Gardeners warned about destructive plant 'as bad as knotweed'

Daily Mirror

03-06-2025

Gardening experts have raised concerns about this seemingly innocent-looking plant which can cause "significant damage" to buildings
Buddleia might add a dash of colour to UK gardens, but these purple plants have already caused significant distress about their potential to cause considerable damage to properties.
Experts fear that the plant, which is also known as the "butterfly bush", can be problematic for homeowners and some have already equated its level of threat to another notorious horticultural hazard, Japanese knotweed.
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Environmental Controls, a company specialising in removing invasive weeds, has warned homeowners regarding the often underestimated dangers of buddleia.
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Beloved for its attractive blooms, the plant is notorious for tearing through buildings, exploiting any weakness, such as cracks and fragile mortar, similar to the feared knotweed.
Speaking on the matter, company spokesman Jennifer Holmes said: "Both buddleia and knotweed can cause significant damage to building structures, however buddleia is less likely to damage underground infrastructure due to its shallow root system.
"Both are highly invasive and difficult to eradicate, but buddleia (unlike knotweed) can grow in hard to access areas such as roofs, guttering, window sills and walls – basically anywhere that a seed lands it can grow. Knotweed, on the other hand, requires its roots to be on the ground in order to form plants, and quickly spreads."
Jennifer pointed out that buddleia's rapid growth, reaching heights up to 15 feet – dwarfing Japanese knotweed – should be of significant concern for those owning property.
Despite these warnings, buddleia remains unlisted on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, thus UK residents are still at liberty to plant it in their gardens, reports Devon Live.
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Experts are warning homeowners to be vigilant for the aggressive plant, particularly if it's not a controlled garden plant. Keep an eye out for it sprouting from neglected corners of roofs and walls where it flourishes unnoticed, and tackle eradication before it takes root.
Japanese knotweed is subject to stringent legal controls due to its invasive nature and potential to cause property damage. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it is an offence to plant or cause Japanese knotweed to grow in the wild.
Property owners are legally obliged to prevent the spread of Japanese knotweed from their land to neighbouring properties. Japanese knotweed is classified as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Its disposal must adhere to specific regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
The presence of Japanese knotweed can impact property sales and mortgage approvals. Sellers are required to disclose its presence, and failure to do so can lead to legal repercussions.
Effective management often requires professional treatment over several years. DIY removal is discouraged due to the plant's resilience and the risk of spreading.