Some plants are so striking , so downright irresistible , that multitude ca n’t help themselves — even if it mean sneaking a snipping from a public garden . It ’s not precisely civilised ( or legal ) , but it definitely enunciate something about the plant life ’s appealingness when folks are uncoerced to risk a side - eye from a green Texas Ranger just to take a man house .

These are the plant that seem to play out a little rascality in people — maybe it ’s the unusual coloration , the sodding texture , or the way they get the light at just the right angle . Whatever it is , they ’ve make a bit of a reputation . And frankly , once you see them , it ’s easy to understand why .

Japanese Maple

With its vivacious ruddy leaves and delicate structure , the Nipponese Maple is a show - stopper . It stands proudly in many public gardens , drawing admiration from passersby . Yet , its beauty is its curse , often making it a fair game for plant life thieves .

The graceful branches and complex foliage patterns create a mesmerize display , particularly during fall . Garden enthusiasts covet this tree for its elegance and the splash of color it bring to landscapes .

Despite its fragile appearance , the Japanese Maple is surprisingly dauntless , flourish in various climates . It ’s a nurseryman ’s dream , but also , unfortunately , a thief ’s delight .

22 Plants People Steal from Public Gardens (Because They’re That Good)

Hellebore

Hellebores , with their enchanting flower petal , often flower in early outflow , withstand the cold . Their subtle magic spell lie in their muted colors , ramble from soft pinks to creamy egg white .

These flowers are not only stunning but also springy , making them a front-runner in public gardens . They boom in shaded areas , adding a tactual sensation of elegance to otherwise look out on spot .

deplorably , their stunner and resiliency are on the button why they are frequently stolen . gardener appreciate them for their early bloom and unique power to bring aliveness to a garden ’s shadowy corner .

Japanese Maple

© Lowe’s

Orchid

Orchids are the epitome of exotic elegance , with their intricate efflorescence and captivating colors . They often adorn public gardens with their presence , adding an air of sophistication .

These flower are a symbolisation of luxury and are highly sought after by collector . Their rarity and variety make them choice targets for theft , as enthusiasts seek to bring them to personal collections .

Despite their fragile appearance , orchidaceous plant can be hardy , provide they are feed the correct shape . This counterpoise of knockout and resiliency makes them in demand by both gardener and thief .

Japanese Maple

Peony

Peonies are the floral avatar of romance , with their lush , fragrant blooms . These flowers are a favourite for weddings and special occasions , making them a sought - after addition to gardens .

Their large , layered petals create a stunning ocular exhibit , attracting both admirers and opportunistic thieves . The temptingness of peonies lies in their power to translate a garden with their vibrant colors and angelic odour .

However , their popularity is a twofold - border sword . While they raise any garden they ornament , they also become targets for those looking to snap up a piece of beauty .

Hellebore

© Fast Growing Trees

Succulent

Succulents are the pet of modern horticulture , with their varied human body and light upkeep . Their popularity is skyrocketing , and for a effective reason . These industrial plant store water in their leaves , allowing them to thrive in arid conditions .

They ’re staring for both novice gardener and seasoned pros , making them a staple in public garden . Their unique visual aspect and low upkeep entreaty make them irresistible .

regrettably , their trendiness also build them a objective for theft . Their versatility in excogitation and functionality entail they ’re highly essay after by those looking to raise their own distance .

Hellebore

Lavender

Lavender is more than just a pretty typeface ; its console aroma has made it a staple in garden worldwide . The rows of regal blooms are not only visually appealing but also offer a calming aroma that draws visitors in .

This redolent herb is hold dear for its versatility . From culinary purpose to aromatherapy , lavender serves many purposes , making it extremely suitable .

However , its widespread popularity means it ’s often abstract from public gardens . The compounding of its beauty and virtual uses do it an attractive target for those looking to benefit from its many quality .

Orchid

© westerlayorchids

Bamboo

Bamboo stand grandiloquent and majestic , often used as a natural privacy covert in public gardens . Its rapid growth and loom height make it an impressive sight .

This plant is not just about esthetics ; it ’s also implausibly hard-nosed . Bamboo is a renewable resource with countless uses , from construction to craft .

Its versatility and fast outgrowth charge per unit make it a live commodity , often leading to stealing . Gardeners and thieves alike appreciate bamboo for its posture and sustainability , work it a prized plant life in any background .

Orchid

Rosemary

Rosemary is a culinary powerhouse , beloved for its distinctive aroma and flavor . Its presence in a garden is both running and decorative , adding greenery and sweetness .

This herbaceous plant is a kitchen staple , often snipped for its leaves to heighten dishes . Its popularity in preparation realize it a frequent object for those look to spice up their meals .

Besides its culinary uses , rosemary is also revalue for its stout nature and ability to thrive in various conditions . Its dual - design appeal make it both a gardener ’s favourite and a target for opportunists .

Peony

© Britannica

Hydrangea

Hydrangeas are the prototype of garden charm , with their expectant peak clusters and vibrant hues . These bushes transform gardens into visual masterpiece , capturing the hearts of visitors .

The solicitation of hydrangeas lies in their versatility . They can change color base on soil pH , offer a spectrum of shades from pinkish to blue . This alone trait make them fascinating , yet also susceptible to theft .

gardener cherish hydrangeas for their hardiness and ability to clear up any landscape , but their sex appeal means they often evaporate from public gardens .

Peony

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is more than just a pretty flora ; it ’s a lifelike healer . Known for its soothe gelatin , this plant life is a favourite in gardens and habitation alike .

The thick , green leaves of Aloe Vera are both decorative and functional , offering a source of relief for minor burns and skin soreness . Its medicinal properties make it highly sought after .

However , the very lineament that make Aloe Vera desirable also lead to its theft from gardens . Its twofold role as a ornamental and healing works create it a worthful addition to any blank space .

Succulent

© Gold Leaf Botanicals

Fiddle Leaf Fig

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is the darling of interior designers and plant partizan likewise . With its gravid , lustrous leaves , it ’s a spectacular addition to any garden .

This plant ’s popularity has soared , thanks to its ability to complement contemporary decor . However , its oomph has made it a frequent target for theft .

gardener appreciate the Fiddle Leaf Fig for its bluff front and ability to thrive indoors and outdoors . Its status as a conception ikon makes it a must - have , but also a risk for public gardens .

Succulent

Cactus

Cacti are the paradigm of resilience , thriving in the harshest conditions . These plants are not just intrepid ; they ’re also visually intriguing , with alone shapes and spikelet .

In public garden , cacti offer a touch of the exotic , drawing the curiosity of visitor . Their ability to survive with minimal piddle create them a symbol of survival .

However , their unique visual aspect and abject upkeep make them meridian target for theft . Cacti are often take from gardens by those look to add a bit of desert charm to their own space .

Lavender

© White Flower Farm

Dahlia

Dahlias are a burst of color and complexity , with their superimposed petals and striking forms . These flowers are a nurseryman ’s dreaming , offering a assortment of shapes and sizes .

Their vibrant colors are captivating , making them a focal point in any public garden . Unfortunately , their beauty also makes them susceptible to thieving .

Gardeners prize Dahlias for their power to flower continuously , sum life story and colour throughout the time of year . Their stunning appearance and long - endure bloom of youth make them both a treasure and a temptation .

Lavender

Mint

Mint is a garden staple , be intimate for its invigorating olfactory property and culinary versatility . This herbaceous plant is easy to grow , spreading rapidly and offer a bounty of fragrant leaves .

Its presence in public gardens is both redolent and practical , providing a fresh olfactory property and a touch of park . However , its sex appeal for cookery and drinks make it a frequent target for theft .

Gardeners do it mint for its resiliency and rapid growth , but its popularity mean it ’s often taken by those looking to enhance their dishful or drinks at home .

Bamboo

© procosmet

Hosta

Hostas are the unsung fighter of suspicious gardens , with their large , textured leaves contribute depth and interest to any landscape painting . These plant are admired for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in miserable light .

In public gardens , Hostas bid a touch of greenery that brightens up shaded corners . Their miscellanea of leaf radiation pattern and colors make them a gardener ’s pet .

Unfortunately , their popularity and versatility also make them object for thieving . Their ability to thrive in difficult conditions imply they are often taken to grace secret gardens .

Bamboo

Wisteria

Wisteria is the epitome of romanticist magical spell , with its cascading blush and sweet fragrance . This vine transforms any garden into a fairy taradiddle setting .

The dish of Wisteria lie in in its ability to clothe elegantly over bodily structure , creating a arresting ocular display . Unfortunately , its temptingness make it a target for garden thieves .

gardener hold dear Wisteria for its enchanting flower and the touch of illusion it brings to gardens . However , its sex appeal mean it often disappears from public spaces , leave a void where beauty once prosper .

Rosemary

© Jackson & Perkins

Fern

Ferns are the quintessential shade lovers , flourish in the nerveless , damp recession of garden . Their lacy fronds bring an chemical element of texture and movement to any landscape .

In public garden , ferns provide a lush gullible backdrop , enhancing the beauty of flowering plant . Their power to prosper in less - than - ideal condition makes them a nurseryman ’s ally .

However , their adaptability and simple knockout also make them target area for theft . Ferns are often move out by those looking to boost their own garden ’s verdure without much travail .

Hydrangea

© Real Simple

Camellia

Camellias are the fairy of wintertime gardens , with their glossy parting and bright blooms defying the cold . These shrubs are a ducky for their ability to flower when most others do not .

Their flush , ranging from red to pink , bring a splash of color to wintertime landscapes , making them highly desirable . Unfortunately , their beauty also makes them a target for thieves .

gardener prize Camellias for their resiliency and winter blooms , but their popularity means they are often require to add heat and colouring material to individual gardens when most need .

Hydrangea

Magnolia

Magnolias are the epitome of southern charm , with their enceinte , fragrant flowers and statuesque presence . These Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree transmute garden into places of elegance and tranquility .

The appeal of Magnolias lies in their stunning efflorescence , which fill the air with a sweet scent . Their oculus - capture beauty makes them a focal point in any landscape .

alas , their oomph means they are often stolen , leaving a nothingness in public gardens . Gardeners treasure Magnolias for their beauty and fragrance , but their allure makes them a risk in communal space .

Aloe Vera

© naturebymarcbeyrouthy

Hibiscus

Hibiscus industrial plant are the kernel of tropical knockout , with their heavy , bold flowers and lush leafage . These plants bring a touch of the exotic to any garden .

In public gardens , Hibiscus blooms make a stunning ocular display , captivating visitors with their vivacious colors . Unfortunately , their collection makes them targets for thievery .

Gardeners appreciate Hibiscus for their power to thrive in strong climates , add colour and life to gardens . However , their desirability imply they often disappear , leave behind bare spots where beauty once flourished .

Aloe Vera

Tulip

Tulips are the heralds of fountain , with their bright , cupful - shape flush contribute cheerfulness to gardens . These bulbs are a symbol of renewal and beauty .

In public garden , tulips create a vivacious arras of colouring , drawing visitant with their simple yet striking blooms . Unfortunately , their popularity have them a frequent aim for stealing .

Gardeners cherish tulips for their easy refinement and the burst of color they bring . However , their temptingness imply they often go away from public spaces , snapped up by those wanting a firearm of natural spring ’s glory .

Fiddle Leaf Fig

© Gardening4Joy

Lilac

Lilacs are the embodiment of spring ’s scent , with their angelical - smell out clustering of flowers . These shrubs are beloved for their ability to fill the air with a delicious perfume .

In public gardens , lilacs add both ravisher and aroma , create an inviting atmosphere for visitors . regrettably , their popularity and enchanting fragrancy make them target for theft .

gardener prize lilacs for their hardy nature and the sensory experience they provide . However , their desirability intend they often disappear from communal spaces , leaving a spread in both scent and vision .

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Cactus

© Rocket Farms

Dahlia

© White Flower Farm

Mint

© Bonnie Plants

Hosta

© Longfield Gardens

Wisteria

© Sejahtera Seeds and Bulbs

Fern

© Easy To Grow Bulbs

Camellia

© Southern Living

Magnolia

© FloraStore

Hibiscus

© Greenwood Creek Nursery

Tulip

© Tulip Store

Lilac

© University of Maryland Extension