The best way to have a successful garden is by choosing plants that don’t require much care and are easy-to grow.
However, many of these types can become invasive as well! So if you’re looking for the perfect type of plant in your backyard or on an outdoor space at work then look no further than native alternatives instead.
Take a look at these plants you should never have in your garden or home!
1. English Ivy
English Ivy is often considered a weed for its tendency to grow wildly and spread. It’s also not appropriate in your own garden because of this characteristic, so keep an eye out if you’re thinking about planting it!
To control the vines on English ivies, cut back their length as needed with pruning shears or loppers
2. Japanese Barberry
Japanese Barberry is a pesky invader from Asia that can quickly grow to take over your garden. It has been nicknamed “the worst horticultural invasive plant on Earth!
For those living near the East Coast, break out long plants and repellents if you walk through it or dig up these stubborn weeds!
3. Hardy Kiwi
New Zealanders are fighting an uphill battle to keep their land from being overtaken by the hardy kiwi. Once this vine takes root, it’s tough – but not impossible!
4. Goutweed
Goutweed is one of those plants that can basically ruin your day. It’s name implies how unpleasant it really is and the underground rhizomes mean you’ll be pulling out pieces forever, but if we’re looking for something less aggressive try wild ginger instead!
5. Japanese Spirea
You can’t resist the temptation of this whimsical plant. It looks pretty and colorful, yet once it escapes your garden you’ll be fighting a losing battle to contain its spread!
6. Russian Olive
The plant’s berries are like junk food for birds and contain low levels of nutrients in comparison to native shrubs. Plus, they spread like weeds.
7. Chinese Silver Grass
Chinese silver grass is tough to get rid of once it takes hold. The deep roots sprout quickly and freely, so a native alternative would be Virginia switchgrass.
8. Wisteria
You can’t beat a springtime arbor heavy with the purple pendant blossoms of wisteria. However, there is an easy and beautiful native North American variety that you might want to try for your garden this year!
9. Bamboo
Did you know that some species of bamboo are so aggressive they have been banned in countries like China? We can’t say we’re sorry about it though. After all, the inkberry is just as beautiful and doesn’t require nearly as much maintenance!
10. Burning Bush
The burning bush has the ability to create dense, impenetrable swaths in the forest undergrowth after escaping from its garden. A great alternative plant people use is highbush blueberries which are known for their thicketed canopy and fruit yield!