‘Invasion of triffids’ warning after the soggy May we had
THE region is bracing itself for an “invasion of the triffids” following the wettest May on record.
The incessant downpour has led to public enemy plants and weeds taking hold, gardeners have been warned. They’re causing havoc on the domestic front and in the countryside.
And if menaces such as Japanese knotweed are not tackled, the damage may not just be to your garden. Homes may also be harmed.
Some species were previously unknown to the West Midlands, but climate change has allowed them to take a stranglehold.
A spokesperson for the Property Care Association said: “Heavy rainfall during the wettest May on record, followed by the current warm and sunny spell, has seen gardens and parks burst into life.
“Wild flowers, grass and other plants have all taken advantage of the perfect conditions with rapid spurts of growth.
“But there are several types of plants we particularly need to look out for so we can eradicate them before they do serious damage to properties and the environment.
“Invasive species can be a nightmare and householders are being urged to be aware of these intruders right on their doorstep.
“And although Invasion of the Triffids is pure fiction, the grim reality is that many ‘alien’ species are a real threat.”
Here are the plants so dangerous they deserve a hoe death...
1. HIMALAYAN BALSAM
Common alongside rivers and competes with existing plants for light, nutrients and space.
Introduced into British gardens in 1839, it soon became rampant along river banks and in ditches. The seed pods are carried downstream, helping to spread and completely over-run a natural habitat.
As well as pushing out the native species, it dies back in the winter, leaving river banks bare and vulnerable to erosion. It is an offence to plant this species - or cause it to grow - in the wild under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
2. JAPANESE ROSE
Similar to the native dog rose, this species produces white to pink flowers followed by large orange or red rosehips that are attractive to birds.
It has entered the wild from seed and through garden trimmings being thrown out. The rose forms large, dense thickets that can overpower native species of plants.
It is spreading fast and can often be seen growing wild in coastal locations such as dunes and clifftops.
As with Himalayan balsam, it is illegal to help this species establish itself in the wild.
3. MONTBRETIA
This fast-growing, invasive plant has pointed leaves and produces sprays of exotic orange-red flowers, forming dense clumps in a range of habitats. A member of the iris family, it is popular in gardens but has quickly spread to roadside verges, hedgebanks and waste ground, especially where garden trimmings are dumped. It’s also banned by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
4. BUDDLEIA
This shrub with its lilac, blue or white flower spikes can often be seen along railway lines and on waste ground.
It’s also known as butterfly bush because its nectar attracts insects, but it pushes out the native species of plants that the butterflies’ caterpillars need to feed on.
Since being introduced from China in 1896, it has escaped from gardens because of its easily dispersed seeds and was first recorded growing wild in 1922.
Although not listed as a threat in the Wildlife and Countryside Act, gardeners are being asked by Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to remove buddleia seed heads after flowering to prevent its spread. They are also asked not to throw garden waste over back fences or onto local pieces of open land.
The plant can cause damage to buildings as its tiny wind-blown seeds grow in gaps in old brickwork.
Network Rail says buddleia often takes root in walls where it can interfere with overhead power lines and signals.
5. BAMBOO
Is often used in urban areas to screen properties. Although not yet classed as invasive under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, it can cause damage to property and be costly to remove.
The plant can also spark rows between neighbours when it encroaches into adjoining gardens.
“Running bamboo” is a particular problem as it can send out creeping roots up to 30 feet from the main plant. It has the potential to be even more damaging to property than Japanese knotweed. Both plants can push through brickwork, drains, cavity walls, patios and concrete.
One homeowner in Hampshire discovered bamboo growing up between the skirting board and the wall in his living room. It had spread from next door’s garden and got into the property’s foundations.
All bamboo should be planted in containers with root barriers designed to stop it from spreading.
It’s immune to weedkiller, experts have warned, and householders have found themselves having to hire specialists with diggers to tear up patios and gardens to get rid of the pest.