Avoid Garden Bullies when Choosing Plants

There are several plants that are referred to as invasive plants, and a lot of people who choose them for their gardens are unaware of the bullying nature. There have been many disputes between neighbors because of these types of plants invading space on the other side of the fence and essentially destroying your neighbor's plants. These types of plants can be found on every continent, and for the most part are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. There have been cases where these plants have been deliberately and strategically placed to do just that, annoy the neighbor; however, most people have no idea what is ahead of them with these types of plants.

Some of the more common plants that alienate and destroy can be found in the British gardens. One is called Leylandii; it is a giant shrub that has caused many disputes among neighbors in Britain. Another, more notorious British brute is the Giant Hogwood. This monster spreads like a California wildfire and is near impossible to eradicate. This horticultural killer holds 50,000 seeds in its flowers, lying in wait for the birds and the bees to spread the wealth. Not only do they grow to a staggering 18 feet tall they can live up to 15 years. Without a doubt the worst weapon this plant has is a corrosive sap that when left in the sun can burn human skin to the point of lifelong scars. Scared areas that were exposed will be highly sensitive to UV rays forever, as if a vampire bit you.

Another plant similar in nature to the Giant Hogwood is the Japanese Knotwood. This thug can grow at an astounding 4 inches a day even in the poorest of conditions. It can muscle its way through walls, floors and concrete driveways, growing to an astonishing 9 feet tall. This plant doesn't need much to get started, a piece smaller than a regular leaf cutting can get the ball rolling.

The problem with these garden nightmares is the roots of these plants. Any rooted plant that is called rhizome can start the serial killing of the rest of your garden. These roots are so widespread that they begin to strangle any other roots they come in contact with and take over in its place. It is virtually a waste of time to make any attempts to dig up these roots, it is rare that you would get the entire root and you'll have the plants popping up in places that will surprise you.

The most surprising plant found in North America is affectionately called lambs ears. These plants are very pretty, and produce a small purple flower and its leaves are green and silver and have nice soft velvet like texture. But watch out, they are used for borders and ground cover and this plant takes its job seriously. I planted 3 of these in a garden in the back of my house, the next year they were popping up in the front shrubbery. They are hearty plants and can live through just about anything.

A more aggressive North American plant, mostly found in the northeastern part of the United States is called the Burning Bush. It is a shrub that can take over like an invading army, making the surrounding area a monoculture, which simply means this plant would prevent any other plant from invading its space and it's the only plant in the immediate area. The burning bush is a popular shrub because of its brilliant red color that it exudes in the fall, and you will commonly see it on the property of a lot of New England homes and in the wooded areas of New England.

When planning your gardens and borders be aware of these and other garden bully's. Try to avoid these bullies that will take over your entire yard and perhaps your neighbor's yard too. Ask your local retailer about a plant's characteristics before you add something new to your garden. It will save you a lot of time and headache's in the long run