Perennials are a great addition to any garden or landscape, as they come back year after year and require minimal maintenance. However, there are certain perennials that have a tendency to spread rapidly and can quickly take over an area if not properly managed.
One such perennial is the common periwinkle, also known as Vinca minor. This groundcover is incredibly fast-spreading and can quickly overtake an area if left unchecked. It has small, glossy leaves and produces delicate purple flowers in the spring. I have had personal experience with common periwinkle in my own garden, and I can attest to its vigorous spreading habits. It can send out runners and establish new plants quite easily, making it a challenging plant to control.
Another perennial that is notorious for its spreading tendencies is bugleweed, or Ajuga reptans. This groundcover is known for its attractive foliage, which comes in a variety of colors including green, bronze, and burgundy. It also produces spikes of small, blue or purple flowers in the spring. Bugleweed spreads through underground runners and can quickly form dense mats of foliage. I have seen bugleweed take over large areas of a garden in a short period of time, making it a plant that requires regular monitoring and management.
Lamb’s ears, or Stachys byzantina, is another perennial that can spread rapidly if not kept in check. This plant is known for its soft, fuzzy leaves that resemble the ears of a lamb. It produces spikes of small, pink or purple flowers in the summer. Lamb’s ears spreads primarily through its root system, and it can quickly form large clumps of foliage. While it may not spread as aggressively as common periwinkle or bugleweed, it is still a plant that can take over an area if not properly managed.
To prevent these perennials from spreading out of control, there are a few strategies you can employ. First, regular monitoring is key. Keep an eye on these plants and promptly remove any runners or new growth that starts to spread beyond the desired area. Second, consider using physical barriers such as edging or root barriers to prevent the plants from spreading into areas where they are not wanted. Third, regular pruning or trimming can help to keep these plants in check and prevent them from spreading too aggressively.
While there are many beautiful and beneficial perennials to choose from, it is important to be aware of their spreading tendencies. Common periwinkle, bugleweed, and lamb’s ears are just a few examples of perennials that can quickly take over an area if not properly managed. By staying vigilant and employing strategies to control their spread, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of these plants without them becoming overpowering.
