Yes, you read that title absolutely right! There are certain perennials out there that could possibly be ruining your garden instead of improving it!
In this article, I’m going to tell you why that is and what alternative perennials you can plant to bring the situation under control. Let’s dive right into it!
Why Some Perennials Cause More Harm Than Good?
The first reason why some perennials can cause more harm than good is that they’re invasive and can take over large parts of your garden in a short time. They limit the growth ability of other plants and can keep them from having as big of a visual impact in the garden.
Certain perennials attract tons of pests and insects to the garden that damage other plants surrounding them. This means that, while your perennials may be adding beauty to the landscape, they’re also ruining it.
Many perennials out there also don’t go very well with other plants and tend to create unnecessary competition in the soil that benefits neither of them. Poor nutrient absorption and stunted growth are the two major outcomes of this.
9 Perennials To Avoid In Your Garden
1: Bishop’s Weed (Aegopodium Podagraria)
Bishop’s weed spreads rather aggressively and is nearly impossible to remove once it’s properly established in your garden. It can create unwanted competition with your other crops and fill the garden landscape quickly, keeping other plants and perennials from shining through.
2: Lily Of The Valley (Convallaria Majalis)
Although lily of the valley is an incredibly beautiful perennial, it’s also invasive, spreading quickly underground and choking out other plants. Don’t let its beauty deceive you, and keep you from seeing the damage it could potentially be doing behind the scenes.
3: Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria)
Purple loosestrife can be highly invasive and harmful to wetlands. Believe it or not, this perennial variety is actually banned in some parts of the world due to the damage it can cause to wetlands and swampy areas.
4: Mint (Mentha Spp.)
Yes, mint is technically a herb, but many gardeners plant it as a perennial ground cover and later regret it. It takes over garden beds fast, it’s incredibly hard to get rid of and interferes with the growing ability of other plants within a close enough radius.
5: Obedient Plant (Physostegia Virginiana)
Yeah…you can say the name is quite ironic as it’s probably the least obedient perennial out there. It spreads rapidly and becomes very hard to control once its growth begins.
6: Periwinkle (Vinca Minor)
Despite the wholesome and sweet-sounding name, periwinkles can actually be quite troublesome in the garden. They’re commonly used as ground cover, but they tend to smother other plants when they grow and are super hard to remove.
7: Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia Japonica)
I remember talking about Japanese Knotweed in one of my articles, but I don’t recall telling you guys how damaging it can be. It’s definitely one of the most destructive invasive perennials out there, as it can damage structures and take years to eliminate.
8: Tansy (Tanacetum Vulgare)
Although tansies offer round, vibrant blooms that look quite aesthetically pleasing in the garden, the problem is that they can be invasive and toxic to pets and livestock.
9: Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum Galeobdolon)
Although yellow archangels look extremely pretty in shade gardens, they spread aggressively and are considerably hard to contain once they’re in their growth phase.
Conclusion
Now that you have a good understanding of how certain perennials damage your garden while appearing like they’re “improving” it, it’s up to you to decide what you want to do about them.
You can either remove them and let your other plants grow in peace or plant alternatives that add to the harmony of your garden instead of taking away from it. Either way works.
That’s not Lily of the Valley
Hi Cindy! You’re absolutely right! Thanks for catching that—we’ve just fixed it. 😊🌿
If it isn’t lily of the Valley, what is it. We had that in our yard when I was growing up and it was called Lily of the Valley!
Hi Pat! I had actually posted the wrong picture earlier, but I’ve since fixed it! What you see now is Lily of the Valley. 😊
It was lily of the valley. You are correct
Add to this list Russian Sage. It becomes invasive and very difficult to remove. We have found it will stain the siding and stucco on homes and inhibits lawn-mowing when it falls over into the grass areas. While it’s great for pollinators, recommend not planting next to homes. Understand it is invasive.
Hi Kathryn! 😊 Yes! Russian Sage is beautiful but definitely a handful. My neighbor planted it too close to her house and it flopped everywhere, stained the siding just like you said and took over the nearby bed. It’s one of those plants that looks low-maintenance… until it’s not 😅
Hello from the North of England.
And another plant that should be banned is a Honeysuckle, Lonicera Henryi. I bought it as an evergreen but it is a brut of a plant. It takes over everything as it rushes, winter and summer, into everything. Its flower is tiny, no scent and the berry, black, is not the least attractive. Maybe the birds are happy but, it is far too vigorous for any garden. And does not die..
It most certainly is Lily of the Valley. It can be controlled if you put in pound in border around it. Just make sure it goes down about 5-6 inches.
Hello, Rita; and unfortunately I’ve planted a few of these invasive boogers.😬😬. The periwinkle is all over and almost impossible to eradicate, Lily of the Valley is running rampant, and the Obedient plant comes and goes. It’s native to our state, so I’m not too worried about it! When we bought the house, I inherited an uncontrollable amount of Japanese Honeysuckle!😬. And THEN I made the mistake of planting Garlic Chives! Don’t ever do THAT! Not only are they bulbs, but they seed in the fall! Good grief! The bees love the flowers and usually they’re about the only thing blooming at the time. Double jeopardy. I wanted to ask you or anyone…besides digging periwinkle and Lily of the Valley, how do you/they eradicate it? Thanks for the info!
Hi Pat! Oh wow, sounds like you’ve had your hands full! 😅 You’re definitely not alone, so many of us have learned the hard way with these plants. Besides digging, the best way to tackle periwinkle and lily of the valley is:
🌿 Smothering – Cover the area with thick cardboard and mulch to block sunlight for several months.
💧 Persistent pulling – Keep removing any new growth as soon as you see it to weaken the roots over time.
🧤 For really stubborn spots, carefully spot-treat with vinegar or an organic herbicide, but it takes patience!
Hang in there. You’re doing great, even with all the “boogers” you inherited! 😂🌿✨
I have recently discovered that on my property line with my neighbor there is massive Japanese Naweed. I have been using commercial weed killer on my property. How do I stop this nightmare
Hi Celeste! Oh no, that’s a nightmare! 😩 Japanese knotweed is super invasive. Keep cutting it down regularly (every 2–3 weeks during the growing season) and treat it in late summer/early fall with a strong systemic weed killer (like glyphosate). It may take a couple seasons, but persistence really helps!
My Periwinkle and Obedient Plants ganged up to eradicate my Lily of the Valley patch. Lol. Now they are battling each other. These all came with the house 50 years ago. I didn’t plant them. But I like them.
Hi Cindy! Haha sounds like a true garden turf war 😂 At least they’re all pretty! I’ve had similar battles here too, sometimes I just let them fight it out and trim the winner if it gets too bold.
I have both Spearmint and Peppermint going in my yard. They both are not the difficult to replace I have found with 20 years of having it around.
Hi Joe! 😊 That’s great to hear, with that much experience, you’ve probably found the perfect balance. Mint can definitely be managed well with a little know-how. Thanks for sharing your take!
There’s a FB group dedicated to eradicating Japanese Knotweed called worldwide Japanese Knotweed Support with excellent support techniques. Worth checking out if you’re dealing with that nightmare
Hi Bill! That’s super helpful, thanks for sharing! 😊 Japanese knotweed really is a nightmare in the garden. I’ll definitely check out that group, sounds like a great resource for anyone battling it!
I also have mint in a spot in my garden and keep it controlled and love it.
Creeping Jenny and English ivy could be added to your list.
Hi Monique!😊 Totally agree, both can really take over if you’re not careful. Great additions to the list!
And Charlie!
Chameleon plant is another to add to your list. Impossible to get rid of.
Hi Sher!
Great addition. Chameleon plant is definitely a tricky one,it spreads like crazy and can be so hard to control. Thanks for sharing! 🌿😊
I think moving to a new house is easier than trying to eliminate chameleon plant. I’m 5 years in trying to get rid of it… flame throwers have been used and it just keeps coming back. 🤣
Hi Jennifer! Oh no, five years and even a flame thrower?! 😅 That chameleon plant really does not give up. You’re definitely not alone, once it’s in the ground, it’s like a botanical horror movie. Hats off to you for the persistence (and humor!) Hopefully you’re winning the battle one root at a time! 💪🌿🔥
I would like to add Solomon Seal. You could yank it all day. Oh and, I literally can not get rid of grape hyacinth. I wish I could find a poison I hit them with?
Hi Kerrie! 😊 Yes, Solomon’s Seal and grape hyacinths can both be relentless! They look innocent, but once they take hold, they’re nearly impossible to remove. You’re not the only one wishing for a magic solution. Persistence (and maybe some mulch warfare!) is the only thing that keeps them somewhat in check. We’ll definitely consider adding those to the list, thanks for sharing! 🫶
Sure is bad. Spent one full day digging it all up removing all the roots and that is no where near all of them. Kill as they pop up!/
Hi Kathleen! 😊 Even after a full day of digging, it finds a way back. 😩 Spot-killing as soon as it reappears is the only thing that helps a little. Persistence is key… but wow, what a battle!
The picture is NOT Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides). It’s Lysimachia salicaria. A very different plant.
Many of the plants you’ve listed are grown commercially and responsibly by cut flower farms.
How much experience do you have with any of these plants? Little if any if you live in an apartment.
Hi Linda!
Thank you for pointing that out! You’re absolutely right about the plant mix-up, and I’ve fixed the image,it happens sometimes, and I really appreciate you catching it. As for my experience, I’ve mentioned many times how I grew up following my mom around her huge garden, learning everything I could from her. I also reach out to friends, family, and followers, not just for this article but for most of my articles, to ensure I’m sharing advice that’s as helpful and relatable as possible. It’s a learning journey, and I’m always grateful for feedback like yours! 🌿😊
Your comment back to Linda Williams was so kind. Her comment to you was very uncalled for! She could have been much nicer and should have been. After all, it’s your work and time put into the article. If she didn’t like it, she could’ve stopped reading it and moved on. It irritates me when people read something and have to be so critical!
Hi Dianne! Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 I truly appreciate your support, it means a lot.
I know not everyone will agree with everything I share, and that’s okay but I always try to respond with kindness because we’re all learning together! I love hearing different perspectives, but thoughtful conversations always go further.
I’m just happy to keep learning and connecting with fellow plant lovers like you! 🌿💚
I can, and hopefully will, learn the art of kind and patient responses from you. Kudos!🙂
Thank you so much Patti, that truly means a lot! 🙂 I think we all grow a little better when we’re kind to each other, especially in the garden and in life.
I totally agree with you! Linda’s comment was rude, and I guess she needed to feel good about herself! Rita’s response was kind!
Thank you, George! 😊 I really appreciate your support, it means so much. I try to keep things kind and helpful, even when the feedback is tough. At the end of the day, I’m just grateful for this community of plant lovers who are learning and growing together! 🌿💛
I agree!
Would you mind saying what Zone you are in? I have Centaurea Montana and can’t get it to multiply at all. I’m in Zone 5/6.
Hi!
I’m in Zone 6b! Centaurea Montana usually grows well here. If it’s not multiplying for you in Zone 5/6, try giving it well-draining soil, full sun, and dividing it every few years. Sometimes it just needs a little extra encouragement to spread! 🌸🌿
Please don’t forget Morning Glories!
Hi Donna! 😊 You’re absolutely right!
Morning Glories can be a real headache in the garden. They spread so fast and can quickly take over. They may look beautiful, but they definitely make the list for plants that can cause more trouble than they’re worth! 😊🌿
Vinca vine looks beautiful cascading on a rock wall. Once established you will never get rid of it! It’s so invasive. I hate it now.
Hi Shelly! So true! Vinca vine looks lovely at first, but once it takes hold, it’s nearly impossible to control. It spreads fast and chokes out other plants. Definitely one of those “plant with caution” perennials! Thanks for sharing your experience! 😊🌿
Interesting. I’ve always had good luck with vinca planted around trees in the shade where nothing else seems to grow. Perhaps because I wasn’t trying to add anything else in that area. It hasn’t been a problem. It always could be contained with mowing around the edge. I’m just getting ready to establish it around two trees at my new home. I would be disappointed that to use it. Now English IV on the other hand…
Hi Karen! 😊 That makes total sense and you’re right, in the right spot (especially under trees where not much else grows), vinca can be a practical ground cover. It’s all about how it’s managed and what it’s paired with. Sounds like you’ve had a good system! And yes… English ivy is a whole other beast! 😅
Purple Loosestrife is outlawed in NE. Plantings along the Platte River choke out desirable habitat for water fowl. It will completely take over an island in a channel of the river.
Hi Kathy! That’s a great point! 😊
Purple Loosestrife is incredibly invasive and a serious threat to native habitats, especially in wetland areas like the Platte River. It’s a good reminder of why it’s banned in many places. Thanks for sharing this important insight! 🌿
Definitely; the prior owners of my house had planted it. Small then. Now, no matter what I do, it continues to grow and pop up all over the yard.
Hi Jan! That sounds so frustrating! 😩 Purple Loosestrife spreads aggressively once established, and it’s nearly impossible to fully remove. Even small root fragments can sprout new plants! Regular removal and even smothering with mulch or tarps can help slow it down, but it definitely takes persistence. Hope you’re able to keep it under control! 🌿🚫
I have Gooseneck Loosestrife, it has white blooms…is it a similar problem?
Hi Sherry! 😊 Gooseneck Loosestrife (Lysimachia clethroides) isn’t the same as Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), but it can still be invasive, especially in moist soil or if not contained. It spreads aggressively by underground rhizomes and can take over garden beds fast. If you love it, I’d recommend growing it in a large pot or a contained area to keep it in check! 🌿😊
I live in Pennsylvania and we have a large eroding bank I would love to cover
Do you have any suggestions?
Robin B
Hi Robin! Great question! 😊 For erosion control, you’ll want deep-rooted, spreading plants that hold the soil in place. Here are some great options for Pennsylvania:
🌿 Native ground covers: Wild ginger, creeping phlox, or golden ragwort.
🌾 Ornamental grasses: Switchgrass or little bluestem—great for stabilizing slopes.
🌸 Shrubs: Red osier dogwood or sumac, which spread and provide year-round interest.
Mixing these together can create a beautiful, low-maintenance bank that prevents further erosion. Let me know if you’d like more details! 🌱✨
Sumac trees are terrible. They grow everywhere even in the cracks of our drive way. Impossible to get rid of.
Hi Marie! 😊 Sumac can definitely get out of control in the wrong spot. It’s great for erosion, but not ideal near driveways or foundations. I’ll make a note to add a caution about that. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I’ll put my Arizona soil up against ANY invasive plant. Arizona will win, no question. Arizona = “hardscrabble farming.” Any advice the author gives needs a disclaimer. “This does not apply in AZ.”
Hi Susan! Haha, fair enough! 😄 Arizona soil really is in a league of its own, tough, dry, and not easily conquered! Some of those invasive plants don’t stand a chance out there. Thanks for sharing! 🌵💪🌿
As far as I can see, the plants in your list are plants that if you have them in your garden and/or yard, you want them there. A ground cover is wanted for that purpose. I plant mint because I want it and yes I plant it in the yard where I don’t care where it spreads. Certain plants you want in the yard and not in the garden. I love violets and dandelions. To me, they belong in the yard and not in the garden. If you want to contain a particular plant, designate an area with a fixed border so that it can’t spread and then you can have it and prevent it taking over a different area.
Hi Elaine! Totally understand where you’re coming from! 😊
If you read the article, I actually explain why each plant can become a problem in certain situations and I give tips on how to grow them safely, like planting in pots or in a dedicated, contained area. When I was a beginner, I didn’t know any better and planted mint straight into the ground… it took over everything! So many others have shared the same experience. It’s really just meant to help gardeners avoid those early mistakes. 🌿💚
Trumpet vine will grow up your downspout and pull it right off your house. It gets to Newport, but doesn’t bloom for me, so , now to get rid of it!
Hi Kathryn! Yes, that vine can be relentless! 😅 It’s super aggressive and strong enough to do real damage, like you said. And if it’s not even blooming for you, definitely not worth the trouble. Good call getting rid of it!
Plus, if one attempts to eliminate a trumpet vine and roots remain in the ground, the vine spreads into the lawn and even into the neighbors’ lawns. It’s a devil to fight!
Enjoyed reading your article and appreciate your knowledgeable background. I live in East TN and want to fill a large area of embankments along a wooded mountain side. Looking for a drought resistant, blooming, pet friendly plant/flower. What is your recommendation? Where can I purchase a bulk quantity?
Hi Julie! Thank you so much! 😊 For a sunny, wooded slope in East TN, I’d recommend black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, creeping phlox, or coreopsis, they’re drought-tolerant, bloom beautifully, and are generally pet-friendly.
For bulk buying, check local nurseries or try online suppliers like Prairie Moon Nursery, American Meadows, or Eden Brothers. They offer wildflower mixes and plugs in larger quantities. Sounds like a beautiful project! 🌼🌿✨
Add Four O’Clocks to your list. They take over!!!
Hi Janis! Yes, Four O’Clocks can spread like wild! 😅 We’re already working on updating this article with more plants, so all suggestions are welcome. Thank you for adding to the list!
My big mistake was wanting to make mojitos. 🍹I bought one little container of mojito mint and planted it next to my flower garden. Fast forward 3 years….I have enough mint for a cruise ship mojito party!! I have spent weeks digging it up. It’s spread across the lawn into my raspberries since last fall. Last year I spent 3 weeks digging in just one area. I broke my shovel!! They tangled into my hostas….I had to dig them out, split them in order to remove the mint roots. It’s a parasite! I dug down more than a foot in some areas. I just started this spring on another patch. In the last 3 days I have filled 15 home depot buckets full of mint roots. Some are as thick as my finger. The white roots below the big roots are hair like strands. I think I will try industrial strength vinegar solution with dawn detergent added to see if I can stop even some of it’s travels elsewhere!
NEVER EVER DO WHAT I DID….IF YOU WANT A MOJITO, GO TO A BAR, DONT GROW YOUR OWN
Hi Terry! Oh my gosh, what a story! 😅 You deserve a mojito (or five) just for all that effort! Mint really is a beast once it gets going in the ground. Your experience is such a perfect example of why it’s best kept in a pot with a saucer! Thank you for sharing your warning in the most entertaining (and relatable) way possible. Here’s hoping that vinegar helps slow it down! 🌱🍹💪
Hoping for advice, here goes…
Have a Allium purple globes plant.
For some unknown reason the past 2 yrs. No gorgeous globes. Plants looking very strong & healthy, but No sign of Stems for flowers. Yep, I have looked to see if the stems were chomped off, Nope. Missing my 💜 beauties😔
Hi Marilyn! 😊 Totally understand why you miss those gorgeous purple globes! 💜 If your allium leaves look strong but there are no flower stems, it could be a few things:
🌿 Too much nitrogen can lead to lush leaves but no blooms. Try a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer in fall or early spring.
🌞 Make sure they’re getting plenty of sunlight, alliums love full sun!
🧄 And since they’re bulbs, overcrowding might be the issue. Dig them up and divide in the fall to give them more space and energy.
Hoping your beauties come back next season! 💜✨
I have both lily of the valley and the mint, but I manage to keep Lily of the valley in one area and I like it. The mint should probably be in pots. However, I have it near my strawberries; and I honestly believe the rabbits stay away because of it.
Hi! That’s such a smart setup! 😊 Keeping lily of the valley contained and using mint as a natural rabbit deterrent near your strawberries is a great way to make the most of both. And yes, mint really does seem to keep critters at bay! 🐰🍓🌿
Hi, Just found your article. Very informative. Thank you. I live in Northern Ireland. I grow mint in a pot on windowsill as I found it took over in garden. 😎
Hi Mary Ann!😊 So glad you enjoyed the article. Growing mint in a pot is a smart move, especially on a windowsill where you can enjoy it without it taking over the whole garden. Sounds like you’ve got it perfectly under control! 🌿
Such an informative article. With 80 acres in the Ozarks, invasive is not a scary word for me. Mint around the pond is easy to trim…with a delightful scent. English ivy has to be watched so it won’t grow up the trees and cause problems. I planted snow on the mountain to cover a hill side. Folks raise their eyebrows, but it is easy to maintain in that area. Poison ivy is a whole different ballgame. I may never win with it. No way I can eradicate the roots 😵💫. Vinegar works for a while on a sunny day, but too much to overcome. I’ll try the cardboard idea and hope for some area control. Thanks for sharing your knowledge 👍
Hi Alexis!So glad you enjoyed the article. 😊 Sounds like you’ve got a great handle on a wild landscape! I love that you’re using mint and snow on the mountain in a controlled way, it really is all about the where. And yes, poison ivy… that stuff is ruthless. 😩 I’ve battled it too, and the roots seem to come back no matter what. Cardboard mulching helped me reclaim a patch by the fence line, hopefully it gives you some wins too!
It’s all in the AI capacity. The more responses = more authenticity. I’m just convinced most of these responses are AI generated
Hi Lisa! 😊 Trust me, we never expected this article to blow up like this, but turns out we’ve all made the mistake of planting something that took over the garden! 😅 Behind it all is just a small team of real gardeners who care deeply about sharing honest, practical tips. Most replies are based on our own experience or passed along from gardeners in our facebook community. We’re just happy to keep the conversation growing! 😊
We’ve been trying to get rid of Japenese knotwood for years and it is still coming thru in many places!! It is so hard to get rid of, I’m at my whits end!!
Hi Lisa! 😊 That sounds incredibly frustrating, we hear this a lot with Japanese knotweed. It’s one of the toughest to control once it’s established. Persistence is key, but it’s totally understandable to feel worn down by it. You’re definitely not alone in this struggle!
I bought an older home with a fairly established garden. Noticeable what half the stuff is except the roses and bleeding hearts (which spread on their own). I think I have lily of the valley coming up in the back yard around my shed. Had no idea what they were or where they came from- not there last year. I have these crazy invasive bushy purple flowered plants that look like purple bee balm. It’s EVERYWHERE! I try and kill it with rhyzomes and it just doubles down. It’s now growing between my sidewalks and foundation. How fo you get rid of invasive plants?? I also have baby trees of some kind sprouting all over. Lots of birds and heavy winds in the area that like to share seeds.
Hi Crystal! That definitely sounds like a wild garden adventure! 😅 It’s amazing what pops up when you inherit a yard. Lily of the valley and spreading perennials like purple bee balm (or possibly an invasive mint or monarda type) can be relentless.
The best method for getting rid of invasive plants is consistent digging and smothering, cut them back hard, then cover the area with cardboard or thick mulch to block light. For anything in cracks or foundations, a vinegar and hot water solution has worked for us (it helps weaken the roots over time). It takes patience, but you’ll slowly win back control! 💪
I’ve been pulling my hair out as i pull out my pachysandra also!! Thanks for this article!!
Hi Char! You’re not alone! 😅 Pachysandra seems harmless until it takes over everything. Glad the article helped, it’s always nice to know we’re in this together! 😊
What can you do if you have mint that was already there. We’ve tried everything including digging roots out. Is there anything that will choke it out?
Hi Sammy! Ugh, mint can be so stubborn once it’s settled in! 😅 If digging didn’t help, you might try smothering it with thick cardboard and mulch for a season or two, it needs light to survive. Some gardeners also plant mint-choking ground covers like ajuga or lamium nearby to compete. Not a quick fix, but it can help over time! 😊
I have mint and Mexican primrose battling for ownership of my front yard. They’ve even jumped a sidewalk to get to the other side!
Hi Dawna!😊 Oh wow, sounds like a full-on turf war! 😅 Mint and Mexican primrose are both sneaky spreaders… once they settle in, they’re hard to stop! Hopefully they at least make the yard smell good while they take over!
You might want to differentiate between plants that are invasive (typically non-native spreaders that damage native habitat) and aggressive spreaders, which can take over your garden but are not actually harmful to the environment. People often conflated the two.
Hi Joanne! 😊 Yes, exactly, there is a big difference, but aggressive spreaders can still cause a lot of trouble in home gardens. They might not be invasive in the ecological sense, but they can still smother nearby plants, outcompete them for space and nutrients, and just take over if you’re not constantly managing them (mint is a perfect example of that!). Most people don’t realize how quickly they spread until it’s too late! 😅
You forgot the worst one of all: English ivy. I just paid $1,000 to remove an enormous patch of it that was going to completely cover my house and garden.
Hi Ami! Oh no, that sounds like a nightmare! 😩 English ivy can be relentless once it takes hold. You’re absolutely right, it deserves a top spot on the list. The damage (and cost!) it causes is no joke. Glad you were able to get it under control!
We’re currently working on updating this article, so if you know of any other perennials that have taken over your garden (or just drove you a little crazy 😅), feel free to drop them here in this comment, we’d love to hear your suggestions!
Hi Rita,
I’ve been looking at Yellow Loosestrife as spot filler in our flower box. Would that be along the same line as the Purpke one?
Hi Dave! 😊 Yes, Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia punctata) can be just as aggressive as the purple one (Lythrum salicaria. It spreads fast through underground runners and can take over a flower box pretty quickly if not kept in check. It’s beautiful, but definitely one to watch closely!
Elephant ears! And not the friendly kind! The lady we bought our house from was kind enough to drop a bunch of the rhizomes into our creek, which is part of our local watershed, and happily told us about it as she handed over the keys. We have been battling them ever since. The leaves die off in the winter, but by summer they are chocking out the creek and are spreading into the law. We‘ve dig. We‘ve cut new growth. We‘ve done the cut and spray the stem. Help!!!
H Sandra! Oh no, what a mess to inherit! 😩 Elephant ears can be beautiful, but once they take over, especially near water, they’re incredibly hard to control. It sounds like you’ve tried all the right steps already. Digging, cutting, and targeted spraying are usually the best combo. One extra tip: stay consistent with cutting every new shoot as soon as it appears to weaken the rhizomes over time. It may take a few seasons, but persistence really does help. Rooting for you, literally! 🤞
I live in a big city and mint deters the rats from coming in from the alley. They hate mint! It’s easy to manage mint in my yard, but not so much the daylilies. They take over everything. Also, alanthus trees, (Tree of Heaven, please…) they are my nemesis.
Hi Fran! 😊 Totally feel you on the mint vs. daylilies! Mint can actually be helpful in the right spot, my mom grows it in a buried pot to keep it from spreading. But daylilies… they really do take over fast if you’re not constantly dividing them. And don’t get me started on tree of heaven, they pop up everywhere! 😅
Sweet woodruff is a very poor recommendation .
Spreads like crazy !! Pops up everywhere. The seeds are burr like and stick to clothing shoes and critters . They then are distributed across a broad area .
Hi Sherry! 😊 Oh no, you’re actually right, I just switched it! My cousin has it at her place and never had any trouble, so I thought it was a safe pick. But I just did a bit of a search and oh my… those burrs really are a menace! 😅 Wild ginger seems like a much better fit, thank you for the heads up!
How do I get rid of a garden full of lemon oregano. I’ve pulled it out year after year and it just comes back stronger.
Hi Lisa! 😊 Oh, lemon oregano can be such a stubborn one!
I had the same problem in one of my beds, I finally got rid of it by digging out as much root as possible and then covering the area with thick cardboard and mulch for a whole season. Smothering it really helps stop those roots from resprouting.
Add forget me not , appropriately named
Hi! 😊 Yes, good point, forget-me-nots can spread fast too. Their name is spot on! 😅 They’re beautiful but definitely have a mind of their own once they get going.
I planted vinca vine around my hardy hibiscus. My hibiscus leaves looked like lace. I had leaf hoppers. They were partying and multiplying like rabbits in that vinca vine. I got neem oil and pulled out all the vinca vine in July. Now it’s October and vine is back with a vengeance.
Hi Mary! 😊 Oh, I know that struggle, vinca vine is relentless once it settles in! 😅 Keep pulling it as soon as you see new shoots and cover the area with mulch for a while to block light. It takes persistence, but it’ll weaken over time.