Perennials can be a gardener’s best friend—returning year after year, adding color, texture, and beauty to your landscape. However, not all perennials are as friendly as they seem. Some species may look attractive but are highly invasive, difficult to control, or even harmful to the environment. If you’re not careful, they can quickly take over your yard, damage local ecosystems, or create a maintenance nightmare.
To help you make informed gardening decisions, we consulted expert horticulturists to identify 11 perennials you should avoid planting at all costs. From aggressive spreaders to those that deplete soil nutrients, these plants may cause more trouble than they’re worth.
Fortunately, we’ll also suggest better alternatives so you can still enjoy a vibrant, thriving garden without the risks. Read on to discover which perennials to steer clear of and how to choose the right plants for your outdoor space.
Here is the List of 11 Perennials You Should Never Grow in Your Yard
Kudzu
Known for its rapid spread, kudzu can quickly overtake landscapes, suffocating native plants and disrupting ecosystems. Tammy Sons, founder and CEO of TN Nursery, recommends an alternative that’s both beautiful and manageable: Creeping Jenny. “This plant provides lovely ground cover without being overly aggressive,” she explains. “It’s non-invasive and blends well with other greenery without overwhelming them.”
Bamboo
Bamboo may have a sleek, exotic appeal, but it grows aggressively and can become a nightmare for homeowners and gardeners alike. “It doesn’t just spread—it invades,” says Chris Turner, owner and landscape designer at Elevate by Design. “Left unchecked, it can crack sidewalks and foundations, requiring constant upkeep. Before you know it, you’ll be in a never-ending battle to contain it.”
Japanese Spirea
Japanese spirea may seem harmless with its delicate pink flowers, but it’s a powerhouse when it comes to taking over spaces. “This plant quickly spreads into open meadows and forests, where it outcompetes native species,” warns Nicole Dillon, a micro-flower farmer and owner of Breemar Flower Farm. “Even worse, its seeds can remain in the soil for years, making removal incredibly difficult.” If you love the look of spirea, she suggests opting for Joe Pye weed instead—a stunning, pollinator-friendly native plant that thrives in various garden spaces.
Norway Maple
Although Norway maples might appear like a great shade tree option, they have a hidden downside: their dense root system absorbs nutrients and water, leaving nearby plants struggling to survive. “These trees are notorious for creating dry, barren patches beneath their canopy,” Turner explains. A much better alternative is the red maple, which offers striking fall foliage while supporting local ecosystems.
Purple Loosestrife
If your garden has a wetland feel, you might be tempted to add purple loosestrife. However, Sons strongly advises against it. “This plant can overrun aquatic ecosystems, pushing out native species that provide food and shelter for wildlife,” she cautions. It may be visually appealing, but its environmental impact is far from beautiful.
Chinese Wisteria
The cascading purple blooms of Chinese wisteria make it a favorite for garden trellises, but it comes with a hidden danger. “This plant climbs and wraps around trees, eventually suffocating and killing them,” Dillon explains. If you’re looking for a similar aesthetic without the risks, she suggests planting American wisteria, Coral honeysuckle, or Carolina jessamine instead.
Periwinkle
With its vibrant purple blooms, periwinkle can seem like a charming addition to your garden, but it has a tendency to take over. “It quickly spreads, pushing out other plants in your flower beds,” Dillon notes. If you’re looking for a colorful ground cover, she recommends creeping phlox. “It’s semi-evergreen and comes in various shades, including a lovely periwinkle blue.”
Japanese Knotweed
Few plants are as destructive as Japanese knotweed. Not only is it incredibly invasive, but it’s also strong enough to break through concrete. “This plant has the power to damage home foundations and is nearly impossible to eliminate once it takes root,” warns Sons. “It’s just as harmful to the environment as kudzu, and gardeners should avoid it at all costs.”
Nandina
While nandina is commonly found in American landscapes, it has now been labeled invasive in several states. “Many native alternatives offer the same vibrant red berries without the downsides,” Dillon points out. “Consider native hollies, winterberry, or yellow twig dogwoods, which add striking color to your garden, especially in winter.”
Privet
If you want a privacy hedge, privet might seem like an easy choice—but it’s one you may regret. “Privet forms dense thickets, preventing native plants from thriving,” Dillon explains. “To make matters worse, its leaves contain compounds that native insects can’t process, disrupting the local food chain.” Instead, she suggests planting native viburnums, elderberry, or holly for a more eco-friendly and equally effective screen.
English Ivy
When it comes to invasive plants, English ivy tops the list of those to avoid. “It may look charming, but this plant is a major threat to trees,” Sons warns. “As it climbs, it suffocates branches and weakens trunks. It also promotes fungal diseases, which can spread to other plants.” If you’re looking for a climbing plant, consider a native alternative that won’t wreak havoc on your landscape.
Conclusion:
While perennials can enhance your garden’s beauty, not all are beneficial in the long run. Some can become invasive, overpower native plants, and require excessive maintenance. By avoiding the 11 problematic perennials on this list, you can save yourself time, effort, and potential frustration. Instead, opt for native or well-behaved alternatives that contribute to a healthy, balanced ecosystem. A well-planned garden isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about sustainability and harmony with nature. Make the right choices today, and your yard will thank you for years to come!
FAQs
What makes a perennial invasive?
An invasive perennial spreads aggressively, outcompetes native plants, and disrupts the local ecosystem by depleting soil nutrients and choking out beneficial species.
Can invasive perennials damage property?
Yes, some perennials, like bamboo and Japanese knotweed, can break through foundations, sidewalks, and drainage systems, causing significant structural damage.
Are there safe alternatives to invasive perennials?
Absolutely! Many native plants, such as red maple instead of Norway maple or American wisteria instead of Chinese wisteria, provide beauty without harming the environment.
How can I remove invasive perennials from my yard?
Removing invasive perennials often requires a combination of manual digging, root removal, and, in some cases, eco-friendly herbicides to prevent regrowth.