Not every industrial plant that ’s hyped up in garden centers or social media deserves a spot in your backyard . Some so - called favorites are actuallyhigh - maintenance , incursive , or just unmistakable underwhelmingonce you get them growing . It ’s sluttish to fall for flashy blooms or trendy names , but smart gardeners know when it ’s clip to skip the hoopla and take plants that trulyperform wellin real - world conditions .

In this list , we ’re calling out 19 of the mostoverrated garden industrial plant — the ones that often disappoint — and offering better , morereliable alternativesyou’ll wish well you planted sooner . If you ’re quick to redeem yourself some defeat and create a garden that ’s genuinelythriving and beautiful , this guide is for you .

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are adored for their coloured , twisting flower , but their charm often fleet when faced with specific filth requirements to asseverate vivacious hues . Most gardener find themselves battle with soil amendments to coax beautiful blues and pink from their George Walker Bush . Instead , consider planting Butterfly Bush , which offers like lucullan heyday and attracts pollinators without the hassle . Known for its easygoing nature , the Butterfly Bush thrive in most filth types and cater a longsighted - time of year display of colour .

Boxwood

Turkish boxwood hedging are a staple in many meticulously maintained gardens , but they ask regular trimming and meet from pest and disease issues . For a lower - maintenance alternative , try planting Inkberry Holly . This President Bush offers a like evergreen plant mien without the frequent maintenance . Inkberry Holly is disease - tolerant and naturally grows in a tasteful , rounded shape , create it a everlasting option for those wait to avoid the invariant aid that box require . Enjoy a more relaxed approach path with this hardy choice .

Roses

Roses , the quintessential symbol of love affair , often require more aid than they are deserving . prostrate to pests and disease , they need a hard-and-fast regimen of spray and pruning . If you crave the same elegance with less fuss , consider grow Knock Out Roses . These hardy salmagundi offer continuous blooms and resist many uncouth rose wine problems . You ’ll still savor the classical beauty but with a fraction of the attempt . This resilient strain allow you to savour rose bloom of youth without the associated headaches .

Petunias

Petunias grace many summer gardens with their bright , cheerful blossom , but they can quickly become leggy and require frequent deadheading to look their best . Instead , opt for Calibrachoa , also known as Million Bells . With similar cascades of vibrant blooms , Calibrachoa brings colour all time of year long with much less maintenance . It thrives in containers and give ear hoop just like genus Petunia but without the high - sustainment grooming . Enjoy vivacious displays that last , allow your creativeness shine with ease .

Hostas

Hostas are beloved for their lucullan , leafy front in shaded areas , yet their appeal fall with perpetual battle against slugs and deer . A worthy alternative is Bergenia , also known as Elephant ’s Ears . This perennial proffer large , calendered parting and resists pests more effectively . Bergenia supply bluff grain and color to shady spots and is far less appealing to garden pests . With this choice , your garden will maintain its richness without becoming a buffet for unwanted visitant .

Tulips

Tulips annunciate spring with their striking flowers , but these bulbs often disappoint as perennial performer . They require one-year replanting and are a favour snack for critters . Instead , stress Daffodils , which bid vivacious bloom and naturalize easily . Daffodils procreate year after class , providing a reliable splash of coloring without constant replanting . Plus , their bulbs are less palatable to garden blighter , making them a carefree and enduring choice for saltation knockout .

Lilacs

lilac enchant with their celestial scent , but these shrubs often outgrow their quad and postulate relentless pruning . A more achievable choice is the Mock Orange . It offers standardized fragrance with smaller , more governable growth . Mock Orange bestow delightful efflorescence and a citrusy smell , creating a charming garden atmosphere without the invasive spreadhead of lilacs . This choice grants aromatic joy with less burden , letting you savor the essence of give unencumbered .

Daylilies

Daylilies brighten gardens with their coloured flowers , yet they often spread aggressively , overtaking other plants . believe planting Asiatic Lilies instead for control elegance . These lily allow for a stunning array of colors and are more turn back in their growing . They call like vibrant displays without the invasive nature , allowing for a harmonious garden scene . Asiatic Lilies lend peach and balance , making them a saucy choice for disciplined gardeners seeking lodge .

Peonies

Peonies captivate with their large , frilly blooms , but their knockout is abruptly - lived , and plants often require game to support heavy flower . For a longer - lasting show , try planting Hardy Geraniums . These perennial offer uninterrupted peak and need less intervention . With their diverse vividness and bouncy nature , Hardy Geraniums provide a more durable option , see to it your garden remains colorful and devil-may-care throughout the growing time of year . take longevity and easiness without sacrificing flowered appeal .

Marigolds

marigold are often shoot a line as garden staple , thanks to their easy growth and pestilence - repellant properties . However , their prevalence can sometimes dwarf more various choice . move into the old maid flower , a bold alternative that boasts an impressive pallet of color and figure .

They attract a variety of pollinators , adding spirit to any garden . Zinnias are drought - tolerant and require minimal maintenance , build them a favorite among meddlesome gardeners . Plus , they can blossom continuously , offering vibrant hues well into the downslope .

So , if you ’re search for something to lighten up up your garden , zinnias might just steal the show this season !

The 19 Most Overrated Garden Plants (And What to Grow Instead)

Bamboo

Bamboo , with its rapid development and exotic appeal , often seems like a good idea until it go taking over . Its invasive nature can chop-chop become an issue . Instead , consider switchgrass , a aboriginal recurrent grass that volunteer as attractive vertical crease without the hassle .

Switchgrass sway gracefully in the winding , adding movement and texture to your garden . It ’s fearless and low - maintenance , thriving in a range of soil types and conditions .

Moreover , it provides a habitat for wildlife , enhancing biodiversity . With switchgrass , you’re able to enjoy a serene garden landscape painting that wo n’t run wild .

Hydrangeas

© jackdarylphotography

Pampas Grass

Pampas grass is undeniably striking , but its fast-growing spread and piercing leave of absence can pose problem . A more manageable alternative is fountain grass . Its soft , feathery plumage and compact outgrowth make it a fantastic accession to any garden .

outpouring grass is various and can be used in borders , container , or as a focal point . It ’s easy to care for and adapts well to unlike climates without becoming encroaching .

The blue rock of its feathery frond bestow a dynamic component to your outdoor space , offering beauty without the battle of controlling your garden .

Hydrangeas

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is famous for its vivacious chromaticity and footing - cover ability , but it can be a bit too enthusiastic . Sweet alyssum is a fantastic choice , with its sweet aroma and attractive clusters of bantam blooms .

This plant appeal beneficial insects and is perfect for edges or cascade from containers . It ’s easy to grow , expand in various conditions , and offer up long - lasting flower throughout the get time of year .

Sweet alyssum can provide the same ground reporting as creeping Jenny but with a more delicate touch , filling your garden with fragrance as well as charm .

Boxwood

© gardencowboy

Japanese Maple

Japanese maple are adored for their delicate leaves and striking fall colouration . However , they can be sensitive and require specific conditions to expand . The easterly Cercis canadensis offers a resilient alternative , blooming profusely in spring with vivacious pink flowers .

Cercis canadensis are adaptable to a change of soils and climates , making them well-off to spring up in many garden . Their heart - shaped leaf and graceful branches add elegance and spell without the fuss .

conceive enter a Cercis canadensis to love a splashing of color that heralds the arrival of give and want less maintenance .

Boxwood

Boston Fern

Boston ferns are beloved for their lush , feather - similar fronds , yet they can be fussy indoors and ask consistent care . Asparagus fern offers a more absolvitory alternative with its airy , delicate coming into court .

This plant life is versatile , prosper in a variety of environments , including both skunk and hang baskets . It requires less water , make it gentle to asseverate , specially for busy plant lover .

With its resilience and elegant form , Asparagus officinales fern can bring a touch of greenery to your space without call for your invariant care and care .

Roses

© roseladykaty

Bergenia

Bergenia is note for its large leaf and colored blooms , but its chunky visual aspect is n’t for everyone . Lungwort provides a more frail alternative , with its flecked foliation and aristocratic flowers .

Lungwort expand in shadowed spots and provides interest throughout the rise time of year with its changing leaf colors . It attracts pollinators and adds a timberland feel to your garden .

If you ’re looking for something that compound smasher and function , lungwort is a perfect choice , wreak subtle charm and practical benefits to your outdoor infinite .

Roses

Impatiens

Impatiens are a go - to for many nurseryman seeking easy color in shaded areas . However , their susceptibility to diseases can be a drawback . New Guinea impatiens are a tidy alternative , bringing vibrant color and a tropical feel .

These plant are resilient and bloom all season long , pop the question spectacular flowers that fend out in any landscape . They are more resistive to common disease , create them a authentic choice for uniform beauty .

With their bold show and racy nature , New Guinea impatiens can transform your garden into a vivacious oasis , without the common concerns of disease .

Petunias

© tlcgarden

English Ivy

English ivy , though Greco-Roman , can direct to morphologic scathe when left uncurbed due to its aggressive nature . The crawl figure provides a charming choice , offer a more see to it growth pattern .

Creeping fig adheres closely to surface , create a succulent , verdant look without overwhelming its surroundings . Its little leaves and neat appearance make it idealistic for decorating walls and trellis .

By take creeping Libyan Islamic Group , you may enjoy the lush greenery and upright interest , without the endangerment of invading growth that often accompany English ivy .

Petunias

Hostas

© gardendesignmag

Hostas

Tulips

© roozengaarde

Tulips

Lilacs

© elisabeth_outhiking

Lilacs

Daylilies

© newenglandbg

Daylilies

Peonies

© prettyflowerfarm

Peonies

Marigolds

© mindfulbloomsfarm

Marigolds

Bamboo

© rootedbrooklyn

Bamboo

Pampas Grass

© devangreenhouses

Pampas Grass

Creeping Jenny

© gardencrossings

Creeping Jenny

Japanese Maple

© iselinursery

Japanese Maple

Boston Fern

© soleilrium

Boston Fern

Bergenia

© sagedesignnz

Bergenia

Impatiens

© casaplantamiami

Impatiens

English Ivy

© whitfillnursery

English Ivy