Rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum)
Rhododendron, also known as ponticum, is an invasive non-native shrub which has quickly infested forests throughout the United Kingdom. Habitat includes moorland, woodland, rocky outcrops where the shrub prefers to grow in acidic soils. These huge shrubs can exceed 5 metres height in the wild and being evergreen completely shade out the native British plants which would otherwise occupy the forest floor. Its rapid rate of spread and dense coverage is damaging the environment by reducing biodiversity.
Rhododendron is also host to the disease organisms Photophtora ramorum and Phytophtora kernoviae which attack oak and beech and nursery stock.
Key Points
Legislated non-native plant species- Reduces biodiversity by shading out
- Soils containing viable seeds and live plant parts are classified as ‘controlled waste’
- Plant regenerates from seeds
- Easily spread
General Information
Man first arrived in Britain about 8,000 years ago and virtually all new land plants that have become established since this date have been brought here by humans. We call these new plants non-native species.
Not all non-native species are bad – it is only a minority that have serious negative impacts on our native British species, our health or our economy. These species we call invasive non-native species.
No they are not. Interestingly the plant species which arguably is often found to be the most destructive, Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is actually a native plant species. It certainly can still be invasive while being native and also very difficult to manage as many gardeners will testify.
While non-natives such as Japanese Knotweed are legislated to control movement; natives are not legislated because they are native to Britain.
As the name would suggest we specialise in the management of Japanese Knotweed. We do however also manage Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam and other controlled plant species even the lesser known ones. We are not just restricted to land species we also advise on aquatics and semi-aquatics. We also manage and control native species too – in particular the mighty Horsetail.
We can help you find the best way to solve your particular problem. We will not try to upsell or exaggerate your situation – we will simply provide your options / explain your situation and associated risks – then work with you until the solution which is right for you presents itself. Simple!