Houttuynia

aebloom · #1 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 07:23 PM

Has anyone had problems with this plant? It was pretty the first two years, and this year it went crazy! The worst invasive plant I've ever seen. Smells horrible, too. Any ideas how to get rid of it for good? Thanks.

brooks · #2 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 07:43 PM

Give it to your neighbors....at least the ones you don't like

Seriously- cut all the tops off (mow or trim down) and spray any new shoots that come up with a broadleaf weed killer that works systemically (read the label & follow directions before using!) The idea is to starve the root system thus killing the plant. Digging it up is futile, each little root piece that you leave behind will sprout. ...

aebloom · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 07:53 PM

Thanks for the suggestion. Do you think if I dig it up and cover it with a thick layer of newspapers that might do the trick?

I don't have neighbors that I dislike enough to give it to them

Fine Edge · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 11:39 PM

Send it to your Congressman!

Lanelle · #5 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 11:49 PM

Your congressman might like it----Houttuynia grows fast but not as fast as the national debt.

dan deutekom · #6 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 12:52 PM

You could dig it up and cover it with newspaper,(black plastic is better) but I am willing to bet that it would come back before you know it. Also are you willing to live with the area covered with newspaper or plastic for 2 to 3 months. Spray with a broadleaf weed killer or Roundup. Do this every 14 days until it is all dead. When it is all dead turn over the soil and if it sprouts up again spray it.

Disclaimer: (read the label & follow directions before using!)

Terre · #7 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 10:49 PM

Much as I like to be "green", there are some plants that do NOT respond to anything other than what is being suggested here. This one, also known as chameleon plant, bishops weed, bindweed, and a few others are simply too invasive to control with boiling water, vinegar, or any of the other non-chemical treatments.

Should you have this plant in an area that you cannot spray safely, mix the roundup, pour some into a cup, and use a cheap paintbrush and paint it on the leaves. Works like a charm, but make sure you give it time to absorb down into the roots before attempting to remove the plant.