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

Many homeowners shoot for to create beautiful gardens , but not all plants are suitable for the home environment . Landscapers often advise against certain species due to their encroaching nature or sustainment challenges .

However , there are skillful alternatives that extend beauty without the drawbacks . Explore twelve plants that expert recommend head off , and discover twelve preferred choice that will prosper in your nursing home garden beautifully and responsibly .

1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy , with its glossy leaf , is a common sight in many gardens , but its invading nature make it a poor selection for dwelling house gardens . This vigorous climber can damage wall and anatomical structure with its unappeasable development . The plant can also cause scathe to native understory plants by smother them . deal this : its beauty come at a cost to both architecture and biodiversity . Wiser gardeners are turning to alternatives that offer like magic spell without the chaos . The relentless nature of English Ivy can lead to unintended consequences , making it a plant life landscapers often advise against .

2. Better Choice: Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)

In dividing line , Boston Ivy is a favored alternative , offering a similar aesthetic appeal but with manageable conduct . It clings to walls graciously and cut down its leave-taking in winter , allowing for seasonal variety in the garden . Unlike its English counterpart , Boston Ivy is less fast-growing , make it easier to see to it . This plant provides a stunning raiment of ruby foliation in autumn , raise the landscape with color and texture . For those seeking a symmetrical blend of beauty and practicality , Boston Ivy stands out as a garden - favorable option . Its adaptability and seasonal interest make it a victor .

3. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja davidii)

The Butterfly Bush , often lauded for its sensational blooms , hides a darker side . While it attracts butterfly , its aggressive seeding behavior gravel ecological risks , outcompeting aboriginal plants . Many regions now consider it invasive . Despite its name , the Butterfly Bush can in reality disrupt local butterfly habitats . The plant ’s solicitation is overshadowed by its leaning to spread uncontrollably , transforming from a garden joy to a problematic presence . landscape architect boost gardener to explore other options that offer similar benefits without the drawback . The Butterfly Bush ’s allure is undeniable , but its impact warrants precaution .

4. Better Choice: Summersweet (Clethra alnifolia)

Summersweet is a native industrial plant that offers a delightful alternative to the Butterfly Bush . With its fragrant salad days and compact drug abuse , it attracts pollinators without the invasive tendencies . Known for its unfermented - smack peak and ease of maintenance , Summersweet provides a stunning summer showing while supporting local ecosystems . Its electrical resistance to pests and diseases further enhance its appealingness . Whether in a formal garden or realistic setting , Summersweet create a serene atmosphere . Its flowers , buzzing with bees , exemplify harmony in nature . For those seek elegance and ecological province , Summersweet is an warning selection .

5. American Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

The American Boxwood , a staple in traditional gardens , faces New challenge . Prone to box blight and box tree moth , recovery can be sorely slow . Its evergreen charm is undermined by these vulnerabilities . Boxwood ’s historical meaning in gardens is undeniable , yet its present - day downside are hard to ignore . Disease and cuss issues require invariant vigilance , turning a darling classic into a maintenance burden . Landscapers now commend exploring intrepid alternatives that maintain the iconic face without the link up risks . The American Boxwood ’s legacy is wanted , but choice offer peace of mind of mind .

6. Better Choice: Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata)

Japanese Holly emerges as a robust choice to the beleaguered Boxwood . Its similar form and evergreen plant grain provide the same timeless solicitation with enhanced resilience to pests and disease . This hardy shrub maintains its graphic super C throughout the season , offering gardeners a low - upkeep option for hedging and topiary . Japanese Holly ’s adaptability and disease resistance make it a preferred option for landscaper and garden partizan likewise . It captures the essence of classic garden purpose while reducing the risk of blight and moth plague . Embrace Japanese Holly for enduring beauty and reliability .

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

The ‘ Emerald Green ’ Arborvitae is popular for privacy , yet faces challenge like wintertime burn and susceptibleness to bagworms . Over time , it can become cramped and unruly . Known for its elegant columnar shape , this plant ’s weaknesses often dominate its temptingness . wintertime ’s harshness can mar its beauty , leaving gardeners seeking more springy choice . landscaper suggest search alternatives that immix alike aesthetics with enceinte durability . The Arborvitae ’s report is work up on its masking capableness , yet the associated maintenance issues prompt a search for improved pick . It ’s a lesson in balancing grade with function .

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

Hinoki Cypress offer a refined choice , known for its narrow , estrus - broad habit . Its singular devotee - like foliage adds texture to any garden , incarnate elegance and resiliency . Unlike the susceptible Arborvitae , Hinoki Cypress withstands environmental stress with grace . This plant life ’s architectural form enhances landscapes with vertical pastime , all while requiring minimal sustainment . Its charm lies in the distinctive silhouette and racy dark-green hue , making it a standout choice for discerning gardeners . Hinoki Cypress not only meets aesthetic desire but also fulfills practical needs , elevating garden design with both trend and substance .

9. Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Bradford’)

Bradford Pear , once look up to for its blossoms , divulge flaws that outweigh its momentaneous beauty . The tree ’s unannealed branches often knuckle under to weather , resulting in frequent breakage . Its invasive materialization spread sharply , while its flowers pass off an unpleasant olfactory sensation . What was once a suburban favourite now faces criticism for its ecological impact . Landscapers advocate for more sustainable choices that provide visual appeal and ecological benefits . The Bradford Pear ’s short - experience beauty is a cautionary tale of balancing aesthetic with environmental responsibleness . Gardeners are deform to alternatives that call seniority and harmony .

10. Better Choice: Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis)

Serviceberry emerge as a superior choice , offering showy spring bloom and edible berries . This native plant supports wildlife and sport substantial Sir Henry Wood , contrasting the fragile Bradford Pear . gardener apprise its multi - season interest and ecological contributions . saskatoon ’s delicate heyday and vibrant Chuck Berry create a dynamical landscape feature , while its resiliency see to it minimum maintenance . This plant gracefully adapts to various circumstance , supply both sweetheart and subroutine . Its role in promoting biodiversity and tone garden ecosystem make it a favored alternative for environmentally conscious gardeners . Serviceberry combine elegance with ecological integrity .

11. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)

Pampas Grass , with its impressive cum plume , hides a risky side . Its sharp blade can pose a danger , while invasive rootstock spread uncontrollably . The flora ’s majestic visual aspect negate its aggressive nature , often overpowering native flora . Landscapers caution against its use , press the exploration of less invasive ornamental supergrass . Pampas Grass present a paradox of sweetheart and danger , inspire a reevaluation of garden priorities . While its presence is striking , the challenge it introduce necessitate careful retainer . Gardeners are encourage to seek alternatives that offer optic dramatic event without compromise garden wellness .

12. Better Choice: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass stands as a aboriginal alternative , know for its airy plumes and no invasive disposition . This decorative Mary Jane brings texture and movement to landscape while support local ecosystem . Its adaptability to different soil term makes it a versatile option . Switchgrass ’s golden hues and finespun structure enhance garden esthetic without the maintenance loading . gardener revalue its ecologic benefits and low impact on native botany . This plant ’s downplay beauty complements diverse garden styles , extend a reliable and sustainable grass option . Switchgrass body forth the perfect balance of anatomy , affair , and environmental harmoniousness .

13. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)

Japanese Barberry , with its vibrant Chuck Berry , form dumb , thorny thickets that are both defensive and invasive . This plant life spreads into natural orbit , displacing aboriginal specie and harboring ticking . Its collection lie in its colour and structure , yet its environmental impact is profound . Landscapers monish against its proliferation , highlight the need for more responsible planting choices . While Japanese Barberry ’s ornamental value is absolved , the ecological risks can not be overlooked . Gardeners are exhort to consider alternative that provide beauty without the accompany threats . The plant life ’s bequest is one of caveat and reconsideration .

14. Better Choice: Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra)

Inkberry Holly offer a thorn - free alternative , boasting evergreen plant foliage and wildlife - friendly Chuck Berry . This industrial plant ’s dense drug abuse provides bodily structure and involvement without the invading characteristic of Japanese Barberry . gardener apprise its minimal maintenance and year - round greenery . Inkberry Holly ’s ability to support local animate being enhances its charm as an eco - conscious pick . Its elusive beauty and adaptability make it a versatile addition to any landscape . As a hedge or focal peak , Inkberry Holly incorporate seamlessly into garden designs , accent sustainability and aesthetic concordance . Choose Inkberry for a balanced , environmentally creditworthy garden .

15. Red Tip Photinia (Photinia × fraseri)

Red Tip Photinia , with its vibrant leaf , faces meaning challenges in humid climate . Highly prostrate to thumb spot fungus , its ocular appealingness is often compromised . This plant ’s vivid reddened - tipped leave captivate gardener , yet the sustentation required to manage its wellness is solid . landscape architect send word considering alternatives that conserve aesthetic value without the disease risk . The temptingness of Red Tip Photinia is tempered by its vulnerabilities , prompting a shimmy towards more resilient selection . While its coloring remains a draw play , the attempt needed to sustain it encourages exploration of hardier choices for bear beauty .

16. Better Choice: Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua)

Possumhaw Holly lay out a hardy alternative , know for its shining winter berries and sheeny foliation . Unlike the disease - prone Photinia , this industrial plant thrive with minimal intervention . Possumhaw Holly ’s vibrant berries provide visual interest and plunk for local wildlife , nominate it a worthful improver to gardens . Its adaptability and low maintenance essential make it a favorite among landscaper . This plant offer a dab of colouration in wintertime , creating a active landscape painting characteristic . Possumhaw Holly embodies the essence of seasonal beauty and bionomic province , serving as a testament to resilient garden design .

17. Wintercreeper Euonymus (Euonymus fortunei)

Wintercreeper Euonymus , with its variegated foliage , is a infamous evasion creative person , encroach upon woods and climb Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . Its aggressive bedcover crowds out aboriginal plant , leading to ecologic unbalance . While its ornamental note value is appreciated , the environmental cost is pregnant . Landscapers highlight the need for more controlled planting option that respect instinctive habitats . Wintercreeper ’s tenacity is both its strength and downfall , propel a move towards option that volunteer esthetical appeal without ecological disturbance . Gardeners are encouraged to assay plants that harmonize with their milieu , reducing unintended impacts on local ecosystems .

18. Better Choice: Sweet Box (Sarcococca hookeriana)

Sweet Box provides a elegant option , apprise for its slowly - growing drug abuse and fragrant winter bloom . This evergreen groundcover offer subtle looker and structure in shaded areas , embodying elegance without disruption . Unlike the invasive Wintercreeper , Sweet Box maintain a controlled presence , enhance garden esthetics responsibly . Its dark greenish leaves and fragile blooms create a exuberant , inviting space . Sweet Box is celebrated for its adaptability and donation to garden harmony , making it a preferred choice for those attempt unpretentious elegance . Embrace Sweet Box for a tranquil , well - balanced garden environment .

19. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)

Pachysandra , known for its dense groundcover , suffer from folio blight , elaborate alimony efforts . This plant life ’s showy leaves are invoke , yet the disease risk of exposure shadow its economic value . Landscapers monish against its utilisation , recommending alternatives that provide standardised coverage without the consociate health issues . Pachysandra ’s visual collection is undeniable , but the challenge of managing blight makes it a less suitable choice . Gardeners are encouraged to explore option that offer smasher with resiliency . While Pachysandra ’s role in gardens is well - established , its vulnerability postulate thoughtful consideration of more racy option .

20. Better Choice: Carpet Bugle (Ajuga reptans)

Carpet Bugle emerge as a vivacious alternative , sleep together for its colorful leafage and saltation blooms . This plant life spreads apace without serious disease issues , provide a lively groundcover that supports garden diversity . Gardeners apprize its resilience and optical shock , making it a favorite for both shady and gay areas . Carpet Bugle ’s power to thrive in various condition highlights its versatility , offer a dynamic addition to garden figure . Its rich hues and floral display create a tapestry of color , enhancing the landscape with minimal maintenance . Choose Carpet Bugle for a racy , visually engaging groundcover .

21. Forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia)

Forsythia , with its bright yellow efflorescence , capture in early fountain but quickly becomes leggy , offer limited seasonal interest . This plant ’s initial impact fades , leaving gardener seeking more piquant options . landscape architect intimate exploring alternatives that provide lengthened point of visual appeal and compact growth habit . Forsythia ’s fleeting beauty attend as a monitor of the grandness of sustainable garden planning . While its heyday are a spring highlighting , the desire for lasting beauty advance a shift towards more balanced works pick . Forsythia ’s part in gardens is acknowledged , yet its limitations prompt a hunting for enduring elegance .

22. Better Choice: Weigela (Weigela florida)

Weigela offers a charming alternative , known for its farseeing bloom period and attractive foliage . This plant ’s compact riding habit and vibrant flowers create a stunning landscape feature that captivates throughout the growing season . nurseryman value Weigela for its ease of care and adaptability , make it a versatile addition to various garden mode . Its profuse flower and colorful leave enhance visual stake , providing a proportionate blending of lulu and function . Weigela ’s power to thrive with minimal intervention foreground its ingathering as a resilient garden option . Embrace Weigela for a garden that combines charm with practicality .

23. Leyland Cypress (× Cupressocyparis leylandii)

Leyland Cypress , a favorite for tight - growing hedges , faces challenges with weak wood and high sustainment . Its impressive height is often cave by disease and pruning requirements , leading to dissatisfaction . Landscapers admonish against its role , promoting alternatives that proffer similar cover benefit without the link up drawback . Leyland Cypress ’s rapid growth mask underlie issues , prompting a reevaluation of garden precedence . While its presence is striking , the maintenance demands and exposure to disease further the exploration of more reliable options . Gardeners are urged to regard plants that provide both kind and function with few complications .

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

Eastern Red Cedar salute a durable choice , known for its heavy screening potentiality and native resilience . Unlike the knotty Leyland Cypress , this plant requires no pruning , thrive with minimum care . Its evergreen leaf provides year - troll knockout , while its adaptability to various conditions assure winner in divers preferences . Eastern Red Cedar ’s strength and vital force make it a standout option for both residential and rural landscapes . gardener appreciate its ecological benefits and low maintenance need , making it a favored option for sustainable garden design . Choose Eastern Red Cedar for endure knockout and ecological concord .