Plants You Cannot Kill

June 3rd, 2008

You know those thriller movies where the villain seems to have super-human strength?

They bounce off of cars, fall from bridges, take bullets, catch on fire. Still, they muster the energy to pursue the good guy.

Well, I know some plants like that. Here is my short list of plants I absolutely, without a doubt, cannot kill. Good thing they don’t have legs and arms or I would be in trouble.

#1 Plant I Cannot Kill – Rose Campion I agree that this lovely pink-flowered plant on the delicate silvery stems looks innocent enough peaking through the garden gate. The problem is that the Rose Campion spreads and re-seeds virulently. For two summers I have ruthlessly yanked up all the plants I can find. Still, they manage to return again and again.

It wouldn’t be so bad if they always looked like this. They don’t. There are so many flowers that it takes a good deal of assiduous deadheading to keep them looking their finest. Basically, I find this a high-maintenance plant.

This year I have a soft heart and let a couple sneak through my weeding frenzy. I will pay for that.

#2 Plant I Cannot Kill – Johnny-Jump-Ups Last year I planted Johnny-Jump-Up seeds outside the dwarf boxwoods in this raised bed in the Colonial theme garden. At first, I was charmed by their vigorous appearance. But when they threatened to destroy the boxwoods by mutating to some 18″ in height, I yanked them up by their little throats. Did they give up? No. They remain in the center of the bed and have re-seeded throughout the garden, including in the paths and even in my lettuce bed.

As you can see, I don’t exactly take a zero-tolerance policy. I have let the ones that sneaked past me continue to grow.

(BTW, I think the whole idea of zero tolerance is a bit scary. But then, this isn’t a political blog, is it?)

#3 Plant I Cannot Kill — Mint I know, I know. Everyone tells you that mint spreads like crazy and you must do something to contain it. I swear on my Papillons that I did not plant this mint in the ground. It was in a pot and JUMPED out. It is everwhere, including wandering through the lawn.

My son has the habit of grabbing a sprig and chewing on it when he wanders by. At least it servers some entertainment purpose.

So Here’s What You Do…

If you know someone who claims a black thumb but also swears they are interested in gardening, get them a little box and fill it with Rose Campion, Johnny-Jump-Ups and mint and see who wins.

Posted In: Gardening

24 Comments