Another day, another adversary. This time I came across an old foe, Houttuynia cordata or the heart leaved Houttynia. If I was Sherlock Holmes it would be my Moriarty. It is an awkward customer from the start, having an unpronounceable name (for me and I have tried honest), I prefer to call it “that darned rootin tootin nightmare”. If this alone wasn’t enough, the way it invades the borders makes Attila the Hun appear lacking in ambition. So today involved more digging and rooting around like a truffle pig (although I believe they use dogs nowadays but I mustn’t get diverted) in an attempt to remove all the brittle and extensive rhizomes. Of course they will all pop up again in the spring and the lovely Lavinia will wonder exactly what have I been up to!
The photo above is of a well behaved, non invasive, darkly beautiful penstemon. Teacher’s Pet of the Day.
Off The Edge Gardening 
I’m not a big lover of Houttuynia either but we have it at Sissinghurst where it is used on the steep bank of the Moat Walk to stabilise the soil and prevent it from slipping downwards. This has been reasonably successful so it has its uses. Helen
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I would imagine it is perfect for dodgy slopes as it seems to love all conditions. Just keep one eye on it ……. (have you seen Day of the Triffids?) 🙂
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I don’t know Houttuynia and it sounds like that’s a good thing. I just looked it up and learned that it smells like raw fish (is this true?) and is used as a health food in China.
On the other hand, Teacher’s Pet is gorgeous!
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No, not exactly fish, sort of citrusy in an unpleasant sort of way. Maybe a fishy orange or orangey fish. Horrible anyway.
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I will have to have a sniff in the spring, or eat it. I am a great lover of penstemon, any excuse to advertise!
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As if weeding isn’t enough of a chore without having an unpleasant smell to go along with it.
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Makes me glad I can’t pronounce it!
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Just say no Kayti!
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It has its usefulness (like any plant) but nurseries selling it should put up a big warning sign; many people don’t realize what are they buying.
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I totally agree, what happens next is it escapes into the wild and all hell breaks loose. We need to be more responsible.
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Okay, I’m overwhelmed with the idea that HOUTTUYNIA (I can’t bring myself to say the words). that anyone in there right mind would consider planting this nightmare, daymare. I’ve been battling this scourge for more years that I can mention and I find myself fearing the new spring season. It’s only December here in the States and I get the chills thinking about the battle I must wage against IT.
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It should have a written warning with it, sorry you are battling too 😦
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