15 Shrubs You Might Regret Planting Due to Insect Trouble

Shrubs can transform a garden, adding vibrant colors, fragrant blooms, and lush greenery. But some shrubs come with an unexpected downside: they attract pests that sting, bite, or spread disease. While these plants are visually appealing and can even enhance your landscape, they may invite trouble into your outdoor spaces.

Before you decide on the perfect shrub for your garden, it’s worth knowing which ones might also attract unwelcome guests.

1. Nandina

Nandina, also known as heavenly bamboo, features attractive berries but also attracts fruit flies. These, in turn, lure spiders and other predatory insects, creating a mini ecosystem of pest problems. If you’re not a fan of creepy crawlies, you might want to steer clear of this shrub.

2. Forsythia

Bright yellow forsythia blooms herald spring, but their nectar is irresistible to bees and wasps. Early in the season, when other flowers are scarce, this shrub becomes a hotbed of buzzing activity—potentially problematic for allergy sufferers.

3. Beautyberry

The eye-catching purple berries of beautyberry shrubs are a feast for yellowjackets. Gardeners planting this for its ornamental value often find themselves battling nearby yellowjacket nests.

4. Spirea

The delicate blossoms of spirea may look lovely, but they attract aphids. While aphids themselves are harmless, they excrete honeydew, which draws ants and wasps, creating a cascade of unwanted visitors.

5. Rose of Sharon

The stunning blooms of Rose of Sharon hold moisture, making them an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. If you love this shrub, place it in a well-drained and breezy area to minimize mosquito issues.

6. Japanese Barberry

A favorite in landscaping due to its thorny, compact shape, Japanese barberry is a hiding spot for ticks. It’s especially concerning if your garden borders wooded areas, as this shrub can encourage a tick population.

7. Rhododendron

While rhododendrons dazzle with their vivid blooms, they attract honeybees and wasps in large numbers. This can be overwhelming, especially for those allergic to stings or uncomfortable around swarms of buzzing insects.

8. Oleander

Oleander’s showy blooms thrive in various climates, but they are a magnet for wasps. Wasps are drawn to the nectar, making this shrub less ideal for households with children or pets.

9. Holly

A festive favorite, holly’s shiny leaves and red berries are a sweet treat for flies and wasps. This makes holly less than ideal for areas where you plan to entertain or enjoy outdoor meals.

10. Elderberry

Known for its medicinal properties and edible berries, elderberry shrubs are a magnet for hornets. These aggressive insects are drawn to the sugar content in the berries, making elderberry a risky choice near patios or play areas.

11. Firethorn

True to its name, firethorn shrubs sport fiery berries that lure flies, bees, and yellowjackets. Coupled with its thorny branches, this plant can make garden maintenance a painful ordeal.

12. Honeysuckle

The fragrant honeysuckle shrub is a delight to the senses, but its nectar attracts wasps and hornets. Some gardeners have even found hornet nests forming in the honeysuckle’s twisting vines.

13. Juniper

Juniper shrubs, with their dense needles, attract mites and other biting insects. These pests can thrive undetected, making juniper less than ideal for those who spend a lot of time in their gardens.

14. Privet

Popular for privacy hedges, privet is a haven for mosquitoes. The dense foliage creates shady, humid conditions that mosquitoes love. A Texas A&M study revealed a 25% increase in mosquito activity in yards with privet compared to those without it.

15. Boxwood

Boxwoods are classic landscaping choices, but they attract spider mites, which can leave itchy welts on humans. These pests thrive on the shrub’s leaves, often leaving gardeners regretting their choice.