Identifying Invasive Plants
The best way to avoid problems in the landscape is to become familiar with what plants are aggressive. Identifying invasive plants is key to controlling them. Invasive plants seem to swallow everything up in their path. They wind their way around other vegetation, spread wildly, and seem nearly impossible to tame. Many plants that are known to be aggressive spread by underground rhizomes. Propagation of this nature makes keeping plants confined difficult at best. Other invasive plants are prolific self-seeders. The key to dealing with these plants is to pull out seedlings before they become established.
What Plants are Aggressive?
For a complete invasive plant list for your region, it is best to visit your local Cooperative Extension Office. However, the following popular garden plants may become a problem, especially in a small area, and should be added to your invasive plant list regardless of location:
Hollyhock Mallow Lamb’s ear Yarrow Bee balm Bachelor button Creeping bellflower Lily-of-the-valley Yucca St. John’s wort Money plant Bugleweed Snow on the mountain Catmint Spearmint
How to Confine Invasive Plants
Upon identifying invasive plants in the landscape, you’ll need to know how to confine invasive plants before they become a problem. The best method for controlling aggressive garden plants is through the use of containers or continual pruning. Confine invasive plants to pots, making sure that the roots do not spread out through drainage holes or out of the sides of the container. Lining containers with weed fabric will help prevent roots from escaping. Weekly weed eating works well for plants that are used as a groundcover, while pruning of vines keeps most other types of aggressive garden plants under control.
