Plant Hooligans: Four Aggressive Species to Avoid

Fast growth can blind gardeners to invasive potential. Four commonly sold plants that become nightmares:

Vines

Five-leaf akebia (Akebia quinata): "Raisin vine" covers fences/garages rapidly. Escaped 20 ft from trellis into shrubs and beds.

Silver lace vine (Polygonum aubertii): Equally rampant, hard to contain.

Perennials

Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata): Spreads >3 ft/year, smothers everything <2 ft tall. Only containers or glyphosate control it. Root fragments regenerate persistently.

Yellow archangel (Lamium galeobdolon): Smothers ferns with silver-green foliage. Difficult to eradicate completely.

Choose plants wisely—containment is easier than eradication.

Chameleon plant (Houttuynia cordata)

silver lace vine

akebia leaves