Invasive garden plants to avoid

If left unchecked, some popular plants can take over your garden - they can be the troublemakers of the plant world!

Lantana

An evergreen shrub that likes to spread out - fast! It's best to avoid planting it in garden beds as it can escape your garden and become a problem in surrounding areas. Best to keep this one in a container if you have your heart set on it!

Trumpet Creeper 

Also known as a trumpet vine - this plant can easily be recognised by it's vibrant orange flowers. It grows fast and can quickly take over neighbouring areas.

Blackberries

It may produce delicious fruit but watch out for this prickly customer. They can be highly invasive, growing into a dense thicket of canes with many suckers at the base of the plant. Some varieties are classed as weeds in Australia. Try growing some blueberries instead!

Lily-of-the-Valley

They look delicate and pretty but they like to spread out wherever they're planted.

Mint

Whether you throw it into a salad or add to a cocktail - mint is a popular plant for herb gardens; but watch out, before you know it it will take over your garden! This is one best kept in a container - preferably off the ground as the roots can break out of pots and spread. Mint is a bit like the school bully who wants to take over the playground!   

Lamb's Ear

On the flip side, this one's like the popular kid at school who keeps handing out flowers to everyone. Before you know it, your whole garden is covered in them.

Wisteria

As graceful as it looks, it can go through serious growth spurts and can even strangle other plants! 

Japanese Honeysuckle

As charming as its fragrance is, this vine is like a runaway train, smothering everything in its path.  

Arum Lily 

Elegant? Yes. Well-behaved? Not quite. This lily loves to escape its designated area and conquer wetlands, pushing out native flora.

Asparagus Fern 

Don't let its fern-like appearance fool you. This plant can grow rapidly and produce berries that spread like wildfire, invading natural areas and messing with the local ecosystems. Try some of these instead.

English Ivy

While it might evoke images of classic gardens, English Ivy can escape and invade natural areas, climbing up trees and outcompeting native plants.

Periwinkle

While its pretty purple flowers might be tempting, periwinkle is a prolific spreader that can take over your garden and nearby natural areas.

• This are just a handful of popular plants, so if you're thinking of adding something new to your garden, check with your local council who may have some advice about what is best to plant, and where. 

• Check the plant label at the garden centre. If it says 'wildflower' or has 'weed' in its name - ask for some advice about whether it's a good garden plant for your area.

• And be wary of any labels that say 'vigorous spreader'!

All you need to do is a bit of research, taking into account how much time you have or want to spend in the garden. You can also use suitable containers or hanging baskets to control the spread of some varieties.