I often see vehement warnings against planting aggressive plants. They are often referred to as invasive even when they are native.

It seems to me that this is a little like warning people against large plants. If you don't want a vine or tree to fill a large area, don't plant an aggressive vine or a large tree. But if you do want the plant to fill a large area, why not?

Of course, I may be underestimating the danger of seedlings. This surely depends on the individual species.

I am specifically thinking of trumpet vine and perennial morning glory. I have a very long stretch of concrete fence that I would like to cover with vines. There is a road on the other side of the fence, so the vines won't creep into a neighbor's yard. I could plant dozens of mannerly climbers and nurture them for years until they cover the fence. Or I could plant a few trumpet vines and morning glories.

I admit that I have not grown either plant before. My old neighbor in Lubbock, TX had trumpet vines, and they didn't seem problematic. Likewise, my Japanese honeysuckle, a notoriously aggressive plant, is just trying to fill a fairly large home I have given it, and if in a couple of years it manages it, I'll be pleased.

I am a little more wary of Ipomoea indica, because I have seen how bindweed pops up everywhere in my yard, and perhaps it's relative will do the same thing.

But I might rather have an additional seedy weed and a beautiful vine covering my fence than neither. Will mowing not keep seedlings from becoming too much of a nuisance?

What do you think? Am I underestimating the danger of aggressive plants, or are they just plants that are good for larger areas?

The reason that these warnings exist is because most people just don't have the space to let them naturally romp away and they thus can outcompete/bully other plants in the vicinity, effectively creating a monoculture that most likely won't appeal to a gardener with only a few sq. feet and a 'lots of plants' ambition.

And usually once these plants take hold, they're difficult to get rid off again too.

Dewberry said:I often see vehement warnings against planting aggressive plants. They are often referred to as invasive even when they are native.

It seems to me that this is a little like warning people against large plants. If you don't want a vine or tree to fill a large area, don't plant an aggressive vine or a large tree. But if you do want the plant to fill a large area, why not?

Of course, I may be underestimating the danger of seedlings. This surely depends on the individual species.

I am specifically thinking of trumpet vine and perennial morning glory. I have a very long stretch of concrete fence that I would like to cover with vines. There is a road on the other side of the fence, so the vines won't creep into a neighbor's yard. I could plant dozens of mannerly climbers and nurture them for years until they cover the fence. Or I could plant a few trumpet vines and morning glories.

I admit that I have not grown either plant before. My old neighbor in Lubbock, TX had trumpet vines, and they didn't seem problematic. Likewise, my Japanese honeysuckle, a notoriously aggressive plant, is just trying to fill a fairly large home I have given it, and if in a couple of years it manages it, I'll be pleased.

I am a little more wary of Ipomoea indica, because I have seen how bindweed pops up everywhere in my yard, and perhaps it's relative will do the same thing.

But I might rather have an additional seedy weed and a beautiful vine covering my fence than neither. Will mowing not keep seedlings from becoming too much of a nuisance?

What do you think? Am I underestimating the danger of aggressive plants, or are they just plants that are good for larger areas?

Well, most gardeners prefer a tidy , clean , look. so a rampant plant would be toublesome. That's why warnings are there. Some plants that are invasive in an area, can be another reason.

Most of them are just plants that are more suitable for larger areas or meadow gardens or the more informal gardens.

Also check to see if they are prohibited by DNR etc.

Japanese honeysuckle isn't native... exotic invasive.... I have that crap everywhere... as do most people in middle Georgia...
Takes space away from the native plants. Mowing Japanese honeysuckle just encourages it to root in more of it's joints, making it even more difficult to get a handle on. Avoid exotic invasives like japasnese honeysuckle, chinese wisteria and periwinkle (Vinca sp.) Far worse than a nuisance...

Where as... trumpet vine? supposed to be there... Only a problem in the vegetable garden.... They call it 'hummingbird vine' for a reason... Great plant!

There are 3 categories within the 'aggressive/invasive' plant designation.
Invasive exotic - non-native species that displaces native species in otherwise natural environments
Kudzu, Wisteria, Ailanthus, Sapium
Aggressive - grows like mad and needs lots of monitoring to keep under control, mostly vines and large shrubs in gardens
Cup-of-Gold vine, Bougainvillea, creeping bamboos
Garden invasive - mostly perennials that spread underground or annuals that reseed everywhere
California Poppy, Alyssum, Yarrow, Mexican Evening-primrose

Exotic invasives are location dependent. Japanese Honeysuckle is invasive in the East but not here, it's just aggressive. Same with Wisteria, Sapium, Vinca, privet.

I got purple loosestrife years ago and I really love this plant yet it's deemed invasive and banned in certain areas. Sad because the bees love it. It has not become aggressive in my garden but then I haven't given it it's optimal growing conditions of wet soil. Seems to like marshy areas and the like. Then I got it's relative Gooseneck Loosestrife. Good grief! what a beautiful plant. what a pain in the ass to get rid of. That plant spread like crazy and took over and bullied out half of the large bed it was in. I sadly had to remove it. Took about 3 weeks of digging-after work-and digging and digging. If I see it for sale again I'd get it and use it in a container. the same with tradescantia. I like it but it comes up unwanted everywhere. Thats another candidate for a container. kudzu-hate it. trumpet vine-love it but I can see why it could be invasive but worth the keeping for the hummers. But keep and eye on it. Dewberry if you can manage the vines and keep the seedlings in check then I say go for it. better than looking at a concrete wall.

I ooked up aggressives and invasive and the list is pretty interesting. purple loosestrife was on the list. kudzo, wisteria, honeysuckle even lantana in southern states. autumn clematis, english ivy{I can attest to that evil plant} scotch broom, etc. all depends on where you live as to its invasiveness and bullying.