Gardeners' Question time (1 Viewer)

[colincurry]

Probably a bit cheeky but two patches of our garden have been taken over by an invasive and prolific plant. My wife is the gardener and cannot remember planting these - I am used for brute force and ignorance.

The plants are about 30 inches tall and have dwarfed the pentstemon and Californian poppies.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Colin

 

[PYRTLE]

Hemp Agrimony?

 

[colincurry]

Thank you very much, Pat. Apparently. it is a robust plant which will have to be managed after blooming.

Colin

 

[PYRTLE]

I planted some to attract insects which it does.......however it is so widespread now with a very tough and complex root system. Tough on the wrists when digging out. Good luck.

 

[Chosun Juan]

Probably a bit cheeky but two patches of our garden have been taken over by an invasive and prolific plant. My wife is the gardener and cannot remember planting these - I am used for brute force and ignorance.

The plants are about 30 inches tall and have dwarfed the pentstemon and Californian poppies.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks

Colin

View attachment 730089

View attachment 730090

Just general advice. If you have the time and want to get rid of it perhaps less laboriously, just slash it to the ground before it sets seed (if indeed that is the reproduction process). Plants often have difficulty growing in their own mulch. It may take more than one cycle depending on the 'weed' and successional plants.

Try and plant something as well that will coexist with what you want, and better use the obviously available nutrients deeper in the soil.






Chosun :gh:

 

[aeshna5]

It's not Hemp Agrimony. I think it may be Soapwort, Saponaria officinalis. Maybe post when the flowers are out. This plant does occur as an escape from cultivation & can form extensive patches like this.

 

[colincurry]

Thanks all.

Its days are numbered.

Colin

 

[Nutcracker]

Wait until it flowers at least - might turn out very attractive and good for bees etc.!

 

[Acid John]

Hemp Agrimony has toothed leaves this looks like Soapwort as said by aeshna5. It has pretty pink flowers.

 

[colincurry]

Well, we let it flower but did not find it impressive, nor did the insects.

Have grubbed it out - two main infestations. It is persistent and have just completed the fourth attempt.

I am not a natural gardener; more a hewer of wood and a drawer of water. I rely on my wife for the real knowledge. I copied a photo of the plant from one of her herb books and keep in the garage as a ready reference guide to try to ensure that I do not destroy the wrong plant.

Colin

 

[eca321]

Hi Colin, with similar ID issues for plants in my garden, I inherited lots of unknowns and sow a lot of wild mixes, I have been using an app called Picture This, it’s not foolproof but can help and then I will check it in books etc, just though would mention in case useful to you and other members

 

[Phil Bishop]

Bit late for this, but it looks like a Lysimachia. What colour were the flowers?

 

[colincurry]

Phil

Very pale pink

 

[StephenHampshire]

Phil

Very pale pink

Saponaria then. I like it. Common name is soapwort for obvious reasons if you crush wet leaves in your hand and rub

 

[Phil Bishop]

Saponaria then. I like it. Common name is soapwort for obvious reasons if you crush wet leaves in your hand and rub

Agreed