- Evening Primrose spreads aggressively - Becca Badgett
While we would all like our plants to flourish and do well in the garden, occasionally we chose a plant which grows aggressively and takes over more than its share of the flowerbed. Knowing which plants are prone to this behavior and how to control or contain them can prevent their over-taking our flowerbeds now or in years to come.
Plant in Containers
An obvious solution to the problem is to plant the assertive specimens in containers. Aggressive growers such as English Ivy and those in the mint family are good examples of plants which are best grown in containers.
Containers need not be only decorative ones that sit on the patio. Burying an old, bottomless bucket in the flowerbed or vegetable garden is a means of controlling the spread of ambitious growers.
Grow in a Different Location
Perhaps there is a bare area in the landscape, well away from established beds and gardens. This may be a place that will be perfect for planting these specimens. Keep in mind that pruning and control may be necessary in this area as well. Withholding water and fertilizer can help contain the growth of some species. One may also bury a barrier around the edge of the new bed.
Evening Primrose is an example of a plant which multiplies aggressively over time, but may be contained with regular division. The fragrant Four O’clock reseeds prolifically; seeds may be removed and disposed of before they fall to the ground.
Recognize the Specimen
Any aggressively growing plant's seed may be dispersed by animals, wind or water to an unwanted location. However, with information about and recognition of the specimen, most can be controlled.
This situation emphasizes the need for research before planting. Know what to expect from your ornamental specimens before installation and be prepared for the method of control necessary to contain them.
Aggressively growing plants may also be invasive exotics, in which case it may be best to substitute another specimen in the landscape. Invasive specimens, such as Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) have the potential to take over forests and wetlands.
Following is a partial list of plants which grow aggressively (it is by no means complete):
- Bachelor’s button (Centaurea cyanus)
- Four o’clock (Mirabilis spp)
- Common periwinkle (Vinca minor)
- Ajuga (Ajuga reptans)
- Winter Honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima)
- Morning Glory (Ipomea spp)
Most aggressively growing plants should be included in the landscape by those with the time and persistence to keep them under control. Research before planting will enable the gardener to know which plants may grow aggressively.
Sources
http://www.bhia.org/articles/herbs/mintvarieties.html accessed 5-17-2010
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/wildseed/23/23.7.html accessed 5-20-2010
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=VIMI2 accessed 5-20-2010
http://lancaster.unl.edu/hort/articles/2005/aggressiveplantsdoc.shtml accessed 5-24-2010
Becca Badgett - Freelance writer/editor with newspaper and public relations background.Gardening enthusiast in zone 7, (NC) .Professional experience ...
