14 Common Outdoor Plants That Invite Pests Instead of Repelling Them

This post may contain affiliate links.

Gardening is usually about finding the perfect balance. In our quest to attract only the beauty of butterflies and occasional hummingbird, we hoist flowers and shrubs, hoping they’ll also fend off those pesky pests.

The funny thing about nature, though is that even the most beautiful plants can be the ones to invite the wrong kinds of guests. The pretty flowers we keep and tend to become an all you can eat buffet for unwanted insects. It’s like inviting a few friends over, and then, before you know it, you’ve got a house party full of strangers.

Today, we are going to look at some outdoor plants that, contrary to popular belief, aren’t doing us any favors in the pest department. These plants can bring more trouble than they are worth. So, if you’re contemplating your next garden upgrade, you may want to hold off on adding these plants into your mix unless, of course, you’re fine with a few unwanted ‘guests’ joining in.

Roses

Roses are classic beauties of any garden, but they can be bug magnets. Roses are particularly liked by aphids, which can quickly colonize these plants, covering the leaves and stems with their tiny, green bodies. Japanese beetles and thrips also love to feed on rose plants, making them a favorite with these garden pests. Roses are so stunning, but if they’re not carefully managed, they can bring a swarm of uninvited visitors.

Lavender

It’s calmingly pleasant to us, but oddly enticing to a few pests. Lavender may repel moths and mosquitoes, but it attracts aphids and some beetles. Lavender seems to be the perfect mix of color and scent for these pests, so you don’t want to add it to your list, If you’re looking for low maintenance, pest free plants.

Marigolds

It’s widely believed that marigolds repel insects, but they actually have a secret side: Spider mites and thrips are attracted to them. Marigolds have a reputation for keeping bugs away, though their pungent smell may deter some bugs, and some other pests, particularly those who love flowers will be attracted. Don’t expect them to keep your garden pest free, but they might be great for a pop of color.

Sunflowers

Tall stalks and pretty blooms are what sunflowers look like. But they’re also very appealing to aphids and caterpillars. Kids flock to candy, pests flock to these sunflowers, and they munch on the leaves and stems of those sunflowers. Maybe growing sunflowers just means waiting for them to become a snack bar for pests.

Petunias

Petunias are beautiful in any garden, but they also attract aphids and caterpillars. If you’re not careful, these pests will turn your pretty petunias into bug infested bundles, with the leaves and flowers being a particular delight to them. Petunias are low maintenance, but they may attract more bugs than you thought.

Hostas

Hostas are another favorite garden pest, most notably slugs and snails, for their lush, green leaves. The problem with these critters is that they leave slimy trails and holes in the leaves, which makes hostas a high maintenance choice for gardeners who don’t want to have to deal with a slug invasion.

Zinnias

Zinnias are cheerful, bright flowers that are easy to grow, and for that reason, many gardens have zinnias. Unfortunately, they’re also loved by aphids and Japanese beetles. Once these bugs get on the plant, they can cover it quickly and your zinnias will look sad and chewed up. Zinnias are beautiful but can attract more pests than peace.

Peonies

Big, beautiful blooms are peonies. They also attract ants by the dozens. Peony buds are like free dessert buffet for ants, and although the ants don’t really harm the plant, they can be a nuisance. If you don’t want a continual stream of ants in the garden, peonies might not be the best choice.

Dahlias

Another plant that draws in aphids and thrips are dahlias whose intricate blooms are gorgeous. Dahlias can quickly be infested with these bugs, and they will quickly start to look less attractive. If you’re going to dahlia display, be ready to battle an armada of pests, who are just as attracted to dahlias as you are.

Coneflowers

According to The Spruce, coneflowers are among the hardiest and most colorful plants, but they are also irresistibly attractive to aphids, leafhoppers, and beetles. Coneflowers are such a cozy place for these pests to hang out and feed that they can do some serious damage if left unchecked. Although they have the appearance of being sturdy, coneflowers frequently require extra bug protection.

Snapdragons

Snapdragons are a great choice for their unique flower shapes and bright colours, but they are also a magnet for a lot of pests, including aphids, spider mites and caterpillars. Bugs seem to love the soft leaves and delicate flowers of snapdragons, and keeping things pest free is not an easy task if you’re looking for a bug-free snapdragon.

Hollyhocks

Hollyhocks are stately tall plants that make a dramatic statement in any garden, but they are also a favorite of Japanese beetles, spider mites and aphids. Hollyhocks are quickly overrun by these bugs and they leave behind damaged leaves and flowers. If you are a hollyhock lover, you are going to have some extra pest control.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a great edible plant, but it also attracts aphids and other sap sucking insects. These bugs are hidden perfectly in the leaves and here they reproduce very quickly. Rhubarb is a great kitchen plant, but it’s a pest magnet in the garden.

Morning Glories

Morning glories are cute and are easy to grow, but they’re also known to be attractive to aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. With these pests, the plant can quickly become covered by them and their vibrant flowers transformed into a bug filled zone. They’re also a haven for unwanted insects, but the morning glories will add a little color.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.