Episode 121: Wicked Plants

Let's Argue About Plants

They're creepy and they're kooky. Mysterious and spooky. They're all together ooky. Nope, it’s not the Adam’s Family, it’s the array of wicked plants on today’s episode. It’s Halloween season so we’ll be talking about an assortment of plants that are spiky, darkly pigmented, stinky, or perhaps even the most wicked of all: invasive. But don’t think every perennial or tree on this episode is unworthy of a spot in your garden, some are actually quite lovely landscape specimens. Can a plant truly be frightening? Sure it can—just ask Seymour Krelborn.

For further reading on wicked plants, check out this book by Amy Stewart.

Expert guest: Christine Alexander is the digital content editor for FineGardening.com.

Danielle’s Plants

‘Sasaba’ holly tea olive (Osmanthus heterophyllus ‘Sasaba’, Zones 6b-10)

Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum, Zones 4-9)

Wingthorn rose (Rosa sericea spp. pteracantha, Zones 5-9)

Carol’s Plants

Common dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum, Zones 4-8)

'Barker's Variety' monk’s hood (Aconitum carmichaelii 'Barker's Variety', Zones 3-7)

‘Flying Dragon’ hardy orange (Citrus trifoliata 'Flying Dragon', Zones 5-9)

Christine’s Plants

‘Teton’ firethorn (Pyracantha ‘Teton’ Zones 6 to 9)

‘Zanzibarensis’ castor bean (Ricinus communis* ‘Zanzibarensis’ Zones 8–10)

Chinese wisteria (Wisteria sinensis*, Zones 4 to 9)

*Indicates this plant may be considered invasive in certain parts of North America