Plant Black List and Japanese Knotweed

Last year I saw a news article about the EU banning plants that did not have botanical names, meaning that unless someone took time and money to invest in having hundreds, thousands and maybe more plants registered, then we could potentially lose some garden favourites.

Now, there has been another item in the news. The plant ‘Black List’. This is again from the EU. In essence, what the problem is here is that, quite rightly, certain plants should not be allowed to be owned, transported and basically spread around. Plants like the very invasive Japanese Knotweed. A plant like this that can grow up to 10cm a day and do damage to paths, drains and pretty much anything it touches, should obviously be heavily regulated. The Japanese Knotweed has been in the news over the last year or so because it is so invasive and so difficult to get rid of. Specialists have to be called in to try to dispose of it and once it is in your garden, house prices and insurance are directly affected.

So what is the problem with the Black List? The problem is, how far is too far! As with the legislation regarding botanical names, this list could mean that household favourites are also affected. I have seen reports that Rhododendrons, for example, could be included in this list. It’s well known that these shrubs can, if left, take over an area, but is really as much of a problem as the Knotweed? The RHS are obviously monitoring and being involved in this.

Here are the links to the articles that took my attention and that I have used for this post:

'Plant Black List' - The Telegraph

Plant Registration - The Telegraph

On a similar topic, going back to the Japanese Knotweed, I also saw this article (The Telegraph) which says that as much as 50% of gardeners cannot identify Japanese Knotweed. This is something that really needs to be out there. It can be so invasive and damaging both to the garden but also to your pocket as it can affect housing prices etc.

Please take a look at the article and maybe Google Japanese Knotweed so you are aware of it.

Japanese Knotweed - Environmental Agency

I have written this post, because items like this are very interesting, but how many people see them? If I can make someone else take note, then it has been worth me writing this.