Perennials are a great option for gardeners looking to add some color and interest to their outdoor spaces. However, there are also many perennials that you should not plant in your garden, for many reasons.
In this guide, we will take a look at some of the most notable perennials you should avoid planting if you want to maintain the beauty of your garden.
Table of Contents
Daffodils
Daffodils are one of the most popular flowering plants, prized for bright yellow flowers and long-lasting blooms. While daffodils are lovely to look at, they can be problematic if planted in your garden or yard.
First and foremost, daffodils tend to spread rapidly and can easily become invasive. They also have poisonous bulbs that can be harmful to children and pets if eaten. Additionally, daffodils are not compatible with many other plants, so they can crowd out other flowers in your garden.
If you’re looking for a beautiful flowering plant for your garden, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Instead of daffodils, try planting lilies, roses, or chrysanthemums – these plants are just as beautiful and will not cause any trouble for you or your garden. So next time you’re thinking about planting a bed of daffodils, think twice – there are better options out there!
Lily of The Valley
Lily of the valley is a beautiful flowering plant often used in bouquets and floral arrangements. However, this plant is quite poisonous.
The entire plant, including the flowers, leaves, and bulbs, contain toxins that can cause serious health problems if ingested. Symptoms of lily of the valley poisoning include vomiting, seizures, and even death. If you suspect that someone has eaten this plant, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
While the lily of the valley is certainly a beautiful plant, it is not worth the risk of poisoning. If you are looking for a flowering plant to add to your garden, many other options are safer and just as beautiful.
Periwinkle
Are you thinking about planting periwinkle in your garden? You might want to rethink that decision. Here’s why you should avoid planting periwinkle:
Periwinkle is an invasive plant species. That means it crowds out other plants, including native species, and can change the ecology of an area. Periwinkle is difficult to control, and once it takes hold, it can be nearly impossible to get rid of.
Additionally, periwinkle can cause problems for people as well. It is known to harbor harmful pests and diseases that can spread to other plants in your garden or even your home. And if you are growing periwinkle to attract pollinators, you might be disappointed. Research has shown that periwinkle does not attract many pollinators.
So, if you are looking for a flowering plant to add color and interest to your garden, there are plenty of other options out there. For the sake of your garden and the environment, skip the periwinkle and choose something else.
Purple Loosestrife
Purple loosestrife is an extremely invasive plant known to crowd out native species. It also reduces biodiversity and contributes to the decline of many wetland ecosystems. Because it thrives in moist environments, this plant can quickly take over large areas of land, often completely displacing other plants in the process.
If you are thinking about planting purple loosestrife in your garden or landscape, you should reconsider this decision. Not only can this invasive plant cause serious damage to local ecosystems, but it is also extremely difficult to control and eradicate once it has taken hold.
There are many other beautiful and more suitable plants that you can choose from instead of purple loosestrife. By making the wise choice to not plant this species, you can help protect our native wetland habitats.
Scotch Broom
Scotch broom is a fast-growing, woody perennial that can reach heights of up to 15 feet tall. They are known for producing large amounts of seeds, which means they can spread rapidly across an area and outcompete native plants for resources.
Not only do these plants crowd out native species, but they can also poison the soil and waterways. The seeds of Scotch broom contain a toxic chemical called cytisine that inhibits the growth of other plants. This makes it difficult for native species to re-establish themselves in areas that have been invaded by Scotch broom.
If you are considering planting or landscaping with a Scotch broom, we urge you to consider the negative impacts this species can have on the environment and native wildlife. There are many other beautiful plants out there that won’t wreak havoc on delicate ecosystems. Do your research and choose wisely!
In Summary
While perennials are a great way to add interest to your garden, it is important to be aware of which ones you should avoid planting. By following the advice in this guide, you can help keep your garden looking beautiful -and safe- for years to come.
Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping perennial gardens looking their best? Reach out to us and let us know!
