15 Best Weed Killers for Flower Beds
Best weed killers for flower beds can help you enjoy the blooms pleasantly instead of worrying about having to pull the weeds every morning.
Everyone knows that it is not easy to make flower beds clear of unwanted grass weeds. If you ignore it for a while, the weeds will grow at a breakneck speed and absorb nutrients and water meant for flowers and make it impossible for them to thrive.
Today, there are many products on the market that help to control and kill unwanted weeds and live plants. You may feel a bit overwhelmed at first learning about these products because of their variety.
My following article will equip you with some basics as well as analyze the 15 best products for you to make the most accurate decision.
Types Of Weed Killers
Let’s learn about some types of weed killers below before we move further in the following sections of the review
Pre-Emergent vs. Post-Emergent Weed Killer
Both are lawn care products that are the enemy of weeds and broadleaf weeds; however, they are quite different. Let’s see why.
Pre-emergent herbicide is used to prevent weeds from your lawn. It establishes a potent barrier on the top layer of the ground so that weeds have no chance to grow.
If the weeds have been growing, pre-emergent herbicides become useless. At that time, you need the post-emergent herbicide, which is designed to kill growing weeds and broadleaf weeds.
Selective vs. Non-selective
Do you have any types of unwanted weeds in your mind, or you want to kill them all?
Selective herbicides kill only weeds, which are included in the list on the product labels.
Non-selective herbicides kill all the weeds and plants they contact.
As such, you must refer to the list carefully before application to protect your flower beds.
Residual, Contact, and Systemic
Residual Weed Killers
You also know them under the name of soil acting weed killer. This type of herbicide will poison the soil around the plant’s area you want to terminate. Once they traveled underground, they might stay for months or even years. As such, these weed killers might be suitable for non-crop lands and shouldn’t be used for edible plants.
Contact Weed Killers
They will destroy plants or a part of foliage that they come into direct contact with and often act very quickly. Contact weed killers are available in non-selective or selective forms.
Systemic Weed Killers
Systemic weed killers are absorbed by the foliage, then move to other parts of the plants, and finally, go down to the roots. This way, they can kill weeds and targeted plants effectively.
What Are The Best Weed Killer For Flower Beds?
The best weed killers for flower beds can ensure your garden’s growth by eliminating weeds right before they have a chance to damage your plants. When looking for the best weed killers for flower beds, pay attention to Compare-N-Save, Roundup, or Preen.
These products often associate with excellent performance and quick results. Let’s skim through some of the recommended weed killers for flower beds as follows.
- Best Overall: Compare-N-Save 016869 Concentrate Weed Killer
“All-purpose weed killer with 41% glyphosate, quick visible results and kill annual and tough weeds.” - Best Budget: Preen 2464092 Extended Control Weed Killer
“Able to control various broadleaf and grass weeds while doing no harm to flower beds, convenient and easy to apply.” - Best Natural: Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer
“OMRI-listed organic herbicide with no additives, made from corn and ready to use.” - Best Concentrate: Roundup Concentrate Plus Weed Killer
“Kill weeds to their roots, use with Roundup branded tank sprayer, serves well with garden or lawn replacements.” - Best Organic: Natural Armor Concentrated Formula Weed Killer
“A ready-to-use Weed Killer For Flower Beds, 1-hour rainproof, effective for Bermudagrass.” - Best Pre-Emergent: Roundup 4385106 Landscape Weed Killer
“100% all-natural and organic, safe for people, pets and environment, easy to apply.” - Best with Dicamba: Ortho 0430005 Weed B Gon Concentrate Weed Killer
“Concentrated weed killer, keep lawns unharmed while halts many broadleaf weeds, able to be rainproof in 1 hour.” - Best with Sprayer: Natria 100532521 Herbicide Weed Killer
“Ready-to-use sprayer, safe for people and environment, effective and potent.” - Best with Glyphosate: RM43 43-Percent Weed Killer
“43% glyphosate as an active ingredient, lasts up to 12 months and able to cover a large area.”
Comparison Chart of Best Weed Killers For Flower Beds in 2023
The following chart will list 15 best weed killers for flower beds so you can easily choose from. Notably, it is intended to reflect basic similarities and differences between products based on basic information such as dimensions, weight, type and coverage.
Let’s see them together so that you can compare their highlight features and make a good purchase.
Top 15 Best Weed Killer For Flower Beds Reviews 2023
Below are the 15 best weed killers for flower beds products, which are examined in detail. For this reason, you should spend more time here to find out the pros and cons of each product so that you can buy the right one.
1. Compare-N-Save 016869 Concentrate Weed Killer
(Best Overall)
Compare-N-Save 016869 is known as an all-purpose weed and grass killer. With 41% glyphosate, this product can kill almost the growing plants you aim to. It’s absorbed through leaves, then moves to roots without contaminating soil.
Compare-N-Save 016869 is suitable for driveways and walkways, fences, paths, patios, sidewalks, flower beds, trees, shrubs, fruit and vegetable gardens. This product is not recommended for spot weed control because it might affect existing lawns around the treatment area.
After applying this herbicide, you will soon notice some visible results in 2-4 days, and after 1-2 weeks, all weeds and grass will be gone.
It’s super active against tough-to-kill weeds, for example, Bermudagrass; therefore, you can rest assured about its effectiveness.
Key features:
- 1-gallon container
- Post-emergent herbicide
- 41% glyphosate
- Applies in calm weather with no rain
- Visible results in 2-4 days
Pros
- Able to kill annual and tough weeds
- Apply for various sites
- Delivers quick results
- Doesn’t affect the soil
Cons
- It’s not for spot weed control
Product Specifications
Brand | Compare-N-Save |
Net Contents | 1 gallon |
Active ingredients | Glyphosate |
Visible result | 2-4 days |
Use sites | Driveways and walkways, fences, paths, patios, sidewalks, flower beds, trees, shrubs, fruit and vegetable gardens |
Let’s see how to apply Compare N Save Weed & Grass Killer:
2. Preen 2464092 Extended Control Weed Killer
(Best Budget)
Preen 2464092 is powerful enough to last up to 6 months for every application; therefore, you can save extra time and money while protecting your flower beds for quite a long time.
It comes in an orange jug with a well-designed flip-top cap, so it’s straightforward to use. In terms of effectiveness, once it’s activated, it will create a potent barrier to prevent weeds.
This product is suitable for use on shrubs and trees, mostly for flower beds and gardens. There is a long list of the broadleaf and grass weeds that this product can kill; therefore, you can rest assured that it can keep your ground weed-free.
Key features:
- Stored in a convenient jug
- Lasts up to 6 months
- Able to control many types of broadleaf and grass weeds
- Used on shrubs, trees, flower beds
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Easy to apply
- Comes with thorough guidance
Cons
- It’s not suitable for being used on edible plants, lawns, vegetable gardens, food-producing plants, and flower seeds
Product Specifications
Brand | Preen |
Net Contents | 4.93 pounds |
Active ingredients | Trifluralin, Isoxaben |
Visible result | Not specific |
Use sites | Lawn, vegetable gardens, water gardens, flower beds |
3. Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer
(Best Natural)
Green Gobbler is a non-selective herbicide that contains 20% acetic acid; therefore, this weed killer is one of the ideal options for people who prefer natural products. To be more specific, it’s made from corn.
This solution is four times more potent than regular table vinegar. When using, you should avoid spraying it on plants and grass you want to keep.
This product is stored in a 1-gallon jar and can keep your ground free from moss, crabgrass, white clover, dandelions, clover weeds, and more.
The best part? It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it can help you feel more confident when buying.
Key features:
- Packed in a 1-gallon jar
- OMRI-listed organic herbicide
- Glyphosate-free, additive-free
- Contains 20% acetic acid
- Made from corn
Pros
- Effective
- Environmentally-friendly
- Ready-to-use
- Visible results in 24 hours
Cons
- It might only be useful for the short term, then you need to reapply it
Product Specifications
Brand | Green Gobbler |
Net Contents | 1 gallon |
Active ingredients | Acetic acid |
Visible result | 24 hours |
Use sites | Flower beds, driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, mulch beds, barns, pavers, farmlands |
Click to see a short introduction about Green Gobbler:
4. Roundup Concentrate Plus Weed Killer
(Best Concentrate)
Roundup Concentrate is a powerful weed killer that can terminate most tough weeds.
Because it’s concentrated, just a small amount of this product will do wonders to your flower beds and other tended sites such as patios, walkways, driveways, gravel areas, and more. It also serves well with garden or lawn replacements.
This product will kill weeds down to their roots; therefore, you don’t need to reapply it. Moreover, it’s recommended that you use with Roundup branded tank sprayer for easy and practical application.
Key features:
- Concentrated herbicide
- Rainproof in 30 minutes
- Visible results in 12 hours
- Kill weeds to their root
- Use with Roundup branded tank sprayer
Pros
- No need to reapply
- Economical use
- Powerful
- Suitable for large areas
Cons
- It’s not for use around existing edibles
Product Specifications
Brand | Roundup |
Net Contents | 36.8 ounces |
Active ingredients | Glyphosate |
Visible Results Timing | 12 hours |
Use sites | Patios, walkways, driveways, gravel areas, around tree rings, in mulched beds, along fence lines, along foundations, in/around flower beds, lawn renovation, and garden prep |
Click to see how to:
5. Natural Armor Concentrated Formula Weed Killer
(Best Organic)
If you are on the market for a high-quality and safe product for people, pets, and the environment, you need to look no further than Natural Armor.
Because of its ingredients, this product is 100% all-natural and organic. It contains sodium chloride as an active ingredient and is chemical-free, glyphosate-free, and additive-free. This product can be used immediately without any further mixing step.
In terms of effectiveness, it can deal with more than 250 types of weeds and grasses. You will soon notice the expected outcome in less than a day.
Key features:
- Family-owned company
- 100% all-natural and organic
- Safe for people, pets, and the environment
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Works fast in just a few hours
- Prevents many types of weeds
- Comes with a heavy-duty trigger sprayer
Cons
- Its scent might be a bit unpleasant
Product Specifications
Brand | Natural Armor |
Net Contents | 128 ounces |
Active ingredients | Sodium chloride |
Visible Results Timing | Not specific |
Use sites | Around flower beds, grave areas, mulch beds,
shrubs and trees, patios, pavers, pool areas, walkways, barns, rock walls and pathways, wells, edging, fencing lines, foundations, & water systems |
6. Roundup 4385106 Landscape Weed Killer
(Best Pre-Emergent)
Roundup 4385106 keeps your lawns clear of weeds and maintains the development of desired plants and flowers in your garden.
After sprinkling this granular herbicide around the ornamental landscape, flower beds, trees and shrubs, it will act as a barrier to protect your area.
Their effectiveness can last up to 6 months. That means you don’t need to reapply for it regularly.
Notably, it would be better if you water the soil before and after applying. This way, you can activate the herbicide and achieves the expected outcome soon.
It’s available in a 5.37 and 13-pound shaker bag with a comfortable in-bag handle.
Key features:
- Nice packaging
- Built-in applicator and in-bag handle
- Protect your flower beds for up to 6 months
- Available in two sizes of 5.37 and 13 pounds
Pros
- Useful
- Comfortable to use
- Ideal for many types of grass weeds and broadleaf weeds
- Keep other plants safe
Cons
- It might be not ideal for edible fruit, vegetables, or herb areas
Product Specifications
Brand | Roundup |
Net Contents | 5.37 pounds |
Active ingredients | Pendimethalin |
Visible Results Timing | Not specific |
Use sites | Ornamental landscape, flower beds, trees, and shrubs |
7. Ortho 0430005 Weed B Gon Concentrate Weed Killer
(Best with Dicamba)
Ortho Weed B Gon is another concentrated weed killer that you can purchase to protect your beloved flower beds from grass weeds and broadleaf weeds. The active ingredients including dimethylamine, quinclorac, dicamba help control weed growth.
Please apply it when the air is calm, and the temperature is under 90 degrees F. If you accidentally spray the herbicide on a rainy day, know that it can rainproof within an hour.
This product is stored in a 1-gallon jug that can cover 64,000 square feet. Notably, it can kill unwanted weeds to their roots so that they won’t come back again.
Referring to label instructions right after you intend to buy the product so that you will know clearly about 250 types of grass weeds and broadleaf weeds that Ortho Weed B Gon can handle.
Key features:
- Concentrated weed killer
- Stored in a 1-gallon jug
- Halts many prevalent broadleaf weeds
- Kill weeds to their roots
Pros
- Keep lawns unharmed
- Able to cover a large area
- Rainproof in 1 hour
- Brings expected results in hours
Cons
- The product might not be intended to use on several types of weeds such as Bentgrass, Floratram variety of St. Augustinegrass, and more
Product Specifications
Brand | Ortho |
Net Contents | 1 gallon |
Active ingredients | Dimethylamine, quinclorac, dicamba |
Visible Results Timing | 24 hours |
Use sites | Buffalograss, tall fescue, fine fescue, established lawns of St. Augustinegrass (do not use on Floratam), Bermudagrass, flower beds, centipedegrass, zoysiagrass, bahiagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass |
8. Doctor Kirchner No Hormone Disrupting Chemicals Weed Killer
Doctor Kirchner is a natural, award-winning herbicide that is highly trusted on the market. For those who wonder, it’s made from ocean saltwater, heavy-duty food-grade vinegar, and soap.
Thanks to all-natural ingredients, this product is safe to use around kids and pets. This product is also a sustainable choice to protect the environment in the long term.
Doctor Kirchner has an impressive shelf-life of 4 years; therefore, if you store it properly, you can rest assured about its quality for quite a long time.
This herbicide is versatile and practical. As you might not know, the product is available in 1, 2.5, and 5-gallon containers. It’s up to you to purchase the right size for your garden.
Key features:
- Non-selective natural herbicide
- Safe for kids, pets, and the environment
- Long shelf life
- No Glyphosate
Pros
- Potent and versatile
- Commercial-grade ingredient
- Unique and sustainable formula
- Ready to use
Cons
- Not easy-to-follow direction
Product Specifications
Brand | Doctor Kirchner |
Net Contents | 2.5 gallons |
Active ingredients | Sodium chloride |
Visible Results Timing | 12-24 hours |
Use sites | Flower beds, courtyards, walkways and gardens |
9. Hi-Yield Fertilome 33692 Killzall Weed Killer
Hi-Yield Fertilome 33692 is a non-selective weed killer that features a unique double-surfactant formulation for quick and powerful results. It comes in various sizes, including 8,16, 32-ounce, and 1 gallon.
In terms of application rate, you could adopt the instruction from the manufacturer to archive desired goals. It’s recommended that we use three tablespoons per gallon of water for general weed control while increasing the amount by almost half for stubborn grass.
This multi-use herbicide works like a charm near fences, paths, patios, sidewalks, curbs, and driveways.
Key features:
- Non-selective weed killer
- Contains 41% glyphosate
- Double-surfactant formulation
- Also available in 1-gallon, 8-ounce, and 16-ounce size
Pros
- Multi-use herbicide
- Comes with detailed instruction
- Great for various sites
- Powerful formula
Cons
- This product might not work with wild garlic/chives
Product Specifications
Brand | Hi-Yield |
Net Contents | 32 ounces |
Active ingredients | Glyphosate |
Visible Results Timing | 24 hours |
Use sites | Near fences, in paths, patios, sidewalks, curbs flower beds, and driveways |
Let’s watch this video for some exciting information about Hi-Yield products:
10. Espoma CGP25 Lawn Food Weed Killer
Espoma CGP25 not only makes weeds disappear from your garden but also promotes greener lawns day by day. Featuring fertilizer analysis of 9-0-0, this product provides nitrogen for deepening roots.
It can inhibit the expansion of crabgrass, dandelions, and various widespread weeds found around flower beds, ornamental landscape as well as home lawns.
Espoma CGP25 is made from 100% corn gluten meal; therefore, it’s all-natural and environmentally-friendly. As such, this weed killer is risk-free for children and pets to play outdoors right after application.
To ensure optimal results, it’s suggested that you should implement this herbicide two times a year in early spring and fall.
Key features:
- 25-pound bag
- Made from pure corn gluten meal
- Applied in early spring and early fall
- Prevents dandelions, crabgrass, and other popular weeds
Pros
- Kid and pet-friendly
- Maintains green lawns
- All-natural herbicide and lawn food
Cons
- It needs to be reapplied twice a year
Product Specifications
Brand | Espoma |
Net Contents | 25 pounds |
Active ingredients | Corn gluten meal |
Visible Results Timing | Not specific |
Use sites | Established lawns, flower beds |
Find out more about Espoma CGP25 here:
11. Natria 100532521 Herbicide Weed Killer
(Best with Sprayer)
Natria 100532521 is a potent and powerful herbicide that undoubtedly worth your consideration. It’s safe for people and the environment. Notably, if prefer a convenient and ready-to-spray product, Natria 100532521 should be on top of your shopping list. This weed killer is equipped with a easy-to-use sprayer.
This herbicide is doesn’t take long for you to see the obvious outcome in less than 24 hours.
Natria 100532521 features a unique formula that can kill to the root of weeds and makes sure they won’t come back. As such, this weed killer appears economical compared to some products in the market. It also comes in four different sizes for different needs.
Key features:
- Ready to spray
- Non-selective herbicide
- Can be used anytime
- Available in 4 sizes
Pros
- Effective and potent
- Works fast
- Economical
- Kills to the root
Cons
- It might destroy all the plants if you accidentally spray on them
Product Specifications
Brand | Natria |
Net Contents | 24 ounces |
Active ingredients | Ammoniated soap of fatty acids, maleic hydrazide |
Visible Results Timing | 24 hours |
Use sites | Patios, driveways, sidewalks, flower beds |
Let’s watch a quick and informative introduction about Natria here:
12. Spectracide 96451 Concentrate Weed Killer
Spectracide 96451 comes with a money-back guarantee as a commitment to quality, so you can give it a chance to see if it performs well.
Featuring Diquat, Fluazifop-p-butyl, and Dicamba as active ingredients, this product seems to triple the power to eradicate the grass. The manufacturer offers various sizes, including 40, 16, 32, 64 ounces, and 1 gallon.
Owing to its concentrated properties, you can expect it to last longer and can treat more of your lawns.
This non-selective weed killer can be used along fences, paths, patios, sidewalks, curbs, and driveways, and around ornamental trees, shrubs, flower beds, and plantings around buildings.
Key features:
- Non-selective herbicide
- Noticeable result in 3 hours
- Rainproof in 15 minutes
- Money-back guarantee
Pros
- Effective
- Long-lasting use
- Available in various sizes
Cons
- You shouldn’t use it on or around edible feed or food crops
Product Specifications
Brand | Spectracide | ||
Net Contents | 0.5 gallon | ||
Active ingredients |
| Diquat Dibromide, fluazifop-p-butyl, dicamba, dimethylamine | |
Diquat Dibromide, fluazifop-p-butyl, dicamba, dimethylamine | |||
Visible Results Timing | 3 hours | ||
Use sites | Use along fences, paths, patios, sidewalks, curbs and
driveways, and around ornamental trees, shrubs, flower beds and plantings around buildings |
How to use Spectracide weed & grass killer? Let’s click this video to find out:
13. RM43 43-Percent Weed Killer
(Best with Glyphosate)
Featuring a 1-gallon capacity, RM43 can cover up to 17,297 square feet, so this product is an excellent choice for large areas.
RM43 contains glyphosate as an active ingredient. That’s why it’s designed to put an end to all plants and weeds in the chosen area. It can keep your ground free from weeds, broadleaf weeds for up to 12 months. As such, it seems to be economical to use.
This herbicide is perfect for spot treatment. That means you can use it to halt weeds, brush, vines, and undesired growth in a specific area. You should be cautious when using around trees and shrubs.
Key features:
- Kill every plant existing in your area
- Great for non-crop sites
- A combination of herbicides and surfactant
- Lasts up to 12 months
Pros
- Covers a large area
- Maintains effectiveness for quite a long time
- Able to halt unwanted growth
- Efficient spot treatment
Cons
- This weed killer might keep your ground clear from all growing plants in quite a long time so it’s only used for non-crop areas
Product Specifications
Brand | RM43 | ||
Net Contents | 128 ounces | ||
Active ingredients |
| Glyphosate | |
Glyphosate | |||
Visible Results Timing | Not specific | ||
Use sites | Non-crop areas: Fence rows, gravel paths, sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and around farm buildings and barns, flower beds |
Discover more about RM43 43-Percent:
14. Preen 2464110 Garden Weed Killer
If you want to carefully take care of the flower beds from the very beginning, you can use Preen 2464110. It’s made to prevent weeds from growing. All you need to do is sprinkle it on the tended area.
It can cover up to 900 square feet of the ground and keep your garden free of weeds for up to 3 months.
For better results, it’s advised that you should eliminate all the existing weeds, mulch the ground, then apply this product and water to finish. Ideally, you will use it in the spring; however, you could do it anytime then if you miss this time of year.
This product is also available in 13, 16, and 31.3-pound containers.
Key features:
- 24% Dithiopyr
- Works with 40 different grass and broadleaf weeds
- Used on commercial and residential lawns
- Available in both 0.5-gallon and 2.5-gallon jugs
Pros
- Comes with a slight odor
- Simple to use
- Wide coverage
- Season-long protection
Cons
- It might be best for crabgrass; however, it might not be too powerful for others
Product Specifications
Brand | Preen | ||
Net Contents | 5.625 pounds | ||
Active ingredients |
Trifluralin | ||
Visible Results Timing | Not specific | ||
Use sites | Established flowers, vegetables, trees, and shrubs |
15. Roundup 5720010 Concentrate Extended Weed Killer
Roundup 5720010 is a perfect herbicide you are looking for because it can kill and prevent weeds at the same time.
What is more, this herbicide can stay effective for up to 4 months. That way, Roundup 5720010 can keep your garden free of weeds for quite a long time. Not to mention, thanks to being concentrated liquid, it’s economical when using and can last for a more extended period.
With trifluralin as an active ingredient, this herbicide is made to kill weeds to their roots. After application, you will get visible results in about 3 hours.
It’s suitable for driveways, patios, sidewalks, paths, tree rings, mulched areas, along fence lines, and gravel areas.
Products are manufactured in two sizes of 16 and 32 ounces, can respectively cover an area of 800 and 1600 square feet.
Key features:
- Dual-action formula
- Able to prevent weeds in 4 months
- Available in 16 and 32-ounce of weight
- Visible results in 3 hours
Pros
- An effective and unique formula
- Economical
- Both prevents and kills weeds
Cons
- It might not be suitable to use in lawns or for lawn renovation
Product Specifications
Brand | Roundup | ||
Net Contents | 16 ounces | ||
Active ingredients |
Glyphosate, isopropylamine salt, diquat dibromide, imazapic ammonium salt, | ||
Visible Results Timing | 3 hours | ||
Use sites | Flower beds, driveways, sidewalks, and patios; along fences, foundations, curbs, retaining walls and edge of lawns, as well as on decorative rock or gravel areas |
How To Choose The Best Weed Killer For Flower Beds
When it comes to choosing weed killers for flower beds products, you might need to refer to some vital elements. Let’s examine them one by one.
Selectivity
As I have said at the beginning of this article, selective products only focus on certain types of weeds while keeping others safe. It’s designed to use on lawns and ornamental landscape. However, they can’t be as powerful as non-selective herbicides.
Non-selective will destroy all plants and should be used for non-crop sites.
Emergence
If you plan to clear the plot right before planting flowers and also protect them from potential weed seeds and sprouts, you will probably need to prioritize buying pre-emergent products.
Otherwise, you can use post-emergent to kill existing plants and weeds.
Coverage
Another factor you should consider is the coverage. That means how wide the area that your product can provide.
Once you estimate the coverage ground, you will know how much weed killer for flower beds you need to order.
You should follow the instruction on the product label to achieve the optimal result and ensure the expected quantity and quality.
FAQs
If you have any doubt about the best weed killers for flower beds, you should refer to the following questions.
My Top Pick
Finding the right weed killers for flower beds are quite a tough task. For this reason, I have spent my time studying the 15 best products in the market and look hard enough into each product.
Based on what I found, you can get some knowledge to pick the best option for your plants.
And I highly recommend Compare-N-Save 016869 Concentrate Weed Killer for all gardeners who are struggling with weeds for its reliability and quick effect.
Drop me some lines below in the comment section so that we can discuss more about this topic.