Consumer advice center complains: Hornbach is misleading with insect-friendly” plants!

Consumer advice center complains: Hornbach is misleading with insect-friendly” plants!

Who would have thought that many dangerous plants could be hidden behind the colorful flowers in the hardware store? The Saxony consumer advice center has targeted the popular Hornbach hardware store and is suing it for misleading advertising. The dispute revolves around the so-called “nature protection hedges”, which are advertised with four plant species, including the common longhorn, golden bells, butterfly lilac and the apple rose. In fact, you should look closely because, according to the consumer advice center, three of these plants are potentially invasive and pose a threat to biodiversity. The insect-friendliness that is promised is more of a shot in the oven here, because the plants are classified as “useless for insects” and could do more harm than good.

Particular attention is paid to the apple rose (Rosa rugosa), which is not only on the list of invasive species, but also causes a lot of damage to nature. The German Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND e. V.) has also proven that the promises that these plants are insect-friendly are often not true. References to the risks are sharply criticized by the consumer advice center because a lack of transparency makes it difficult for hobby gardeners to make informed purchasing decisions. The Hornbach Group, which operates 171 DIY stores and garden centers in Europe, is now confronted with this lawsuit and has so far refused to issue a cease and desist declaration.

The dangers of invasive plants

Invasive plant species not only spread in gardens, but also endanger the entire biodiversity. These plants can displace native species and damage ecosystems. Early detection and removal is crucial to protect nature. In Germany, 121 vascular plant species are already classified as problematic for biodiversity, of which 45 are considered invasive and 76 are considered potentially invasive. The EU made a new expansion to its Union list of invasive species on August 7, 2025, which now includes 49 plant and 65 animal species.

Measures to combat invasive species range from early detection to targeted control strategies. If you're not careful, you could quickly get into a big mess if not only the plants but also concerns about biodiversity and the health of the gardens increase.

Alternatives for environmentally conscious gardeners

In order not to have to do without plants completely, there are numerous alternatives for those who value a healthy and diverse garden landscape. The consumer advice center recommends, among other things:

• Kornelkirsche
• heimische Wildrosen
• Weißdorn
• Vogelbeere
• Schlehe
• Liguster

It remains to be seen how the legal disputes surrounding Hornbach will develop. The fact is that increasing awareness of the dangers of invasive plants is needed more than ever. After all, our gardens should not only look beautiful, but also make a valuable contribution to nature conservation. If you look at the situation, the hobby gardener now has to look very closely and develop a good knack for the right plants. There's a lot at stake!