The Most Annoying Plants to Avoid in Your Garden
Top 2025 Plant-Droppers: Farewell to the High-Maintenance and High-Maverick Species
Hey there, gardening enthusiasts! Think twice before you bring these problematic plants into your garden. Trust me, you'll be glad you did. Here's my list of the "worst offenders," as I call them. Although beautiful and seemingly easy to grow, these plants can make your life a living (or rather gardening) nightmare.
1. Sunchokes (Jerusalem Artichokes)
I know it sounds healthy, but these tubers are a mess! They will overrun your garden in no time, and even your neighbors' yards, unless you get out there weekly to cull them. Plus, they lack any real flavor, and some folks find them gassy.Pass on these and enjoy something palatable and a little more manageable.
2. English Ivy
It's romantic and picturesque to see a manor house covered in ivy, but don't let it anywhere near your home. English ivy can ruin your stucco, mortar, and woodwork, and it's challenging to remove once it takes hold. The plant creeps everywhere, and even a small fragment can sprout and root where dropped. Say no to ivy!
3. Roses
I'm taking flak for this one, but roses are high-maintenance drama queens. They require just the right soil and sunlight, and they're finicky eaters, too. Roses are also like a candy shop for pests, and if you get one pest under control, another is likely waiting in the wings. And pruning roses correctly is a science on its own. Not worth the hassle, if you ask me.
4. Clumping Bamboo (Phyllostachys aureosulcata)
Most gardeners know not to touch runner bamboo, but clumping bamboo? Think again. Even clumping bamboo can spread, albeit at a slower rate than its running counterpart. Its rhizomes are tough as nails, and pruning can be a futile effort. This one is best left to the most dedicated bamboo fans.
5. Snapdragons
Charming, right? Wrong. While snapdragons have an initial appeal, they quickly become aggressively invasive and difficult to contain. They spread like wildfire and can take over your entire garden before you know it. Tread carefully, or risk being overrun by snapdragons.
6. Blue Star Creeper
Again, looks can be deceiving. Blue star creeper seems innocent enough, but it's anything but. The plant spreads rapidly and is tough to control. And just when you think you have it under control, it comes back even stronger. Avoid this one if you're looking for a low-maintenance garden.
Now that you know which plants to steer clear of, check out some great alternatives in my next post! Don't let a few annoying plants ruin your gardening experience. Happy planting!
[1] - Snapdragons:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/botanical-names-of-plants/snapdragon-linguistic-history.htm
If you're looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle in your home-and-garden, perhaps it's best to avoid plants like Snapdragons and Blue Star Creeper, as they tend to be invasive and difficult to control, making gardening a potential headache. Instead, consider exploring alternatives that promise a more manageable and enjoyable gardening experience.
