Gardeners are being warned to be aware of a "troublesome" plant that can damage your home - and it's deceptively pretty.
While most shrubs are no hassle, some can become a nightmare if left to grow free, mainly by causing structural damage to homes. While Japanese Knotweed is the most well known culprit that can spread through buildings, the Buddleia davidii is just as risky.
Also known as the Butterfly Bush, the fast-growing plant requires little maintenance, blooms gorgeous pink and purple flowers and is great for attracting pollinating insects. But if you see the plant growing near your property away from soil- experts advise to get rid of it immediately, reports Coventry Live.
Originally from China, it is a popular choice for gardeners, but Jonathan Barton of PBA Solutions has warned its fibrous roots can cause significant damage to buildings as it grows.
"Buddleia, in many ways, can be more troublesome than Japanese Knotweed because of its ability to spread by seed, with those seeds able to germinate in tricky places under pretty inhospitable conditions," he told the Sun.
"This ability to germinate easily is why Buddleia is often seen growing out the sides of buildings and other built structures. But that's not where it ends, once established in a building wall or roof, the plant sends down, fibrous roots and can cause significant damage to buildings as it grows."
It is often seen on railway sidings, a sign of its ability to thrive in even the most of unlikely of places. If you notice Buddleia davidii growing where it shouldn't be, Barton recommends contacting a professional to have it removed safely and properly.
Japanese Knotweed also originates from East Asia and can be a nightmare to get rid of and be a burden to property owners. Back in January, Scotland's worst areas for the plant were revealed in an interactive map compiled by invasive plant experts at Environet UK.
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