Invasive plants can cause serious damage to your home – and it’s not just Japanese knotweed, according to gardening experts who warn another could be even worse
Avoid pulling Japanese knotweed out, as this can often make the infestation worse(Image: Getty)
Across Britain, countless invasive plants are flourishing in gardens with homeowners none the wiser.
Whilst most are familiar with Japanese knotweed – the notorious weed that can wreak structural havoc if left unchecked – specialists at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have flagged up another stunning plant that’s surprisingly widespread in British gardens and could be “wreaking havoc” on properties.
The culprit is buddleia, commonly called butterfly bush, which experts reckon might actually be “more dangerous” than the infamous Japanese knotweed.
According to the specialists, this shrub reproduces through seeds at an alarming rate and can rapidly take root in all sorts of unwelcome spots – think roofs, walls and even windowsills, the Express reports.
Its powerful root system is capable of penetrating buildings and foundations, meaning it has the potential to inflict some seriously “costly damage” on properties.
Buddleia might look nice but it could cause havoc in your home(Image: Getty Images)
Given this threat, the experts have cautioned that having this shrub on your premises could knock money off your home’s value.
Beyond property concerns, it also presents an environmental hazard as it crowds out indigenous plants by monopolising space and spreading its root network.
Thanks to the nectar it produces, the bush lures pollinators away from native plants flowering at the same time, the experts note.
They’ve highlighted this subsequently undermines the reproductive success and survival prospects of other garden species. If this shrub’s lurking in your garden, you’d be wise to dig it out and swap it for something less invasive.
Tackle the plant with herbicide – either spray it or inject directly into the trunk – which will make it “wither and die”. Should your butterfly bush already be wreaking havoc on your property’s structure, you’ll need professionals to shift it.
A company spokesperson explained: “When it comes to avoiding plants, most gardeners and homeowners know to stay clear of the pesky Japanese Knotweed.
“Buddleia is admired by many because of its beautiful flowers and full shrub make it an attractive addition to any garden. The shrubs also attract butterflies and are loved by birds and bees.
“However buddleia, or butterfly bush, is another risky shrub to stay away from. If you already have a butterfly bush and are concerned it may be impacting your garden and home, you must treat it effectively to make sure it doesn’t come back.
“If your butterfly bush has crawled up the side of your home, you will need professional help to make sure the shrub hasn’t impacted the infrastructure of your home. Any structural damage can be extremely expensive and time-consuming to repair.
“If the shrub is further away from your home, one way to prevent it from spreading and germinating is to prune the flowers before they are able to seed.”
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