They’re tough, they’re hardy, they thrive in almost any location. So why don’t we love them? Give this episode a listen to hear about why—despite the many good attributes of these plants—we just can’t bring ourselves to draw a heart around them. It’s easy to ask gardeners what plants they hate—we all have long lists of inferior perennials, trees, and shrubs that are weak or have unruly habits that make them deserving of our ire. But what about those plants that haven’t done anything to get themselves on our “Do not buy” lists? Turns out that Carol and Danielle aren’t the only ones with those complicated feelings. Today’s expert has similar thoughts. 

Expert testimony: Andy Pulte is a faculty member of the plant sciences department at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Danielle’s Plants

‘Peachie’s Pick’ Stokes’ aster (Stokesia laevis ‘Peachie’s Pick’, Zones 5–9)

‘Persian Ruby’ daylily (Hemerocallis ‘Persian Ruby’, Zones 3–9)

Veronica (Veronica spicata and cvs., Zones 3–8)

Blue rug juniper (Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’, Zones 3–9)

Carol’s Plants

‘Aurea’ catalpa (Catalpa bignonioides, Zones 5–9)

Hostas (Hosta spp. and cvs.,  Zones 3–8)

Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium, Zones 3–9)

Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa, Zones 3–8)

Expert’s Plants

Daylily (Hemerocallis spp. and cvs., Zones 3–9)

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus and cvs., Zones 5–8)

Shasta daisy (Leucanthemum × superbum and cvs., Zones 5–8)