7 Ground Cover Plants You Should Never Grow in Your Yard, According to Experts

English Ivy

English ivy (Hedera helix) is a climbing plant that can be grown as a ground cover, but you may want to think twice before planting it in your yard. “English ivy is a ground cover that should be avoided in gardens and landscapes due to its invasive nature, as it can quickly spread and choke out native plants,” says Hannah Howland, perennials manager at Plants Unlimited. “The dense foliage creates humid, shaded conditions beneath it, which can attract pests like mosquitoes, as well as common plant invaders such as mealybugs and spider mites.”

Additionally, English ivy is susceptible to bacterial leaf scorch, a disease that causes leaf wilting and dieback, further compromising plant health. “Its ability to outcompete other vegetation and harbor pests and diseases makes it a poor choice for sustainable landscaping,” Howland says.

Lily of the Valley

While the bell-shaped, sweet-smelling Lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) catches the eye of flower lovers all over, this plant is an aggressive spreader. “Lily of the valley can quickly take over a garden, outcompeting other plants and becoming difficult to control,” says Howland. Additionally, all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, posing a risk to pets, children, and wildlife. For these reasons, it’s better to choose safer, non-invasive alternatives for ground cover.

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Winter Creeper

This evergreen, perennial vine grabs the attention of those looking for an ornamental groundcover. However, due to the invasive tendencies of winter creeper (Euonymus fortunei), it’s best to avoid using it as a ground cover. “This fast-growing plant can quickly spread beyond its intended area, smothering native vegetation and disrupting local ecosystems,” Howland says. The plant's ability to climb and cover fences, trees, and structures also makes it difficult to control. As it spreads, winter creeper creates dense mats that shade out other plants and limit biodiversity.

English Daisies

English daisies (Bellis perennis) produce sweet and delicate flowers that may seem charming for a ground cover, but they are short-lived and unsuited for long-term garden use. “These perennial plants often fail to persist for more than a couple of years, requiring frequent replanting to maintain coverage,” says Howland. “As they age, they can become leggy and less attractive, and they tend to struggle in areas with harsh weather or poor soil conditions.” Instead, consider ground cover plants that offer lasting beauty and resilience.

Ice Plant

While this succulent has colorful daisy-like blooms and can level up a garden space, avoid ice plant (Delosperma) as a ground cover. “The ice plant is not particularly hardy in regions with cold or wet winters, and it often struggles and dies off in these conditions,” says Howland. While it thrives in dry, sunny spots, the succulent can spread aggressively under these conditions and has been added to invasive species lists in multiple states. “Its invasiveness and vulnerability to extreme weather make it an impractical choice for many landscapes, especially in more temperate climates," says Howland. 

Mint

With the ability to deter pests due to its strong smell, mint is a fantastic herb to add to any garden space. However, when grown as a ground cover, mint spreads quickly and can compete with other plants for nutrients and water, which can stunt their growth or kill them, says Eric Nieusma, organic farmer and co-owner of Maine Hill Farm. Planting mint in a container is a great way to control its aggressive habit while enjoying its benefits.  

Japanese Wisteria

Japanese wisteria (Wisteria floribunda) is a deciduous, woody ornamental vine that can grow up to 30 feet long and be trained as a ground cover. While it may look elegant as it blankets the bare ground, it may not be a safe ground cover option for your yard. “Japanese wisteria is a highly invasive vine that grows rapidly and can easily overtake other plants,” says Nieusma. The strong and determined vine has an aggressive root system that can compromise nearby plants. If left unchecked, Japanese wisteria can damage fences, homes, and trees by cutting through tree bark. “Once established, wisteria can readily produce seed that germinates and spreads new plants, making it hard to contain.”