Forum home› Problem solving
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Houttuynia cordata

allison.dayKjBgNh3Vallison.dayKjBgNh3V Posts: 3
in Problem solving
Help!  I have inherited a large bed 10m x1.5m which is filled with houttuynia cordata.  My neighbour complains it has gone right through an adjoining wall and invaded her garden.  I don't use chemical pesticides so at the beginning of the year I covered it with black plastic which I recently removed and the roots are still alive and kicking and sprouting leaves  in one day! Its impossible to dig up because its roots resemble ground elder with the capacity for even a small piece left in the soil to sprout new growth.  What can I do to rid myself of this troublesome priest (plant - sorry!)?
«1

Posts

  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    You either use glyphosate, or you fork it out at regular intervals.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Agree. I don’t like using chemicals … but to get rid of that, I would use glyphosate in a carefully controlled attack. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I tried black plastic too. Lifted it off white roots everywhere, finally cleared it after many hours of clearing. It came back probably 3 or 4 times eventually I did clear it.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Joyce GoldenlilyJoyce Goldenlily Posts: 2,933
    It should be banned. It is so invasive.
    I innocently planted some in a garden and like you, within a year my neighbour was complaining about it getting into her garden under a wall. I did eventually get rid of it by constantly beheading and digging out but it took time. I would use glyphosate now. Much easier, quicker and cleaner.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I agree, glyphosate is the way to go. Make sure your neighbour does the same otherwise it'll ping pong back and forward under the wall
    Devon.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Way back, I saw "chamaeleon" at Hidcote.  I considered the non variegated version for my pond but couldn't find it easily.  I did nothing.  Obviously a blessing.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • allison.dayKjBgNh3Vallison.dayKjBgNh3V Posts: 3
    Thanks to all for your advice.  I've decided to cover it in thick black plastic for a year, then zap any horrid white stinky roots that are still there with glyphosate. Cor, what a palaver!  Can I recommend that NOBODY buys this plant.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited September 2022
    I can remember Bressingham Gardens advertising it as the next best plant. It is a real thug especially in wet conditions
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    allison.dayKjBgNh3V said:
    Thanks to all for your advice.  I've decided to cover it in thick black plastic for a year, then zap any horrid white stinky roots that are still there with glyphosate. Cor, what a palaver!  Can I recommend that NOBODY buys this plant.
    It'll still be there next year unless you get it all, including next door and under the wall.
    Devon.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    edited September 2022
    Glyphosate works by being absorbed by the leaves when they're in active growth.  Zapping white roots will have little to no effect at all, I'm afraid to say.  

    Good luck 🤞

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





Sign In or Register to comment.