6 plants to avoid in your Australian garden (and what to plant instead)
Stroll through almost any Australian suburb and you’ll see familiar favourites — agapanthus along driveways, ivy climbing fences, or oleanders used as hedges. For decades, nurseries and landscapers promoted these plants as cheap, tough and fashionable. Many of us inherited them with our homes, or planted them ourselves because they were everywhere in garden centres (and sadly, still are).
The trouble is, some of these species come with hidden costs. They spread aggressively, displace native habitat and often provide little or no benefit to local wildlife. Worse still, once established, they can be extremely hard to control and in some cases, impossible to eradicate.
The good news? There are beautiful, low-maintenance alternatives that thrive without harming the environment. Here are six plants to avoid in your Australian garden — and what you can grow instead.
1. Agapanthus
Why it’s a problem: Agapanthus spreads by seed and tough clumping roots, which can crowd out native species. Once mature, the root systems are almost impossible to dig out. Even conservatively, one clump could release hundreds of thousands of seeds every summer — and many spread by wind, water, or birds.
Why it’s common: From the 1970s onward, agapanthus was marketed as the ultimate “low-maintenance border plant.” Its toughness made it an easy sell for home gardeners and landscapers. It's now widespread across Australia.
Plant instead: Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos) — bold, bird-attracting flowers, iconic form, and a truly Australian choice.
2. Gazania
Why it’s a problem: Gazanias form dense mats of foliage and spread aggressively through both seed and runners. Along coastal dunes and roadsides, they quickly overwhelm fragile native vegetation and are extremely difficult to remove once established.
Why it’s common: Sold as “tough, drought-tolerant groundcovers,” gazanias were used widely in both public landscaping and home gardens. Their cheerful flowers made them popular in nursery displays, especially for coastal homes.
Plant instead: Native Paper Daisy (Xerochrysum bracteatum) or Cut-leaf Daisy (Brachyscome) — equally colourful, pollinator-friendly and much better behaved.
3. Lantana
Why it’s a problem: Lantana is one of Australia’s worst invasive weeds. It forms dense thickets that smother native habitat and is toxic to livestock and pets. Once it takes hold, it’s notoriously difficult to eradicate.
Why it’s common: Its vibrant flowers and fast growth once made it a fashionable choice for hedging and colour.
Plant instead: Native Fuchsia (Correa alba) — a compact, hardy shrub with nectar-rich flowers that attract birds and insects.
4. Privet (Ligustrum species)
Why it’s a problem: Privet produces berries spread by birds, leading to invasive seedlings. It’s also a well-known trigger for hay fever and asthma.
Why it’s common: For generations, privet was the go-to choice for privacy hedges. Many older gardens still contain established privet walls.
Plant instead: Lilly Pilly (Syzygium australe) — a dense, evergreen hedge with glossy foliage and edible berries. Just be sure to go for a cultivar that is resistant to psyllids.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Why it’s a problem: Ivy climbs and smothers everything in its path. It weakens trees, damages brickwork, and is notoriously hard to control.
Why it’s common: Ivy was marketed as romantic “European” greenery, often used to soften courtyards and walls.
Plant instead: Native Hardenbergia (Hardenbergia violacea) — also known as “Happy Wanderer,” this vigorous native climber produces cascades of purple flowers without strangling its host.
6. Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Why it’s a problem: Oleander’s evergreen foliage and bright flowers hide its dangers: the plant is highly toxic to humans and pets. Ingestion of even small amounts can be fatal.
Why it’s common: Its fast growth and drought tolerance once made it a popular choice for hedging and roadside planting.
Plant instead: Bottlebrush (Callistemon species) — hardy, colourful, and beloved by nectar-feeding birds.
Times Are Changing in Our Gardens
More and more gardeners are seeking out local, native species — plants that work with our soils and climate rather than against them. These species not only cope better with droughts, floods, and heatwaves, but they also help re-establish the ecosystems that should be here: feeding pollinators, sheltering birds and restoring balance to our backyards.
Choosing native alternatives over exotics or invasive species isn’t about missing out or being limited. It’s about creating gardens that are resilient, purposeful and connected to place. By moving with this trend, we’re not just following fashion — we’re gardening for the future.
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