This shrub could devalue your home

Brits are being warned their garden could be home to a highly invasive plant which may be causing serious damage.

Experts from GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are telling homeowners a shrub called Buddleia, also known as Butterfly Bush, could be wreaking havoc on their home and garden.

According to them, the Butterfly Bush could be even more dangerous than the commonly known Japanese Knotweed.

The shrub spreads by seed and can germinate in unwanted places, such as roofs, walls and window sills.

Strong fibrous roots allow the bush to grow through buildings and foundations, giving it the potential to cause costly damage to homes across the UK.

Because of this, the invasive shrub could negatively impact house prices.

The bush is also an environmental issue as it outcompetes native plants, by spreading roots and taking up space.

Due to the large amount of nectar it produces, the bush distracts pollinators from native co-flowering species. This reduces the reproductive and survival success of other plants.

Anyone who already has a Butterfly Bush in their garden should look to replace it with something less invasive.

Buddleia can be effectively treated with herbicide by spraying or injecting it into the trunk, causing the plant to wither and die.

If the plant has already infiltrated your home’s structure, then it must be extracted by professionals to prevent further damage.

A spokesperson at Garden Buildings Direct said: “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 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.”