Oregon’s wet climate and fertile soil make it a paradise for plants – unfortunately, that includes the ones you don’t want taking over your yard. I’ve spent years battling aggressive shrubs that seemed innocent when first planted, only to watch them march across my garden beds with surprising speed.
From coastal gardens to high desert landscapes, certain shrubs can quickly transform from neat additions to garden bullies. In my own Oregon backyard, I learned this lesson the hard way after planting what I thought was a ‘contained’ butterfly bush, only to spend the next three summers pulling up its offspring from every corner of my yard.
The following shrubs are particularly problematic throughout Oregon, thanks to our mild winters and ample rainfall. While many offer beautiful flowers or interesting foliage, their aggressive spreading habits make them poor choices for most home landscapes – unless you enjoy spending weekends digging up unwanted plants!
1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Not just a vine but also a shrub-like form when mature. The thick, woody stems climb trees and buildings while spreading across the ground at alarming rates in Portland’s damp climate…