specialist MONTBRETIA CONTROL services

OUR SPECIALIST CONTROL SERVICES WILL TREAT OR ERADICATE THIS SPECIES. TO FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE MONTBRETIA USE OUR FREE ID TOOL OR BOOK A SURVEY

TREATMENT & REMOVAL

When looking at how to remove Montbretia (also known as Crocosmia), it’s easiest to compare it to Japanese knotweed removal, as like Japanese knotweed, Monbretia is also a plant that grows via underground rhizomes that can spread rapidly. This means that all fragments of the rhizomes need to be completely removed, making the fully grown plants problematic to eradicate as all parts of the plant above and below ground growth need to be completely removed from site. The plant can be treated with herbicide or completely dug out – but this must be done by a trained professional if the result is required to be permanent. As the plant waste is deemed as special ‘controlled waste’ it will need to be taken to a suitably licensed landfill.

To find out the best way to remove Montbretia and the best time of year to have treatment or excavation carried out get in touch.

WHY IS MONBRETIA  A PROBLEM?

This plant is listed as a Schedule 9 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, therefore it is an offence to plant or allow to spread into the wild as it will quickly take over habitats. It is not illegal to plant on your own property but it is an offence to allow it to spread onto other properties.

Like Japanese knotweed Montbretia carries the risk of encroachment issues if allowed to spread, and it will spread very easily if not controlled. Also like knotweed, if the rhizomes are disturbed it will grow new plants which increases its spread. Montbretia will thrive in most places, often on rocky slopes which makes removal extremely difficult.

ABOUT MONTBRETIA

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Crocosmia x crocosmilflora
ORIGIN: South Africa

Monbretia is an extremely popular garden plant, widely grown for its sprays of reddish-orange flowers that appear in late summer. Part of the Crocosmia species, these plants are easily recognised when in flower by the distinct shape and colour of their flower heads.

• Orange & tubular flowers in nodding clusters.
• Long stamens.
• Grows up to 60cm tall.
• Found on road verges and hedges.
• Flat spear-shaped leaves less than 3cm wide.
• Flowers June to September.

HABITAT

Usually found on roadside verges and hedgerow banks, along cliff tops and woodland edges and on waste ground where garden plants are discarded. Monbretia tolerates frost, heat, moderate shade and grazing so is capable of colonising a variety of habitats.

IMPACT: MEDIUM

Spread can then be rapid, resulting in dense stands at the exclusion of all other vegetation. It is especially frequent in the west and around coasts. In western Ireland whole roadsides can be densely carpeted for miles on end. Small fragments of rhizomes can easily separate from the parent plant and become established in the wild. Also, corms can break off from the parent plant and begin to produce their own root network.

TOXICITY: ZERO

Monbretia presents no physical danger to either humans or animals.