Last Updated on October 31, 2021 by Phil
It’s never a good idea to judge a plant by its looks. That’s because many that are beautiful are also high maintenance. They can likewise be very finicky or die on you. Worse, there are those that destroy your garden. As such, here are some high maintenance invasive plants to avoid in your yard.
High Maintenance Invasive Plants to Avoid
Wisteria
Wisteria is a beautiful plant that’s often allowed to drape down from pergolas, trellises and arbors. One of the reasons it is used on these structures above is that it Is a vigorous climber that’s looks stunning when it grows long.
The other reason is that is it invasive. As such, you’ll seldom see wisteria planted as landscape or along with other plants in the yard.
This is especially in the Southeast when the climate makes it is real headache to maintain and control.
Thus, this long living plant (up to 100 years) if often kept on its own.
English Ivy
English ivy is a common houseplant that’s grown in containers or hanging baskets. This allows it to get long and overflow around the pot.
It isn’t a problem here because it is kept on its own away from other plants. Thus, even its aggressive growing habit won’t be able to bother other plants.
And, all you need is to trim it when it looks like its gets too long or unruly.
But, this perennial climbing vine can quickly be a problem in the garden where its fast growing stems can overrun other plants near it.
Butterfly Bush
Butterfly bush is a beautiful shrub that’s features many lovely colors. These include pink, purple, blue, yellow, white.
They also attract butterflies to your garden, which is where they get their name.
So who don’t you see them more often?
They’re quite invasive.
These sun-loving plants can mess us the ecosystem of your garden. To the point that some states have now classified it as a noxious weed.
That said, butterfly bush are not invasive everywhere. But they are in many areas.
Lantana
Lantana are gorgeous flowering shrubs that behave similar to vines.
They feature cluster of small, bright colored flowers that can be a combination of different colors including red, yellow, pink, white, blue and orange.
However, be aware that if you live in a warm climate area, they can be really bothersome. This is why they’re considered invasive plants in regions that don’t experience frost.
So, if you live in Arizona, Hawaii or Florida it’s a good idea to just avoid them.
Similarly, many municipalities will have restrictions about these plants as well. So, do check with them beforehand just in case.
Bamboo
Bamboo are woody perennials that grow like trees but are actually a kind of grass. They are amazing when used as fences, privacy screens or walls because they provide a different look.
They are likewise very sturdy and can tolerate strong winds.
Unfortunately, if you do plant them in your garden, be aware of their invasive nature.
Their underground root system is able to spread away from the plant. In doing so, overrunning other plants near it.
This makes it different from other invasive species which self-seed or spread their seeds around different areas of your garden so those can grow all over the place.
As such, creating a barrier to keep bamboo from spreading is easier.
Bittersweet
Bittersweet is popularly used for wreaths and other ornamental arts and crafts. They have beautiful yellow leaves with orange berries.
But, you want to be very careful when it comes to this vine. It is very invasive with the ability to grow over other plants and even killing big trees.
They are likewise toxic to both people and pets.
As such, despite their lovely looks, avoid this vine at all costs.
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Privet
Privet is another popular plant. But, it is well known for being used for garden borders, fences or hedges to increase privacy.
The also produce flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
However, if you enjoy its lovely looks especially as they change if color in the fall, do check the species before growing them in the garden. Some privet varieties are invasive, but not all.
Thus, you can still enjoy their beauty provided that you select the right ones.
Sweet Autumn Clematis
Sweet autumn clematis is a beautiful white fragrant flowering vine that’s perfect for many gardens.
At least so it seems.
White this lovely plant can grow up 30 feet high and cover 15 feet widths, it also self seeds. As such, these seeds can end up anywhere allowing them plant to spread.
Similarly, sweet autumn clematis’ aggressive growth causes it to choke out plants nearby as it spreads.
Thus, if you live in the eastern part of the country, they’re not a good choice to go with.
Trumpet Vine
Trumpet vines are unique and well-known for their ability to attract hummingbirds. But, they’re also very aggressive growing vines.
Normally, this isn’t a problem especially if you allow them to climb up walls, trellises and pergolas. But, in addition to that, they also spread underground via runners. Additionally, they self-seed.
As such, they don’t only “attack” the rest of your plants from under the soil but can also spread their seeds all over the place. These end up growing over other plants there.
Cosmos
Cosmos feature beautiful colored flowers that are lovely to look at. They are likewise easy to grow and will mature in 2 months or so.
Thus, they seem like the perfect plants for cut flower gardens or if you want to add lovely blooms and colors to your yard.
Unfortunately, their easy of care and quick growth become negatives as this allows them to become invasive.
Since they’re able to grow even when neglected, they can keep spreading on their own.
This is especially true in the southeast where the conditions are perfect for it to do so.
Tansy
Tansy are bright yellow colored flowers that look like puffy spheres. They look very lovely because they grow in bunches.
This makes tansies something that can easily bring lift to your garden.
Unfortunately, while they aren’t invasive in other parts of the world, they are in North America.
As such, while these aromatic flowers are lovely, it is a good idea to avoid them.
