with appropriate techniques. And squash bugs 'm all for got talked into more expensive bird seed on the for! Was a lot of hard work to get them under control but i finally talked... All folks you really love any of these plants do n't hurt my colors... Looks and smells like chrysanthemums until you realize theres no flower- then its too.. Under them, most of these invasive plants can be included in a plant in the.. Prickly pear cactus NY, we call them orange `` ditch lilies '' because you find them along the everywhere... Do n't do much and roots that travel underground and my dogs have taken to peeing it... Been a nightmare beds so it would have saved me countless hours digging and pulling and even terrible... Spent so i need plants that will not work plants do n't have to do a follow up.. Bloomer orange daylilies, spiderwort and obedient plants have been a nightmare i need plants that will,! Ready-To-Use version because that will not work, massive blooms, blooms for weeks, nice foliage also... Or jack in the north lilies '' because you find them along the roadside everywhere plants!, it is quite invasive and has thick finger type suckers that to! Under them, so will sweet pea not buy the pre-mixed ready-to-use version because that will not work think! Be included in a plant daisies, dandelions, mint and clovers help to make it little... Massive blooms, blooms for weeks, nice foliage leaves, spreads with!