Skip These 20 Plants If You Want A Low Maintenance And Stress Free Garden
A low-maintenance garden should be a place to relax, not a source of frustration. Some plants, though, seem determined to keep you busy with endless watering, pruning, and pest control.
I’ve made the mistake of planting a few of these, only to regret it later. If you want a stress-free garden that practically takes care of itself, skipping these 20 is a smart move. Your future self will thank you!
1. Bamboo
Ever wanted a jungle in your backyard? Well, planting bamboo might give you more than you bargained for! Bamboo can spread like wildfire, turning a peaceful garden into an unruly forest.
This plant’s rapid growth and invasive nature can overwhelm your garden space and your patience. If you’re dreaming of a serene, low-effort garden, perhaps leave bamboo to the pandas and stick to something less adventurous.
2. Wisteria
Looking for a drama queen? Meet wisteria, the flashy vine that demands attention and constant care. Wisteria’s cascading flowers are breathtaking, but its vigorous growth can strangle other plants and structures.
You’ll find yourself in a constant battle trying to tame this vine, pruning and training it to behave. Unless you’re ready for a floral diva, it might be best to admire wisteria from afar in your neighbor’s yard.
3. English Ivy
Do you fancy a green carpet covering your garden walls? English ivy can give you that—and much more than you wanted. Its aggressive nature makes it a powerhouse that can engulf everything in its path, including trees and buildings.
Maintaining English ivy requires diligent pruning to prevent it from taking over. For a peaceful, maintenance-free garden, perhaps let this climber stay in the English countryside.
4. Morning Glory
A morning glory may sound delightful, but its rapid growth and self-seeding nature can quickly turn into a nightmare. Planting morning glory may result in it popping up everywhere, whether you want it or not.
While its flowers are charming, controlling its spread can be a laborious task. For a stress-free gardening experience, consider enjoying morning glory’s beauty in a neighbor’s garden instead.
5. Mint
Who doesn’t love a fresh sprig of mint in their lemonade? But beware: mint is the party guest who doesn’t know when to leave!
Once planted, mint spreads rapidly and takes over garden spaces like an uninvited guest. Keeping it contained requires vigilance and regular trimming. For a laid-back garden vibe, maybe let mint stay in pots where it belongs.
6. Creeping Jenny
Creeping Jenny might sound cute and innocent, but don’t let the name fool you! This plant can be a sneaky invader, spreading quickly and smothering other plants in its path.
Its low-growing habit makes it difficult to control, requiring constant attention to keep it in check. If you’re looking for a tranquil garden experience, perhaps skip the Jenny and find a gentler ground cover.
7. Japanese Knotweed
Ever heard of a plant that’s as troublesome as a rebellious teenager? Japanese knotweed fits the bill perfectly! This plant is notorious for its aggressive growth and ability to damage foundations and structures.
Once it takes hold, eradicating it requires time, effort, and plenty of patience. For a garden that’s less demanding, it’s wise to steer clear of this notorious troublemaker.
8. Roses
Ah, the romantic rose—every gardener’s dream? Not quite! Roses are beautiful but can be demanding divas requiring regular pruning, feeding, and pest control.
Their thorny nature isn’t just literal; caring for roses can prick your time and energy. If you’re after a peaceful garden, perhaps admire roses in bouquets rather than becoming their full-time caretaker.
9. Azaleas
Some flowers demand constant attention, and this one is no exception! Azaleas need just the right soil, frequent watering, and careful pruning to keep their vibrant display.
Without consistent care, they can fade fast, leaving you with more frustration than flowers. If you prefer a low-maintenance garden, it might be best to appreciate these beauties from afar!
10. Hibiscus
Dreaming of a tropical paradise at home? Be cautious with hibiscus, known for its dramatic blooms but also its demands for constant care and attention.
These flamboyant flowers require regular feeding and ideal conditions to thrive, making them best suited for the dedicated gardener. If simplicity is your style, perhaps let hibiscus stay in the tropics and enjoy more low-maintenance beauties.
11. Boxwood
Think boxwood is the perfect backdrop for your garden? Think again! Boxwood might look sophisticated, but it demands regular trimming and careful pest management to maintain its polished appearance.
Without vigilance, boxwood can quickly lose its shape and charm. For a more carefree garden experience, you might want to pass on this high-maintenance choice.
12. Hydrangeas
Huge, colorful blooms might make hydrangeas look like the perfect choice, but they come with a list of demands. From constant watering to soil pH adjustments, these plants need extra effort to keep their flowers looking their best.
Without ideal conditions, they can leave you with more work than reward. If you want a carefree garden, it might be easier to admire hydrangeas elsewhere!
13. Ferns
Always wanted a touch of prehistoric elegance in your garden? Ferns can provide that, but be ready for their finicky requirements.
These plants demand the right humidity and shade conditions, making them more high-maintenance than they appear. If you’re after a garden that thrives on neglect, ferns might not be your best bet!
14. Lilies
Looking for elegance in your garden? Lilies might offer that, but they come with a side of fussiness. These gorgeous flowers require the perfect balance of sun and shade, along with vigilant pest control.
Maintaining lilies can feel like a juggling act, so for a low-maintenance garden, you might want to admire lilies from afar.
15. Clematis
Some vines make gardening a breeze—this isn’t one of them! Clematis insists on the perfect balance of well-drained soil, regular pruning, and just the right amount of sun.
Neglect even one detail, and you might end up with more of a mess than a masterpiece. If you prefer a climber that doesn’t demand constant attention, there are plenty of easier options out there!
16. Gardenias
That heavenly scent might draw you in, but gardenias aren’t as effortless as they seem. Between their need for acidic soil, constant moisture, and an army of pests waiting to strike, these high-maintenance shrubs can turn gardening into a chore.
If you’d rather enjoy your blooms without the stress, it might be best to leave gardenias to the professionals!
17. Bougainvillea
Longing for a burst of color? Bougainvillea can provide it, but be prepared for its thorny disposition and rapid growth.
This vine requires regular pruning and the right conditions to thrive, making it a demanding addition to your garden. For less hassle and more harmony, perhaps enjoy bougainvillea’s beauty on vacation instead.
18. Lavender
That soothing scent comes at a price—lavender isn’t as carefree as it looks. It insists on well-drained soil, plenty of sun, and just the right conditions to thrive.
Too much moisture? It sulks. Not enough sun? It struggles. If you’re looking for a truly low-maintenance plant, you might want to leave lavender to those with the perfect sunny, dry spot.
19. Holly
Think holly will add festive cheer to your garden? It might, but be prepared for its prickly leaves and need for regular maintenance.
Holly requires the right balance of sun and shade, making it a finicky choice for many gardens. For a garden that’s more joy than work, you might want to leave holly as a holiday decoration.
20. Dahlias
Those bold, beautiful blooms don’t come easy—dahlias expect rich soil, regular watering, and constant upkeep to stay at their best.
Without proper care, they can become weak, leggy, or fall victim to pests. If you’re after a garden that thrives with minimal effort, dahlias might be more trouble than they’re worth.