As the summer period rolls in, many will be planning on spending more time tending to their gardens.
However, there are many plants out there that can cause havoc to your beautiful flower bed. And while some plants such as Japanese Knotweed don't create an eyesore, they can be detrimental to your garden if they grow undetected, the Express reports.
In fact, some plants are so dangerous to the health of surrounding flora, that regulations are in place that will land any gardener in trouble if they don't keep them under control. According to official government advice, there are some plants which must not be planted without exception - if they are found to be grown you must remove them or prevent them from spreading to avoid damage to land or property.
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Failing to do so could lead to prosecution. Here is a breakdown of nine plants which gardeners must keep an eye out for this summer or run the risk of getting into trouble, courtesy of Fantastic Gardeners.
Spear Thistle
The attractive Spear Thistle is considered to be an extremely invasive species and poses a significant threat to other UK plant species. It is a problematic weed because it produces a tap root on germination, with lateral roots that grow horizontally.
The plant is also highly adaptable and can compete with most plants it comes into contact with.
Common ragwort
This weed is deceptively beautiful with its yellow flowers. However it is actually poisonous to most mammals and is one of the most commonly reported weeds found throughout the UK.
It harbours a significant threat to livestock and other animals.
Broad-leaved dock
The green, leafy Broad-leaved dock is an invasive species that brings with it a myriad of unwanted garden pests. It can also grow in all soil types.
Because of this, its danger lies in the fact that there is "no climatic limitation" to stop the plant growing anywhere in the UK.
Curled dock
Also known as the flexible weed, the curled dock plant can cause problems for most native species in the UK. Like the broad-leaved dock, it is covered under the Weeds Acts 1959.
Japanese knotweed
The Japanese Knotweed can grow almost anywhere in the UK and is especially dangerous for homeowners if it spreads underected. It can take years for the weed to be completely eradicated and run a hefty bill of £10,000 to be professionally removed.
Rhododen dron ponticum
This plant is also deceptively beautiful with its small purple flowers, however, once it spreads it can cause a multitude of issues. For example, it grows quite tall and can block sunlight for competing plants.
Himalayan Balsam
This invasive species is problematic because of how easily it spreads. Animals, wind and rivers spread it around the UK, with around 800 seeds belonging to just one plant.
Giant hogweed
This weed contains a dangerous chemical known as furanocoumarins, which can inflict severe injury when the sap touches skin and comes into contact with sunlight. Following this, it can cause a burning sensation and permanent scarring.
New Zealand pigmyweed
This invasive weed is known to kill any native species in its path, posing a considerable threat to your garden and surrounding land. Sales of this plant have been banned since 2014 in the UK in order to control the rapid spread.
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