A Huge Plant in my Garden is Scaring Me!

[@Knapper94]

I just keep mine in a massive pot, I know it will never reach its true potential in a pot but it gives me the peace of mind and its still a big plant in its own right !

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I think that's a brilliant insurance policy. May do the same

[@kilianrussell9509]

Ya, good idea...

[@Knapper94]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK as long as you pot it on appropriately it will be absolutely fine and you can still enjoy it without the worry of it becoming a problem. I do it with basically any plant that is known to be invasive as I just cannot be bothered with the faff :D

[@kimstockwell721]

Same here.

[@robertpodbery242]

I always think its a shame that edible plants dont grow this fast

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

You read my mind. There would be no starvation in the world would there?

[@Debbie-henri]

Sunchokes?

[@robertpodbery242]

@@Debbie-henri Sort of true, but they give you terrible wind

[@kimstockwell721]

@@Debbie-henri God yeah, my daughter put some in a raised veg bed and it's taken over, nothing else grows there next to it.

[@Pixiedust8399]

Japanese knotweed is edible, it's also a superfood with a high concentration of resveratrol. It's a potent antioxidant also found in red wine and grapes, known for its anti-inflammatory and heart protective properties. I think we'd all give a hard pass on growing that here commercially though, could you imagine the potential chaos?

[@robinlarge1630]

I think it's a striking plant....just keep it in check mate! 👍🏻

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Yes. Thank you 🙏 starting to develop a more balanced view. Mark

[@ΕυγενίαΜαθιουδάκη]

A lot of people across the world would be very very jealous for this "problem". Never understood why big and efortless plants are a problem. For me to struggle to keep plants alive, this is a problem. I would say : instead of compmaining for your good luck, better feel grateful. Things can change to worse faster than you think. I would proudly keep this plant for ever ❤

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thank you for your contribution to the discussion

[@dawnsstar5918]

I feel for you. I may even warn you about another plant you may or may not want to experience. I have a beast plant that came with the house. A white bleeding heart. It was so overgrown when I got the place that it had pushed its trellis up and out over the lawn . I cut it down short and thought I could maintain a decent height. This thing even was "ruined" by accident, from chemicals that had burned it up to the ground. It regrew. From there on in, I have been trimming and cutting this thing down every two to three weeks in the warm weather, and each time I peer around the corner, I swear it's breathing. LOL..... It is about 7 feet high five feet wide and about 2.5 ft thick. It has sent out it's shoots to the front of the house as well as THROUGH the lawn. I have two trellises in it .....somewhere. But it does put out a mass full of beautiful flowers at least three times a year so, I can't complain. That is a beautiful black elephant ear , btw.

[@adamp.mytravels]

Very good video My friend Beautiful Garden Beautiful plans🌴😎👍

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks Adam 😊

[@darrendavies4784]

I completely understand the concern. I lost a portion of a 1yr old tree in the winter so I thought I would plant another next to it in may this year. I also added a few bananas, cannas and colocasias into the same area thinking I would need the extra filling properties. I was dead wrong. The leaves are 2ft across and both plants now exceed 6ft tall, drowning out the canna musafolias. I expect I need to move my bananas next year to make space. Truly s monster but a stunning tropical plant and I couldn't be more happy. On the flip side, I have a third plant which I bought the same time as my second one and planted it eosewhere in the garden and it's only about 3ft tall with leaves 1 ft across. Maybe it's the excellent microclimate in your courtyard that's making your tatrapanax excel as that's what I found in the corner of my garden where the monstrous specimens are planted

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks for this thorough comment. An interesting situation, I think YES to your point about microclimate. Even the colocasia esculenta makes it through winter..thanks again. Mark

[@brocktoon8]

It's good to be a little scared ^^ I say don't worry about it, looks FAB! : )

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I agree it does look pretty good. Bit worried about where its roots might be wandering 🤔

[@brocktoon8]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK I hear you! Do they do that?

[@swimminwitdafishes8059]

I had the opposite problem. I mistakenly planted a young T- Rex in my backyard garden out in the open in the very hot South Carolina sun. In a matter of days I realized it was in trouble but it was too late. In retrospect, it was probably for the best.

[@Darkroom69]

You could try Fatsia Japonica, it has similar leaves but it is smaller and not so vigorous.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi. Thanks for this. Fatsia is a great plant I agree. There is already one just further along the border 😊

[@sislertx]

Well. Being a Gardner in south texas ...extreems every hour. ...day...week ...month....swi gs of 50 degrees in minutes...burning hot sun all summer and no rain......is it really gardening in england...

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

WELL, we have a very gentle style of gardening don't we? in the UK. nothing too taxing, just a leisurely shuffle around a lawn and collect a few weeds before tea and cake :-)

[@Artstudiovaneijk]

On a rainy day you could use it as an umbrella 😂loved the video 👌❤️

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

You literally could. Over 2 feet in span. Huge. Thank you 😊🙏

[@gooeybutnottogooey]

This is fascinating. In the Pacific NW, large leaved, reasonably hardy plants are grown to give a tropical feel. I had never heard of tetrapanax being a problem. And apparently gunnera staged a coup decades after I was familiar with it. Now Japanese knotweed, yes, horrible, although there are many desirable persicarias. Back to tetrapanax, well, it isn't reliably hardy here, but as with gunnera, things have changed. It is now considered troublesome in many areas in the States but is not listed as a problem in my State, so I didn't know. I know you will decide what's best for you. It is a pretty 'beast.' Happy gardening.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

A wonderful perspective from across the ocean. Thanks so much😊😊😊

[@derekscheshirepalmgardenuk]

Personally I think you are over reacting mark.....I've grown Tetrapanax Rex for nearly 10 years....in fact the sale of them probably spiked when it was featured on gardener's world back in 2019 when they paid me a visit. Its true disturbing the roots can encourage pups but they are easily pulled up and discarded. Also a hard winter will cut it to the ground too. My original one which was 10ft tall when featured on gardener's world was cut to the ground in the winter of 2021. Its a survival technique the plant has the ability to survive such a hard frost. Personally I wouldn't be without it.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks Derek. I appreciate that. I think my concerns have been elevated by several people making warnings about it in other videos on my channel. Will bear you comments in mind. Best wishes.

[@kentonnur]

Agree. We have a large garden with a huge 15 ft tall by probably 25 ft across T.p Rex. We just pull up the babies we don’t want , ( used to sell them when in commercial horticulture) .The planting around the clump is fine, just pull up the wanted bits. Like Maclayea, which can be an awful spreader, they are so easily removed.i wouldn’t lose sleep, just enjoy !

[@dougieduck95]

Gunners is a pond plant which is related to rhubarb. Don’t think the Tetrapanax is an issue. Never heard this before . Persicaria also grows fast but dies back each year and can be contained

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Yes. Certain types of Gunnera are now banned, I hadn't heard about the tetrapanax invasiveness until quite a few subscribers warned me on other videos.

[@romadiau]

I'd rip it out (and the bamboo, too). Being from Melbourne, Aus, I love looking at "gentle" English gardens. Seems that this plant doesn't stick to the "gentle" rules. We had a similar plant at the family home - a fatsia japonica. Looks similar, but definitely wasn't invasive.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Australia! Wow I'm international 😊 it may get removed. The bamboo is securely corralled within a barrier fortunately

[@mikeharrington5593]

Thanks for informing us. Maybe the sort of plant needed to reclaim marginal soils or desert scrubland or to provide the shade needed to create a wider habitat in vegetation starved areas? From the other comments it does seem much more controllable or killable than the dreaded Japanese Knotweed.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi Mike. Agreed. The other comments have certainly tempered my concerns. Mark

[@leacruz7311]

It's so beautiful and healthy, that makes it really scary 😲

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

It's really thriving and so are the pups 😯

[@richardw3470]

Ever hear of kudzu - the plant that ate the South? You can control what's on your lot but since one came up away from Mother, might not one or more get in to a pasture's wood edge or an abandoned home's garden? Who'll pinch it out then?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Valid point about neighbouring land. Thank you. I'll Google kudzu 🙏

[@brocktoon8]

Your passionfruit looks great! I think it likes what you did with it!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I agree. It's really bloomed and blossomed. 😊

[@DaisyDebs]

I knew as soon as I saw the title to your video ! lol ! I do love it though ..it is magnificent !🦖🦕 Tetrapanax papyrifer rex ..is always very impressive to say too !🦖🌿

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi daisy. I agree. Can't fault its looks. Incredibly impressive and of course allows me to look clever using the fancy name 🤣

[@TropicalGlos]

Dont worry Mark. I have yet to see any posts, videos or any other content that shows Tetrapanax being an 'unmanageable' plant. If you dont want a pup where it is pinch it off. Job done. As you well know these plants can be cut down to the ground from frost, small pups wont survive that. Just another very minor point. Its not a Tetrapanax 'Rex'. Yours is a standard Tetrapanax papyripher.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Ok thanks 😊

[@dianeconway293]

How do you know it’s not a tetrapanax Rex

[@TropicalGlos]

@@dianeconway293 the leaf shape is different on a Rex and the indumentum is white. I have both and they are both stunning plants. I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, just personal preference. I’m just a bit nerdy about plant names and information 🤓

[@dianeconway293]

@@TropicalGlos thank you for replying

[@nicks40]

Our Tetrapanax has been in situ for twenty years. It's never had a baby or a runner, and in the winter it loses all its leaves and remains as just a stick. It comes from the mountains in Taiwan, so it likes rain but isn't 100% hardy.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

That's interesting. I wonder what we're doing differently. Mine has had 3 pups and another one had 2. Curious. Thank you. Mark

[@nicks40]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK Mine's in a raised bed in front of the south-facing wall of the house, but surrounded by other shrubs. Also I'm in a rain shadow and we get 20" of rain a year, so tetrapanax is probably finding it a bit dry.

[@thisbushnell2012]

Rabbits to Australia. The LAW of Unintended Consequences

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Fair point. Can't argue with that. Mark

[@toniwright-ro6tk]

I had a plant that can't remember the name, but it sends out Rhizomes. I ended up with about 5 in one summer. So i dug up as much as I could ,but sadly I still have them coming up 2 years on. I shall keep digging them up. Good luck with yours.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks Toni. That's my concern. Even if I dig it up will some of the roots continuously grow back.

[@toniwright-ro6tk]

@MarksHouseandGardenUK sadly it will. The Rhizomes are bomb proof. I dug out as much of them as possible . I then resorted to painting the rest, with tree root killer. You only have to paint the roots that keep popping up. It doesn't harm the surrounding soil. Good luck.

[@toniwright-ro6tk]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK I'm still digging bits out a year on. But it's getting less and less. Good luck

[@ievamcdonald5449]

If you want the lush, tropical look you have to be prepared to cope with tropical growth. But would it grow so well in a dry summer or after a cold winter?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Yes I see that and agree. It can die down to the ground over winter but those tendril like roots will still be reaching out beneath the surface. Invisibly

[@ColinMill1]

Perhaps because I was born and brought up in the tropics I find the native British plants to be beautiful and we concentrate on planting only these on our smallholding.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

What a refreshing view point and outlook. We often overlook the beauty which is already close to home. Thank you

[@ColinMill1]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK Many thanks for the reply. I must admit to being a bit of a nut for our native trees. It's amazing how many people have never seen, for example, a spindle tree and are surprised at its wonderful autumn colours. The woodland trust do a very good job of promoting such trees and the photographs on their website are well worth a look.

[@JeanEdney]

Reminds me of the Triffids ... they got big in people's gardens 😮

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I remember watching that years ago 🤣

[@7hilladelphia]

Great idea if you live in a really hot area and need shade

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Absolutely true. I can't argue with that 🙏 thank you

[@kimstockwell721]

It's a beautiful plant Mark, could it damage the brick wall behind it ?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I've been told it might do. We don't have much foundation. Thanks Kim

[@obez]

They spread the runners as a defensive mechanism. Having them in a border that keeps being dug up is always going to be a nightmare. I have 3 different species in my garden and Ive only ever seen 2 pups, which came from the same standard form of Tetrapanax that i dug up some pink chinas from it’s base. One is growing right from the base turning it into a double trunk, the other was 6ft away in the grass, which my dog bit in half and it disappeared.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks for this good info. In actual fact the three pups below this large one are in soil which hasn't been cultivated, on has even come up outside of the border in the gravel on the other side of the brick boundary. Thanks again.

[@obez]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK i thought you dug one up and separated it a few months ago? Cutting a pup away is still damaging the roots causing them to produce more offspring. I can see what your saying about them possibly being banned in the future though, in my eyes they spread a lot quicker and more prolific than any gunnera ive ever seen 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

@@obez i did you are correct but that was another one in the opposite border under the passion flower

[@paulahawkes2804]

I think it looks great 😊

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I agree on that. It's spectacular

[@suewitteman59]

I planted mine a few months ago. I call it my rue-the-day plant because i know it has problem tendencies. However i just love its look but am prepared for it to be thuggish. (in NZ so climate possibly warmer).

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Haha like it. Rue the day. I hope I don't in the end lol. Love it too. It's like yin and Yang. Amazing but scary.

[@chrishoo2]

This isn’t a Gunnera but a Tetrapanax Papyrifa. Gunneras have the largest leaves in the U.K. & are more like rhubarb.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi. Thanks for this. I'm wondering if you watched the video through? Whilst I did reference the gunnera ban I do clearly name this plant as tetrapanax.

[@doriskarloff964]

I'd be taking the lower leaves off (gradually), working towards a bare stem with a canopy of leaves. It's a beauty - I'd gladly have it in my garden.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

That's a really nice idea actually and thank you for your contribution to the discussion 😊

[@dibblethwaite]

You've only got 3 pups? Wait until it's 7 or 8 years old. I've removed at least a dozen pups every week through the Summer for the last 2 years. I find it more a pain in the arse than scary though. They are much easier to deal with than bamboo runners.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Wow! Can you sell them? You could be sitting on a goldmine. Thank you for the reassurance though 🙏

[@dibblethwaite]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK I pull them up when they are small and don't really have any roots of their own so don't often survive. Nevertheless, I have got a few in pots that I might give away or sell next year. They say that the genuine Rex cultivar is less prone to pupping but is that really true and how can you be sure you've got one? They are all advertised as Rex these days.

[@JennJenn9]

The more I learn about gardening the more I realize how much we’ve inadvertently brought harm to our environment by growing plants not native to our area

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

It's definitely thought provoking 🤔

[@thisbushnell2012]

Our acre, when we first bought it, was covered with at least 95% non-native invasive, toxic, or otherwise noxious plants. They are so ubiquitous in the area that the effort to restore just one acre is like fighting a storm surge with a teaspoon.

[@thecookreporting]

use pots?

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Yes I think it's a sensible idea this. Thank you

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

True fact it rains more in Paris than London.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Really? sometimes I do wonder if it rains more than my garden anywhere else lol

[@gloriasmith5764]

Reminds me of the Japanese rice paper plant!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hi Gloria. I think it is actually. That's it's other name I believe. Well spotted

[@TropicalDanUK]

Its can and does run, under lawns and patios etc but with no where near the power of bamboo. It rarely sets seed in UK either. I can imagine if it established along the edge of waterway it could spread up and down and shade out other plants. Its probably not that widely planted in general so low on the watch list. Mine is planted in the same barrier area as my bamboo as I already knew it would try and pup. Could be a different story in 10 years!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I think your bamboo barrier idea is a great one. I should have done this and may replant it within one.

[@TropicalDanUK]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK at the very least you can keep all the suckers in one place.

[@mattgoodchild8215]

Must admit I don’t think we need anymore invasive plants along with Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam swamping out our native species although the Gunera is a magnificent plant 👍🏼

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

We think on exactly the same lines I believe. Shame about the gunnera ban despite it's issues 🙁

[@cynthiastogden7000]

My garden in Cornwall is now literally a Jungle. Bananas, Pulsartaria, taken over( bees all over the P. though). Very Big flax type plants( phormiums?), and the dreaded Gunnera. What makes me laugh is all the big stately homes in Cornwall have Ginormous gunneras!!!! ( banned?). I love all these plants but old age and arthritis are beating me.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

All the national trust places here have them too. Your garden sounds amazing 😊

[@cynthiastogden7000]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK the cat and dogs love it.

[@David_Banner]

I have several and they are not a problem. I've had a few pups and all you have to do is pull them up. That's it, a 2 minute job and it's done. For such a large plant you have planted it in the completely wrong position in your court yard garden. They need a lot of space and should be underplanted when the main plant is put in the ground. That way there is no need for any root disturbance. Also Gunnera are not banned out right. There are many different varieties of Gunnera. For example perpensa, magellanica. Also defra state that they "believe" that plants labelled as manicata are hybrids with tinctoria (Gunnera x cryptica). But manicata's are not banned. Also defra would have to prove a plant is not manicata for it to be banned. You also mention Persicaria being related to japanese knotweed. This is true, but there are thousands of different knotweeds in existence. Very few exhibit the same habits as the Japanese knotweed you mentioned.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks for this David. When I read the information on DEFRA about gunnera and the 'ban' I interpreted it as saying that all manicata or tinctora are to be reclassified as cryptica and the only way to determine otherwise with be through individual DNA analysis of a specific plant. This making all tinctora, manicata and cryptica fall under the ban. Technically manicata and tinctora are considered no longer in existence in the UK.

[@Harry-qy5gn]

I took a 2 year old one out off ground I put in for summer and this year I have had six pups come up so you need to get all roots out

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Interesting that Harry, thank you. Food for thought

[@malibu90265]

Tear it out!!!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Yes that's definitely an option I'm considering

[@malibu90265]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK I have been suffering from the dreaded bindweed and my mint is finally under control. It's enough of a struggle as it is to grow our gardens and enjoy the fruit of our labor. When you said that it was "scaring" you and I took one look at the growth, and those babies, it scared me for you! Be well and enjoy.

[@suemummery7757]

Vicious Rhubarb😂

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Yes. Sort of scary right?

[@brooklynnygarden]

😱That's terrifying! Pull it and pot one! It will overwhelm everything!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

It is a worry. Several people have told me it can travel a distance underground. I'm reassured by the comments here.

[@13c11a]

I don't understand why you don't just pull them out.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Potentially an option. Thanks for adding to the discussion

[@craigathonian]

Any guy that says the size doesn't bother him....is a-ok in my book ❣

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Lol that made me laugh out loud 🤣

[@fionasaunders7646]

Dig it out asap !

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

It has certainly crossed my mind to do so. Thank you 😊

[@micktepolt6276]

RUN !

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

head for the hills!!!

[@katella]

Seems odd that you would plant something that you were warned about so close to a building.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I was warned by subscribers in subsequent videos after planting. Clear??

[@alancalderrawlings7021]

Ha ha...my first Tetrapanex plant arrived in the post last week. I think I shall plant it in a barrel, with many drainage holes, when the time comes - I am in an end of terrace and my neighbor has her lawn the other side of my wooden fence. I needed to hear this, Mark as I think I could be inviting trouble if planted in the ground. However, I think you should be alright if your property is detached and your garden big - just pull the pups up as others have stressed in the comments.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks for this comment Alan. A slight complication for me is the fact that we don't have foundations on our property. And I agree with your barrel idea with the neighbours' garden.

[@ferngardenuk9852]

I had one in big pot didn't survive the winter not sure why

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Come and get one of my pups!!🤣

[@biomimetical]

Came for the Triffid, left disaapointed..

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Haha love this comment 🤣

[@biomimetical]

Mark steps out with bandages on his eyes .. Hello everyone, I seem to have trouble with my eyes this morning!

[@rebeccavalicoff1581]

Put a small one in pot and get rid of others. Also, what is the ground cover called? I need some of that!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

May just do that. It's called "mind your own business". Mark

[@Vikface1978]

How will you get to your tap behind it? 😂

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

That involves a few wrestling moves and a karate chop!

[@brad823]

I'm worried and it's not mine. Time to action is now.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Haha. Thank you for worrying 'with' me. I'll get onto it 😊

[@chrismccartney8668]

I had Non edible Rhubarb it was mad and outgrew everything ripped out and chucked

[@SPOOKS28]

Think you should get rid of it all it’s just mad isn’t it ?suppose you could put a little shoot in a strong pot and keep your eyes on it .

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I'm leaning in this direction. At least get it away from the wall as several have suggested. Thank you

[@clarecollins2547]

Yes, worrying!

[@kilianrussell9509]

Best get rid before its too late... and you will sleep better for it.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

The thought has crossed my mind to be honest.

[@heatherboardman7004]

Noooooo!😮

[@davidfalconer8913]

NOW ! ... Just look at the ( invasive ! ) Himylayan Balsam .. this tubular plant

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I'll look that up. Thank you. Mark

[@brocktoon8]

The most invasive plant in my garden is maple trees. They seed themselves by the millions and it is impossible to get them out of places where I can't mow. It's horrible! Bane of my existence. Incidentally I also have a patch of knotweed which has been there for at least a decade if not longer. Super easy to take care of I just clip it back once or twice a year. Hasn't spread in a decade!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Shhh don't tell anyone about it 🤣 (the knotweed) we get sycamore everywhere 🙁

[@brocktoon8]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK I'm in Switzerland (my garden is in Germany) so no worries, it won't be spreading anywhere near you! 😂

[@yellard6785]

Plesse make sure you properly dispose of knotweed clippings

[@brocktoon8]

@@yellard6785 All you have to do is let them dry out. It's really not a big deal.

[@MrSkosig]

Wow it’s beautiful, you should definitely sell the shoots .

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I'll pot them up and see what happens. Thank you 🙏

[@parislim853]

Why don’t you put a Barrier like bamboo or you need to keep your eyes on them

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I think this is a sensible idea. It would certainly contain it

[@GARDENER42]

The _gunnera_ at Logan botanical gardens are truly awesome. Back in the early 1990's they had leaves at least 10' across & 10' high. A blanket ban is daft; if someone wishes to grow this, or any other invasive species, then a simple register would do, along with an acceptance that should it spread beyond their property, the cost of removing it will fall on them.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I have seen them at our national trusts too. I agree broadly with your comment and I'm not really a supporter of the ban. Thank you. Mark

[@Lizziebird-pg4gj]

Crikey I have three huge gunneras in my garden in north Devon. I love them and have names for each of them lol! The leaves are about 6ft across.

[@maryhairy1]

Most English gardens are really too small for something this dramatic

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I don't disagree. There is an argument for putting a large plant in a small space for dramatic effect. But not this particular one which would take over to much.

[@IainDavies-z2l]

It could be a giant hogweed, don't touch it.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Interesting. I'll bear that in mind. Thank you

[@teslaandhumanity7383]

Wish my rhubarb grow that fast .

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Lol. May throw some horse muck around it 😊

[@evolutionCEO]

defra banning plants? just because they are successful? the question is, what benefits do they bring. fear based gardening leads to desserts. nature does things for specific reasons. bracken, for instance, produces potassium, yet some people fear it. once you perceive nature as a system of self gardening, we must ask "why are some plants considered too successful? what are they doing that we do not perceive?". plants turn up when we need them.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I entirely agree with your ethos. I think the issue with gunnera is that it is none native, two types of gunnera have been imported here by plant collectors years ago which have hybridised and are now crowding out plants in a disproportionate way. Not unlike the grey squirrels in the UK.

[@evolutionCEO]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK plants work on a successional basis working towards a forest. most plants inherit an environment, change it and move on in time. unfortunately we are taught about the greater forest by business that does not want us to see the inordinate potential of nature to provide, lest we should turn away from the business model. even grey squirrels have been maligned when these little chaps plant forests on their own. red squirrels have succeeded over the greys in many places, because they are better suited to the wetter and colder places. plants appear because we need them. if we think there is no intellect behind nature then we are blind and stupid...

[@Grrrrrrr123]

I cut mine to nothing it grew back nine feet in a few months shocking

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

That's incredible and alarming and highlights my concerns

[@fer-de-lance536]

Perhap it could take over from himalayan balsam.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Perhaps. It's an interesting and somewhat concerning thought

[@jant4741]

Pot it.

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I think I may do this. Thank you

[@colinbelt-f9s]

That is not a gunnera

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

I 100% did not say it was a gunnera. Please watch again. I'd love your thoughts. Thanks 🙏

[@mn4169]

do not plant them in the garden, use pots

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Yes. I think I will. Thank you 😊

[@homebuddha]

I personally would get rid of it so your banana tree has no competition for light with its future generations of pups being deprived of sunlight and space. It’s a no brainer

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Ok. Thank you. Appreciate your contribution to the discussion. Reasonable point. Mark

[@DJSupaflyguy]

Thanks I’ve got some growing in greenhouse to sell next year. I support everyone of your videos but not this. Thanks! I will lose a lot and I know there’s garden centres that have got loads and wouldn’t appreciate videos scaremongering like this. An I’m really sorry but I have to speak my mind sorry!

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Hey don't apologise I think it's a valid point. I didn't mean to scaremonger. Apologies

[@DJSupaflyguy]

@@MarksHouseandGardenUK 😂🫡👍

[@robinbennett3531]

Move it away from the building....

[@MarksHouseandGardenUK]

Thanks Robin. I think I probably should.