Warning Perennials: Flowers with a Caution Sign Posted
In the world of gardening, perennials play a significant role in creating attractive, easy-care landscapes. However, several well-known perennials have traits that make them invasive, toxic, or difficult to manage in small yards. Here's a guide to help you make informed choices when selecting perennials for your small space.
Invasive Perennials:
Some common garden plants, such as lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis), daylily, Rhododendron, Lantana, Nandina, creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides), and purple loosestrife, can become invasive outside their native ranges. These plants spread aggressively, displacing native plants and requiring constant vigilance to keep in check.
Lily of the valley, for instance, spreads via roots and can become invasive in wet, shady areas. It is difficult to eradicate once established and poses a risk as all parts of the plant are poisonous, making it a concern for homes with children or pets.
Toxic Perennials:
In addition to lily of the valley, other toxic perennials include poison hemlock. This plant is extremely toxic, and even small ingestions can be fatal. It is crucial to avoid growing poison hemlock in your garden.
Hard Work or Trickiness in Small Yards:
Certain perennials, such as burning bush (Euonymus alatus), creeping bellflower, and mint, can outgrow small yards or require significant effort to manage. Burning bush, for example, often outgrows its space, reaching up to 10 feet tall and wide, invasive due to seed spread, and requiring significant pruning. Mint spreads aggressively through roots, making it difficult to fully remove once established, and it can reseed itself extensively.
Avoiding Challenges:
To avoid these challenges in small yards, choosing less aggressive, non-toxic, and appropriately sized perennials is advisable. For instance, gardenias are highly fragrant but require consistent temperatures and should be positioned safely away from drafts or vents to thrive.
English ivy, while not inherently invasive in gardens, can overtake fields and structures when allowed to spread unchecked. It is essential to prune ivy regularly to prevent it from becoming a problem.
Monkshood is among the most poisonous plants in the garden, containing aconitine. While it is not commonly used in small gardens, it is worth mentioning to avoid accidental ingestion.
Summary:
In summary, when choosing perennials for small yards, it is essential to consider their growth habit, toxicity, continued care, and potential for invasiveness. By making informed choices, you can create a beautiful, easy-to-manage garden that thrives in your small space.
References:
- Invasive.org. (n.d.). Lily of the Valley. Retrieved from https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/weeds/lily-of-the-valley/
- Invasive.org. (n.d.). Creeping Bellflower. Retrieved from https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/weeds/creeping-bellflower/
- Invasive.org. (n.d.). Burning Bush. Retrieved from https://www.invasive.org/weedcd/weeds/burning-bush/
- Poison Control. (n.d.). Poison Hemlock. Retrieved from https://www.poison.org/articles/poison-hemlock-conium-maculatum
- USDA.gov. (n.d.). Purple Loosestrife. Retrieved from https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/purple-loosestrife
- To create a manageable home-and-garden in a small yard, it's crucial to avoid invasive perennials like lily of the valley, daylily, Rhododendron, Lantana, Nandina, creeping bellflower, and purple loosestrife, which can aggressively spread and displace native plants.
- For a safe lifestyle, particularly in homes with children or pets, it's advisable to steer clear of toxic perennials such as lily of the valley and poison hemlock, whichpose a risk due to their poisonous properties.
