Urgent warning over plant known as the ‘new Japanese knotweed’ that can force apart brickwork, chimneys and even roofs

EXPERTS have issued an urgent warning to homeowners over an invasive plant that can wreak havoc on homes. The little-known species, which has become known as the “new Japanese knotweed”, has been known to force apart brickwork, chimneys, and roofs. Brits have been warned against an invasive ‘bombsite plant’ which can force apart brickwork, chimneys, and roofs Credit: Environmental controls Buddleia has been estimated to cost around £961,000 in damages and control measures each year Credit: Environmental controls This quick-growing shrub has also become known as the “bombsite plant” after it inamously took over bomb sites across Britain following World War II. Known for thriving in small cracks in walls, this native plant can cause costly damage to your structure. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Buddleia cost around £961,000 per year in damages and control measures across the UK, with homeowners urged to act as soon as possible if they spot this species. “Buddleia is extremely opportunistic. Seeds germinate in tiny pockets of accumulated dust and organic material,” Jennifer Holmes, from invasive weed specialists Environment Controls, told the Daily Mail. “As the plant matures, its roots expand into existing cracks, while the woody stems increase in diameter. This combination can force apart loose masonry, accelerate frost damage and increase water penetration.” A widespread across Britain, higher concentrations of the shrub have been recorded in London and the North West. It is highly invasive, with a single mature buddleia plant able release up to three million lightweight seeds every year. These are then carried by the wind, before lodging in crumbling mortar, guttering, chimney pots, and roof spaces. Most read in The Sun Since they require very little soil to germinate, the roots of these plants quickly expand, acting like wedges which prising apart existing cracks in brickwork and masonry. According to experts, this can loosen bricks, as well as accelerate frost damage and even destabilise neglected walls over time. While buddleia is not classed as an invasive species, it can still cause damage and since it is prime blooming season, now is the time to check your property. The shrub can be spotted by its purple, pink or white flowers, which typically have orange centres and “flower spikes” measuring up to 10 inches. Young stems are green before turning into peeling, grey–brown bark, with long, narrow leave arranged opposite each other on the branches. The plant boasts an extensive root system so it will need to be treated with herbicide or be dug out completely to stop it from growing. Comment now