Gardening can be a fulfilling endeavor, but sometimes the plants we choose can turn into relentless invaders, taking over our carefully curated spaces.
After years of battling with certain plants in my own garden, I’ve learned the hard way that not every beautiful plant is a good idea.
Here’s a list of nine plants that many gardeners, including myself, have come to regret planting, along with tips on how to manage them if you still can’t resist.
1. Mint (and its varieties)
Ah, mint—such a refreshing herb, perfect for mojitos and tea. I planted mint years ago, not knowing it would soon dominate my herb garden. Its ability to spread both above and below ground is almost frightening.
Once mint establishes itself, it’s nearly impossible to eradicate. You think you’ve pulled it all up, and then, like a bad dream, it pops back up again. I wish someone had warned me about its invasive nature.
To manage mint, always plant it in a pot, and consider burying the pot with the rim above the ground to keep runners contained.
2. Morning Glory
Morning Glory was another plant I eagerly introduced to my garden, charmed by its vibrant flowers and heart-shaped leaves. Little did I know it would soon be strangling my other plants.
This fast-growing vine can root at any node and spread with alarming speed. It took years of effort to regain control, and even now, I occasionally find rogue vines trying to make a comeback.
The seeds can lie dormant for decades, making it a long-term battle.
I highly recommend growing Morning Glory in a container to keep it from taking over.
3. Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes)
Sunchokes, or Jerusalem Artichokes, are a bit of a double-edged sword. I planted them once and quickly regretted it as they started popping up all over my garden.
While they’re native to North America and incredibly nutritious, they have a tendency to spread uncontrollably. But, I believe that you should still have it in your garden if you have the time and patience to keep it under control!
To prevent them from taking over, grow sunchokes in a dedicated raised bed and cut back the flowers before they can go to seed. This will help contain their spread and make them more manageable.
4. Chinese Wisteria
Chinese Wisteria is undeniably beautiful with its cascading, fragrant blooms. But it wasn’t long before I realized that this plant had ambitions far beyond the trellis I intended for it.
Chinese Wisteria is invasive in many parts of the U.S., and once it escapes your garden, it can choke out native plants and even damage structures with its aggressive growth.
If you love wisteria but don’t want the hassle, opt for the native American variety, Wisteria frutescens, which is much easier to control.
5. Trumpet Vine
With its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers, Trumpet Vine seems like an excellent choice for adding a splash of color. But don’t be fooled—this vine is often called “Hell Vine” for a reason.
I made the mistake of planting it near a fence, and within a couple of years, it had taken over not just the fence but also the surrounding flower beds.
Trumpet Vine spreads both through seeds and underground runners, making it nearly impossible to control once established.
If you’re determined to plant it, be prepared to dedicate a lot of time each year to keep it in check.
6. Fish Mint
Fish Mint, with its heart-shaped leaves and unique flavor, is a plant you either love or hate. I planted it out of curiosity and soon learned that it’s best left in a pot.
Fish Mint spreads aggressively through rhizomes and can quickly take over your garden if not contained.
It’s best to grow it in a container to prevent it from spreading out of control.
7. Ditch Lily (Tiger Daylilies)
Tiger Daylilies, also known as Ditch Lilies, are often planted for their hardy nature and bright orange blooms. However, their ability to spread quickly can make them a nuisance.
I’ve seen these lilies take over entire sections of the garden, outcompeting native plants and leaving little room for anything else. In some areas, they’re even considered invasive.
If you want daylilies, opt for non-invasive varieties and avoid the orange Ditch Lily altogether.
8. English Ivy
English Ivy, with its lush, glossy leaves, is a plant I admired for years—until it started taking over my garden.
Once established, English Ivy can spread rapidly, smothering everything in its path. It’s tough to remove and can cause damage to structures as it climbs.
To enjoy its beauty without the headaches, keep English Ivy in a pot as a houseplant. This will prevent it from spreading and make it easier to manage.
9. Bamboo
Bamboo might seem like a good idea if you’re looking for a fast-growing screen, but trust me, it’s not worth the trouble.
I planted bamboo to create a privacy screen, and now it’s a constant battle to keep it from taking over the entire yard.
Bamboo spreads through underground rhizomes and can be nearly impossible to eradicate once established. Even clumping varieties can spread more than expected.
If you absolutely must plant bamboo, make sure it’s in a well-contained area. But honestly, it’s better to avoid it altogether and choose a less invasive alternative.
Gardening is a journey of trial and error, and while it’s tempting to plant every beautiful flower or fast-growing vine you come across, some plants are best left alone.
The easiest way to avoid gardener’s remorse is to do your research and choose plants that won’t overrun your garden.
If you still feel drawn to any of the plants on this list, remember that containment is key—whether that means planting in pots, raised beds, or dedicated areas where they can’t escape. And always consider native alternatives that offer the beauty you seek without the risk of invasion.
