My mind often wanders to the idea of a vast garden where I can grow whatever my heart desires, without any limitations on space or budget. But alas, this is not a feasible option for me or for many other avid gardeners out there. As cities continue to expand and encroach on green spaces, the areas available for gardening shrink proportionally. This makes it crucial to choose plants that are more strategic, enabling you to make the most of your limited backyard real estate. It’s imperative to steer clear of flowers that tend to spread uncontrollably, as this would require constant maintenance and detract from your overall enjoyment of the garden. Although these perennials are undoubtedly stunning, they are better suited to larger garden spaces. Fortunately, there are plenty of fantastic alternatives that won’t give you the same headaches.
If you want to lure pollinators such as butterflies to your garden, butterfly bush is a popular option. This plant, also known as Buddleia davidii, has charming purple flowers that gardeners adore. However, it’s important to note that planting butterfly bushes in a small garden could have negative consequences that outweigh their visual appeal. In many parts of the US, this plant is classified as invasive and can spread to nearby habitats by self-seeding. The fast-growing nature of butterfly bushes can also stifle the growth of native plants, particularly in warm climates. Therefore, it’s best to avoid planting this flower in small spaces. Alternatively, coneflowers like Echinacea are fantastic substitutes that attract even more pollinators while adding a pop of purple to your garden. These plants are much more manageable and compact than butterfly bushes, making them ideal for smaller gardens.
The mature form of wisteria is not a suitable choice for small gardens due to its size and aggressive growth. Its massive size requires a sturdy support structure to reach its full potential. However, even if you are willing to allocate the necessary space, there is a more significant reason to avoid it. Wisteria is an invasive plant that rapidly takes over your garden if left unchecked. While it may be useful in covering garden arches or pergolas quickly, its roots can spread and choke out other plants and structures. Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) is one of several species classified as invasive in many eastern states and poses a significant risk when planted in small spaces. Instead, consider using climbing hydrangeas, which have similar benefits without the aggressive spreading tendencies.
These plume poppies are causing quite a stir due to their invasive tendencies and towering stature. Despite their name, they are not true poppies but rather belong to the same family as California poppies. However, they are not as popular among gardeners due to their reputation for taking over small gardens with both their rhizomes and seeds spreading rapidly in warm climates. This makes them a high-maintenance choice that may not be worth the effort. Additionally, their towering height of 8 feet can leave little space for other plants. If you’re looking for a tall plant that won’t take up too much horizontal space, hollyhocks are a better option. These popular cottage garden staples grow vertically and have similar foliage to enjoy even when not in bloom.
The charming woodland plant, commonly known as Lily of the Valley or Convallaria majalis, may not be the best choice for small gardens due to its aggressive spreading nature through rhizomes. This plant can quickly spread underground, and you may notice new plants popping up in unexpected places every spring. While Lily of the Valley is a lovely symbol of spring, it may not be suitable for small spaces if you plan on growing other plants in the same area. Alternatively, you can consider planting snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) or growing Lily of the Valley in containers to prevent its rhizomes from becoming an issue. Additionally, it’s important to note that Lily of the Valley is toxic to animals, so it may not be ideal if you have pets at home.
The sweet autumn clematis, scientifically known as Clematis terniflora, is a beautiful vine with white, sweet-scented flowers. Its appearance during late summer and fall is quite striking and could make for an ideal choice. However, this flowering vine has an invasive growth habit that poses a challenge in small spaces. The vines can spread quickly, overpowering other nearby plants, and the seeds from its flowers easily scatter to other surrounding habitats. In some eastern states, it’s notorious for being invasive. Moreover, it grows to over 10 feet tall, making it unsuitable for small gardens. If you still want to plant clematis in your garden, consider other species such as the native Clematis virginiana, which is less aggressive. Alternatively, opt for shorter yet fragrant vines like jasmine.
Lysimachia is a type of plant that boasts a wide range of colorful flowers, such as gooseneck loosestrife and creeping jenny. These plants are popular due to their appealing blooms in different hues. The gooseneck loosestrife is especially favored for its structural flowers, while creeping jenny is commonly used as a ground cover. It’s worth noting that although they share the same family, the Lysimachia genus does not include the invasive purple loosestrife or Lythrum salicaria. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to avoid growing any Lysimachia in your garden because they have vigorously-spreading rhizomes and traveling seeds which can make them difficult to control. If you desire a similar floral look without the hassle of managing unruly plants, consider using spiked speedwell instead. This plant has various flower colors to choose from and grows up to a maximum of 3 feet, depending on the cultivar.
The innocent-looking periwinkle flowers may seem harmless and perfect for any garden, especially if you have limited space. However, beware of the species in the Vinca genus, as they can wreak havoc if left unchecked. The Vinca major and Vinca minor are two of the most popular species, but they can be invasive and cause harm to both your garden and neighboring environments. In warmer climates, the Vinca major is particularly troublesome, as it can quickly take over small backyards and choke out other plants. If you’re looking for a native alternative that won’t cause problems, consider the wild blue phlox or woodland phlox. These low-growing plants have similar flowers and colors, and are easy to grow and adapt to different conditions throughout the US.
The flamboyant flowers of crocosmia are not only popular with gardeners, but they also attract butterflies and birds, particularly hummingbirds. These plants are ideal for bringing some vitality to your garden, but caution needs to be exercised if you have limited space. Some crocosmia cultivars can spread rapidly, which could quickly become problematic. Crocosmia crocosmiiflora (Montbretia) is the most notorious offender to steer clear of, although there are several others that could cause issues. Nevertheless, named crocosmia cultivars that have been tried and tested are a much safer choice, especially if you have a small garden. Another option is cardinal flowers (Lobelia cardinalis), which are taller but offer comparable blooms that appeal to pollinators.
Physostegia virginiana, also known as the obedient plant, may have a name that suggests flexibility, but it’s actually invasive. Despite its common name, this species can quickly take over any garden space it’s planted in, much like its close relative, mint. It can easily smother surrounding plants and should be avoided in small gardens unless you’re willing to regularly uproot its spreading rhizomes and remove its seeds. However, if you’re set on growing this plant, the ‘Miss Manners’ cultivar is a better option for small gardens as it’s less troublesome. You can even keep it in a container, but make sure to prevent the seeds from spreading. If you’re looking for similar flowers, consider planting annual snapdragons instead.
Ajuga reptans, also known as bugleweed, is a popular perennial groundcover that is often used to fill empty spaces and control weed growth. However, it can become invasive in small gardens and cause problems for gardeners. Some states, including Maryland and Oregon, have even declared it an invasive species. While bugleweed is great for large gardens with plenty of open space, it can quickly become a nightmare for small gardens. To avoid the hassle of dealing with an out-of-control plant, it’s best to avoid planting it altogether. Instead, consider using well-behaved alternatives like wild blue phlox or periwinkle. These plants won’t take over your garden and will complement your landscape nicely. Remember, when working with limited space, it’s important to choose polite alternatives that won’t conquer your garden.