Gardener warns UK homeowners to remove three common plants to protect garden

Gardeners are being urged to be vigilant about uninvited guests amid warnings that seemingly innocent new additions could, in fact, be invasive species wreaking havoc on local ecosystems. Celebrated TV gardener and 'Love Your Garden' star David Domoney has sounded the alarm over plants you might regret letting into your garden.

On his website, David stressed: "Many non-native plants have enhanced our gardens in Britain, but a small selection of them are highly invasive which threatens habitats of wildlife and other plants. By keeping an eye out for the following plants that are commonly found in the UK and getting a hold of them early, it reduces the risk of them damaging your glorious garden."

READ MORE: Foreign Office updates Sri Lanka travel advice and says 'there could be an attack'

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.

However, it's not just about maintaining the aesthetics of your outdoor space; The Express notes that failing to control certain plants could see you falling foul of the law. With the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 in place, allowing invasive plants to spread from your garden could result in a hefty fine or even more severe legal action.

Known for his green-fingered expertise, David outlined some troublesome species to watch out for and provided tips on how to tackle them should they invade your space.

Giant Hogweed is one such plant identified by David, recognisable by its white flower clusters and large, lobed leaves that can look like giant parsley, reports Devon Live.

If you discover giant hogweed in your garden, you should address the issue immediately as its sap is highly toxic and can cause severe burns on human skin that may last for several months. David said: "These weeds are tall with thick, bristly stems that are topped with white flowers facing upwards and can grow up to 10 feet high. Giant hogweed was first introduced to Britain and Europe from the Caucasus Mountains in the 19th Century."

Given the hazardous nature of giant hogweed, it is recommended to hire a professional for removal rather than attempting to do it yourself, due to the plant's poisonous characteristics.

Japanese Knotweed.

Considered one of the UK's most problematic invasive species, Japanese knotweed can thrive in challenging conditions, posing a significant threat to structures like walls, fences, and roofs if not addressed promptly.

The alarming aspect of Japanese knotweed lies in its ability to disperse through the wind, requiring only a small fragment to start proliferating rapidly. David said: "They are fast-growing weeds with tall, dense bamboo-like stems that produce leaves that are shovel-shaped and can grow up to 14cm in length. This invasive plant has an extensive and strong root system, which is how the plant spreads as they don't produce seeds."

To effectively eradicate Japanese knotweed, it is essential to excavate it thoroughly at the roots and ensure all remnants are completely eliminated, as even a small leftover piece can regenerate. While the Rhododendron ponticum, with its eye-catching blooms and lush leaves, might seem a beauty to behold, it's a significant threat to our native plants and animals.

The shrub's dense overgrowth smothers the ground, leaving other plants struggling for sunlight while its toxic leaves and nectar are harmful to creatures like bees, birds, butterflies, and family pets. Environmental expert David commented on the issue: "The beautiful mauve, funnel-shaped flowers may look pretty, but they have an adverse impact on wildlife. It was found that the number of earthworms, birds and plants in the area was lower as a result of the presence of this intrusive shrub."

Getting rid of this invasive species isn't easy due to its fast spreading nature, generally requiring an initial application of herbicide to the stem before seeking specialist advice for full removal.