Weeds can be a gardener’s worst nightmare, but plants will naturally “smother” weeds without you having to lift a finger
Weeds can be a real nuisance, particularly if you’re keen to avoid chemical weed killers or hours of back-breaking work. While some gardeners swear by salt, vinegar, or boiling water as natural herbicides, there’s a risk of rendering your soil barren and harming your prized plants.
Left unchecked, weeds can overshadow other plants in a competition for sunlight, moisture, and nutrients. Bearing this in mind, gardening journalist and blogger Graham Rice listed three plants that will naturally “smother” weeds before they become an issue on the Richard Jackson Garden website.
Invasive young weeds can be stifled by ground cover plants which leave no room for them to flourish. Still, it should be noted that these aren’t a solution for already established weeds.
Three plants that naturally banish weeds
Hostas
Hostas offer a spectrum of sizes, so there’s bound to be one that fits your garden to a tee.
While their leaves do retreat in winter, the gardening guru assures that from spring to autumn, the plants’ leaves “overlap and overlap again”, casting such a deep shade underneath that weeds “don’t get a look in”.
Hostas flourish in both shadow and sunlight, boasting a variety of leaf colours and patterns. Some even sprout spectacular flowers that are sure to add a splash of colour to your garden.
Lady’s Mantle
As Mr Rice pointed out, Lady’s Mantle combats weeds in two distinct ways. Alongside boasting charming blooms that resemble “tiny stars”, its expansive, rounded foliage spreads wide to form a leafy barricade against weeds.
It also produces an abundance of upright flower spikes that help to edge out unwanted green invaders. The delightful yellow-green blossoms not only smother weeds but can be snipped for vase arrangements that will enliven any kitchen or dining space.
This versatile greenery achieves a height of 30-50cm and thrives in full shade, full sun, or semi-shade, making it a sterling choice for differnt garden settings.
Bugle
If you’re battling with a shady, weed-ridden patch in your garden, bugle could be just the ticket.
“Bugle keeps out weeds by steadily creeping over the surface of the soil, putting down roots as it goes, and all the leaves knit together to leave not a millimetre of soil into which a weed can wheedle,” said Mr Rice.
Despite standing only a few centimetres tall, this plant packs a punch with its vibrant foliage and flowers. Come late spring, bugle bursts into bloom with charming blue flowers that are a hit with pollinators.
Its leaves, which typically hug the ground, come in a palette of green, bronze, pink, cream, and white, often sporting a mix of hues.