12 Plants Landscaping Pros Say Are Ruining Your Garden and 12 to Use Instead

Many homeowners shoot for to produce beautiful gardens , but not all plant life are suitable for the family environment . Landscapers often advise against certain specie due to their incursive nature or maintenance challenge .

However , there are better alternatives that put up beauty without the drawbacks . search twelve plant that expert recommend stave off , and discover twelve preferred options that will thrive in your home base garden beautifully and responsibly .

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy , with its calendered leave of absence , is a common peck in many gardens , but its invasive nature makes it a poor selection for home garden . This vigorous climber can damage walls and structures with its unrelenting growth . The plant can also do harm to aboriginal understory plant by muffle them . Consider this : its peach descend at a cost to both architecture and biodiversity . Wiser gardener are turn to alternative that offer similar charm without the topsy-turvyness . The persistent nature of English Ivy can lead to unintended outcome , realise it a industrial plant landscape gardener often advise against .

2. Better Choice: Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

In demarcation , Boston Ivy is a favor alternative , offering a similar aesthetic collection but with achievable behavior . It clings to walls gracefully and drops its leaves in winter , allowing for seasonal variety in the garden . Unlike its English counterpart , Boston Ivy is less aggressive , making it easier to control . This plant provides a stunning regalia of red foliage in autumn , enhancing the landscape painting with color and texture . For those seeking a symmetrical portmanteau word of beauty and practicality , Boston Ivy endure out as a garden - friendly choice . Its adaptability and seasonal pastime make it a winner .

3. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

The Butterfly Bush , often proclaim for its sensational blooms , hide a darker side . While it appeal butterflies , its aggressive seeding behavior vex bionomic risks , outcompeting native plants . Many area now consider it invasive . Despite its name , the Butterfly Bush can actually cut off local butterfly stroke habitats . The plant life ’s appeal is overshadow by its proclivity to circularise uncontrollably , transform from a garden delight to a problematic mien . Landscapers encourage gardeners to explore other options that offer similar benefits without the drawbacks . The Butterfly Bush ’s allure is undeniable , but its impact warranty caution .

4. Better Choice: Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

Summersweet is a aboriginal plant that offers a delightful choice to the Butterfly Bush . With its fragrant blooms and compact habit , it attracts pollinators without the incursive tendencies . Known for its fresh - smelling flowers and ease of upkeep , Summersweet leave a arresting summer display while supporting local ecosystems . Its resistance to pests and diseases further enhances its appeal . Whether in a formal garden or naturalistic setting , Summersweet creates a calm standard pressure . Its flower , buzz with bee , exemplify concord in nature . For those seeking elegance and ecological responsibility , Summersweet is an admonitory choice .

5. American Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

The American Boxwood , a staple in traditional garden , faces modern challenge . prostrate to box blight and box tree moth , recuperation can be painfully slow . Its evergreen magic spell is undermined by these vulnerabilities . Boxwood ’s diachronic significance in gardens is undeniable , yet its present - day downsides are hard to ignore . Disease and pestilence topic require constant vigilance , turning a dear classic into a maintenance burden . Landscapers now advocate research hardier alternatives that wield the iconic flavor without the associated risks . The American Boxwood ’s bequest is wanted , but alternatives offer up peace of thinker .

6. Better Choice: Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Japanese Holly emerges as a rich alternative to the beleaguered Boxwood . Its similar form and evergreen texture provide the same timeless collection with enhanced resiliency to blighter and disease . This hardy bush hold its vivid green throughout the season , offering gardeners a humiliated - sustainment option for hedge and topiary . Japanese Holly ’s adaptability and disease resistance make it a favourite selection for landscaper and garden fancier alike . It captures the essence of Greco-Roman garden design while reducing the risk of blight and moth infestations . Embrace Nipponese Holly for enduring beauty and reliability .

7. ‘Emerald Green’ Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’)

The ‘ Emerald Green ’ Arborvitae is popular for concealment , yet face challenge like wintertime tan and susceptibleness to bagworms . Over time , it can become hamper and unruly . Known for its elegant columnlike form , this plant ’s impuissance often overshadow its allure . wintertime ’s harshness can mar its beauty , get out gardeners attempt more resilient options . Landscapers evoke exploring alternatives that unite similar aesthetic with greater strength . The Arborvitae ’s reputation is ramp up on its screening capability , yet the associated maintenance issues prompt a search for improved choices . It ’s a example in balancing shape with function .

8. Better Choice: Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracilis‘)

Hinoki Cypress offers a graceful option , recognize for its narrow , warmth - tolerant wont . Its unique fan - like foliation adds grain to any garden , substantiate elegance and resiliency . Unlike the susceptible Arborvitae , Hinoki Cypress withstands environmental stresses with grace . This industrial plant ’s architectural form raise landscapes with upright interest , all while demand minimal care . Its charm lies in the classifiable silhouette and rich unripened hue , making it a standout alternative for discerning gardeners . Hinoki Cypress not only meets artistic desires but also fulfills pragmatic needs , raise garden design with both style and substance .

9. Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’)

Bradford Pear , once admired for its efflorescence , reveals flaws that preponderate its fleeting looker . The Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s brickly branches often succumb to conditions , result in frequent break . Its encroaching progeny diffuse aggressively , while its heyday breathe an unpleasant odor . What was once a suburban favorite now present criticism for its ecological impact . landscape architect advocate for more sustainable choices that offer ocular appeal and ecological welfare . The Bradford Pear ’s short - populate beauty is a cautionary tale of balancing aesthetics with environmental obligation . gardener are plow to alternatives that promise longevity and harmony .

10. Better Choice: Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Serviceberry issue as a superior choice , offering showy spring bloom and edible berries . This native plant endure wildlife and boasts strong wood , contrast the thin Bradford Pear . Gardeners appreciate its multi - season interest and ecologic contributions . Serviceberry ’s delicate peak and vibrant berries create a dynamic landscape feature , while its resilience insure minimal maintenance . This industrial plant gracefully adapts to various setting , providing both beauty and role . Its role in promoting biodiversity and strengthening garden ecosystems makes it a preferred choice for environmentally conscious gardeners . Serviceberry combines elegance with bionomical integrity .

11. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)

Pampas Grass , with its impressive seed plumes , blot out a risky side . Its sharp blades can flummox a peril , while invading rootstalk spread uncontrollably . The plant life ’s majestic appearance belies its aggressive nature , often overpowering native botany . landscape gardener caution against its use , urging the geographic expedition of less invasive ornamental grasses . Pampas Grass presents a paradox of smasher and risk , prompting a reevaluation of garden priorities . While its mien is strike , the challenge it introduces necessitate thrifty consideration . Gardeners are encouraged to search alternatives that offer visual dramatic play without compromising garden health .

12. Better Choice: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass stands as a native alternative , known for its airy plumes and no invasive tendencies . This ornamental grass convey texture and movement to landscapes while supporting local ecosystem . Its adaptability to different soil conditions makes it a various choice . Switchgrass ’s golden hue and finespun social system enhance garden aesthetics without the maintenance load . gardener prize its ecological benefits and low impact on aboriginal botany . This plant ’s understated peach complements divers garden style , offering a reliable and sustainable smoke pick . Switchgrass embodies the perfect balance of form , social function , and environmental harmony .

13. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

Japanese Barberry , with its vivacious berries , frame dense , thorny thickets that are both defensive and invasive . This plant spread out into instinctive areas , displacing aboriginal species and harboring ticks . Its appeal lies in its color and construction , yet its environmental impact is profound . Landscapers warn against its proliferation , spotlight the need for more responsible for planting choices . While Japanese Barberry ’s ornamental value is unmortgaged , the ecological risks can not be overlooked . nurseryman are urged to turn over choice that allow beauty without the accompanying threat . The plant ’s bequest is one of forethought and reconsideration .

14. Better Choice: Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)

Inkberry Holly proffer a irritant - free alternative , boasting evergreen foliage and wildlife - well-disposed Chuck Berry . This plant ’s dense substance abuse offer construction and pursuit without the invasive characteristic of Japanese Barberry . Gardeners appreciate its minimal upkeep and twelvemonth - unit of ammunition verdure . Inkberry Holly ’s power to support local fauna enhance its ingathering as an eco - witting choice . Its elusive beauty and adaptability make it a versatile addition to any landscape . As a hedgerow or focal point , Inkberry Holly integrate seamlessly into garden designs , emphasizing sustainability and aesthetic concord . take Inkberry for a balanced , environmentally responsible garden .

15. Red Tip Photinia (Photinia × fraseri)

Red Tip Photinia , with its vivacious foliage , faces substantial challenge in humid clime . Highly prone to leaf stain fungus , its ocular appeal is often compromised . This works ’s vivid red - tipped leave captivate gardener , yet the maintenance required to supervise its wellness is solid . Landscapers propose considering choice that keep esthetic value without the disease risk . The allure of Red Tip Photinia is harden by its vulnerability , prompting a faulting towards more resilient options . While its coloration remain a draw , the effort postulate to sustain it further geographic expedition of hardier choices for enduring beauty .

16. Better Choice: Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua)

Possumhaw Holly deliver a hardy alternative , lie with for its bright wintertime berries and lustrous foliage . Unlike the disease - prone Photinia , this works boom with minimal intervention . Possumhaw Holly ’s vibrant berries provide optic interest and support local wildlife , wee it a worthful gain to garden . Its adaptability and low sustenance requirements make it a favorite among landscapers . This plant offer a splash of coloring in winter , creating a dynamic landscape painting feature . Possumhaw Holly embodies the essence of seasonal sweetheart and ecological responsibility , function as a will to resilient garden conception .

17. Wintercreeper Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei)

Wintercreeper Euonymus , with its motley leaves , is a ill-famed escape cock artist , obtrude upon woods and climbing trees . Its fast-growing spread head crowds out native plants , leading to ecologic imbalance . While its decorative value is appreciated , the environmental cost is meaning . Landscapers highlight the need for more controlled planting option that value natural habitats . Wintercreeper ’s pertinacity is both its long suit and downfall , prompt a move towards option that offer aesthetic ingathering without ecologic disruption . gardener are encouraged to seek plants that harmonize with their surroundings , reducing unintended shock on local ecosystems .

18. Better Choice: Sweet Box (Sarcococca hookeriana)

Sweet Box provide a refined choice , revalue for its behind - growing habit and fragrant wintertime efflorescence . This evergreen groundcover offer elusive beauty and structure in shaded areas , be elegance without disruption . Unlike the invading Wintercreeper , Sweet Box maintains a controlled comportment , heighten garden esthetics responsibly . Its dark green leaves and touchy flower make a lush , inviting space . Sweet Box is celebrated for its adaptability and contribution to garden concordance , nominate it a preferred choice for those seeking unpretentious elegance . Embrace Sweet Box for a tranquil , well - balanced garden environs .

19. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)

Pachysandra , acknowledge for its dumb groundcover , sustain from folio blight , complicate maintenance efforts . This flora ’s glossy leaves are appealing , yet the disease risk dominate its value . Landscapers monish against its use , recommending alternatives that provide alike coverage without the associated wellness exit . Pachysandra ’s visual collection is undeniable , but the challenge of deal blight makes it a less worthy selection . Gardeners are encouraged to explore options that offer beauty with resiliency . While Pachysandra ’s role in gardens is well - established , its vulnerabilities necessitate thoughtful condition of more robust alternatives .

20. Better Choice: Carpet Bugle (Ajuga reptans)

Carpet Bugle emerges as a vivacious alternative , known for its colorful leafage and leap blossom . This flora spread rapidly without serious disease issues , providing a lively groundcover that support garden diverseness . Gardeners revalue its resilience and ocular impact , making it a favorite for both shady and sunny areas . Carpet Bugle ’s ability to fly high in various conditions highlight its versatility , tender a dynamic addition to garden design . Its rich hue and floral display produce a tapestry of colour , raise the landscape painting with minimal criminal maintenance . Choose Carpet Bugle for a robust , visually engaging groundcover .

21. Forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia)

Forsythia , with its shining yellow blooms , captivates in early outpouring but quickly becomes long-legged , offer modified seasonal interest . This plant ’s initial impact fades , depart gardeners seeking more engaging option . Landscapers intimate exploring choice that provide extended menstruation of visual appeal and compact growth habit . Forsythia ’s fleeting beauty dish as a admonisher of the importance of sustainable garden provision . While its blossoms are a spring highlight , the desire for lasting beauty encourages a shift towards more balanced works pick . Forsythia ’s role in garden is acknowledged , yet its limitations inspire a lookup for enduring elegance .

22. Better Choice: Weigela (Weigela florida)

Weigela offers a wizard option , known for its long bloom period and attractive foliage . This plant ’s compact habit and vibrant flowers create a stunning landscape feature that becharm throughout the growing season . gardener economic value Weigela for its easiness of care and adaptability , making it a various addition to various garden styles . Its profuse peak and colorful farewell enhance optic interestingness , provide a harmonious blend of beauty and function . Weigela ’s ability to thrive with minimal interference highlights its solicitation as a resilient garden choice . Embrace Weigela for a garden that combines charm with practicality .

23. Leyland Cypress (× Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Leyland Cypress , a favorite for tight - growing hedge , confront challenges with weak woodwind and gamey maintenance . Its telling peak is often undermined by disease and pruning requirement , leading to dissatisfaction . Landscapers admonish against its use , promoting alternative that offer like screening benefit without the associated drawback . Leyland Cypress ’s speedy growth masks underlie effect , actuate a reevaluation of garden precedence . While its presence is striking , the maintenance demand and exposure to disease promote the exploration of more dependable options . gardener are urged to consider plants that cater both contour and function with few tortuousness .

24. Better Choice: Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Eastern Red Cedar introduce a long-wearing option , known for its dense covering capabilities and native resilience . Unlike the knotty Leyland Cypress , this plant life requires no pruning , thriving with minimal upkeep . Its evergreen foliage provides year - beat beauty , while its adaptability to various condition ensures success in diverse setting . Eastern Red Cedar ’s strength and vim make it a standout pick for both residential and rural landscapes . Gardeners treasure its ecological benefits and crushed maintenance demands , making it a preferred choice for sustainable garden design . opt Eastern Red Cedar for endure beauty and bionomic harmony .