LifestyleGardeningGardeningThis invasive plant can wreak havoc on your home.10:47, 27 Jul 2026Gardeners are being urged to keep an eye out for an invasive plant that spreads like wildfire, thrives on neglect and is almost impossible to get rid of. If you have a garden in the UK, you’re likely aware of Japanese knotweed - but this plant rivals knotweed's ability to spread.‌It’s so damaging it’s known as the ‘bombsite plant’ for its ability to spread far and wide and wreak havoc. This plant is the Buddleia plant - and homeowners must beware of it.‌Unlike Japanese knotweed which spreads underground, Buddleia send their seeds far and wide.‌A mature Buddleia plant produces up to three million lightweight, airborne seeds every year.These seeds travel on wind and air currents, embedding themselves in high-altitude crevices with almost no soil required. Once established, its expanding root system acts like a wedge, forcing open mortar joints, cracks in foundations, and compromising wall stability.Buddleia is also not listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, so it’s legal to sell and grow across the UK.‌This means it continues to spread across the country as its seeds blow into adjacent buildings and gardens.Jennifer Holmes from Environment Controls , said: “Many people search for DIY options and ask if Buddleia can be killed by cutting it down.‌"But simply cutting the shrub to ground level rarely provides a permanent solution because regrowth commonly occurs from the remaining root system.“Professional control usually involves chemical treatment or digging it up. The most appropriate solution depends on the size, location and future use of the site.“If Buddleia is growing on your property or development site, don’t wait for the damage to worsen, get rid of Buddleia before it gains control.”‌Gardeners should look out for these warning signsGreen shoots, white or purple flower spikes emerging from upper-storey brickwork, guttering, window sills, or chimney pots.Flaking mortar, loose bricks, or expanding cracks directly surrounding where the plant has taken root.Stems that aggressively sprout new growth within weeks of being chopped back.If Buddleia is taking root in the walls of your home, it’s a good idea to hire specialists to remove it in order to minimise the risk of damaging the building.Article continues belowChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌GardenGardeningproperty news