Gardeners, take note! There’s a plant in the UK that needs your immediate attention before autumn sets in. Buddleia, or the butterfly bush, is adored for its beautiful purple blooms and its appeal to pollinators, but it could be causing more harm than you realise. While it attracts butterflies with its nectar-rich flowers, this popular garden staple can be as destructive as the infamous Japanese knotweed when left unchecked.
Buddleia is incredibly invasive, spreading not just through its extensive root system but also via airborne seeds. These seeds make themselves at home in the tiniest cracks of buildings and structures, leading to potential damage and repair costs.
Jennifer Holmes from Environment Controls warns that buddleia, like Japanese knotweed, is tough to eradicate. Though not quite as notorious, it can still cause significant damage. The plant’s seeds can germinate practically anywhere, from rooftops to gutters, making its invasion hard to control.
The problem doesn’t end at aesthetics; the potential for structural damage is real. Buddleia’s roots, though shallow, can infiltrate building surfaces, disrupting drainage pipes and paving. The cost of damage to properties across the UK could be as much as £1 million.
So, how can you keep your garden safe? Once the summer blooms start to fade, take action. Cut back and maintain the plants to prevent further spread. For those overwhelmed by its growth, expert help in removal might be the best course of action.
Don’t let this unassuming beauty turn into a homewrecker. Keep your property in check and act now to prevent any unwelcome surprises! 🌿🏠