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(Yet another) plant ID

Hello again all,

Have lots of the below shooting up in part of the garden, also coming through parts of  the (mossy) lawn, each about 6-8 inches in height... any thoughts, particularly of how to rid? Thanks!

image

 

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445

    Ground elderimage

     

     



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    Ground Elder and the only way to get rid of it is to use glyphosate, a systemic herbicide.  Once sprayed, leave it until the leaves have completely died before removing them, so the weedkiller is absorbed into the roots.  It will come back but weaker - treat the regrowth the same was and you will eventually be rid of it.  Don't try and dig the roots out as that is virtually impossible and any broken bits of root will grow into a new plant!

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Oh crikers! Thank you both - it's 'living' currently under a rose and between geraniums - I assume I have to dig these up first?

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,384

    No, glyphosate is absorbed into the leaves and is inactivated on contact with the ground so won't affect the roses or geraniums.  You must avoid spraying their leaves though!  As that might be tricky in some places you can paint the glyphosate onto the ground elder leaves with a paintbrush instead. image

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ....and be vigilant!  everytime you see a new bit coming up spray it.  ground elder is notorious for growing on boundaries - under fences where your neighbour may not be dealing with it - you just have to persevere and eventually you will win.

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