Break Free from the Ordinary: 9 Overused Plants and Their Fresh Alternatives

In the world of gardening, every year brings new trends, favorites, and sometimes, a few plants that seem to dominate landscapes across North America. While there’s nothing wrong with a classic, overusing certain plants can lead to a lack of diversity and interest in your garden. If you’re looking to mix things up and create a more unique outdoor space, consider these nine commonly overused plants and some exciting alternatives to plant instead.

1. Knock Out Roses

Overused: Knock Out roses have become a staple in many gardens due to their hardiness and low maintenance. However, their ubiquity can make gardens feel generic.
Alternative: Try ‘David Austin’ roses for a classic look with a variety of colors and fragrances. These English roses are known for their lush blooms and enchanting scents, adding a romantic feel to your garden. For a more native option, consider the ‘Winterberry’ rose (Rosa rugosa), which offers beautiful blooms and attracts pollinators.

2. Boxwood

Overused: Boxwoods are favored for their neat appearance, but they can quickly become monotonous when used as hedges or foundation plantings.
Alternative: Opt for viburnums, which provide a range of shapes, sizes, and seasonal interest. Varieties like ‘Korean Spice’ viburnum not only fill the role of a hedging plant but also offer beautiful flowers and attractive fall foliage. For a unique twist, consider using ornamental grasses like ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass for texture and movement.

3. Daylilies

Overused: Daylilies are often the go-to perennial due to their resilience and ability to flourish in various conditions, but they can easily become over-planted.
Alternative: Consider planting heucheras (coral bells) for their stunning foliage and long-lasting blooms. Their vibrant colors can brighten up any shady corner. Another great alternative is the native coneflower (Echinacea), which not only adds color but also attracts butterflies and bees.

4. Hostas

Overused: While hostas are popular for their lush foliage and shade tolerance, they have become so common that they can often blend into the background.
Alternative: Switch it up with ferns like the ‘Japanese Painted Fern’ or ‘Autumn Fern,’ which offer interesting textures and colors. For a striking focal point, try the ‘Brunnera macrophylla’ (false forget-me-not), which produces lovely blue flowers and has attractive leaves.

5. Petunias

Overused: Petunias are a summer garden staple, but their widespread use can make flower beds feel predictable.
Alternative: Consider planting calibrachoas (million bells), which provide a similar cascading look but are less common. They come in a wide range of colors and have a longer blooming period. Alternatively, try using verbena, which has a lovely trailing habit and attracts pollinators.

6. Marigolds

Overused: Marigolds are often planted for their bright colors and pest-repelling properties, but they can dominate annual flower beds.
Alternative: Explore planting zinnias instead. They come in a variety of heights and colors, are easy to grow, and attract butterflies. For a more unique option, consider cosmos, which have a delicate appearance and produce abundant blooms throughout the summer.

7. Impatiens

Overused: Impatiens are a popular choice for shady areas, but their overuse can lead to a lack of diversity in low-light gardens.
Alternative: Try planting New Guinea impatiens for a bolder color palette and greater disease resistance. For a more unique touch, consider using caladiums, which showcase colorful foliage and thrive in the shade, offering a tropical feel.

8. Lavender

Overused: Lavender is beloved for its fragrance and versatility, yet it can often be found in nearly every garden.
Alternative: Check out catmint (Nepeta), which has a similar appearance and scent but offers a longer blooming season and is less prone to disease. Another fantastic option is Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), which provides beautiful blue flowers and silver foliage.

9. Sedum

Overused: Sedum is a go-to for low-maintenance gardens, but its extensive use can lead to a lack of interest.
Alternative: Explore planting hens-and-chicks (Sempervivum) for a fun and diverse look. These succulent plants come in various colors and forms, adding visual interest to rock gardens or containers. Additionally, consider using ground covers like creeping thyme, which offers fragrant foliage and attracts pollinators.

Embrace Diversity in Your Garden

By stepping away from the overused favorites and incorporating these alternatives, you can create a more vibrant and unique garden space that not only stands out but also supports a diverse ecosystem. Consider your garden’s specific conditions—sun, shade, and soil type—when choosing plants. Embrace the opportunity to explore local nurseries and botanical gardens for inspiration and to discover new plant varieties that will make your garden truly your own.

As you work on revitalizing your garden, think about which plants resonate with you and will thrive in your specific environment. Remember, gardening is as much about personal expression as it is about cultivation. Happy planting!