Gransnet forums

Gardening

Passionflower; should I cull it?

(11 Posts)
MayBee70 Sun 02-Aug-20 15:12:45

Years ago I planted a passionflower in the garden and it did nothing. This year, however, it has totally taken off and has covered all the bushes; it's even growing on the washing line. I was so fascinated seeing it grow that I just left it alone. However I've now read reports that it can take over the whole garden, and more. Should I cull it completely? Also reading mixed reports as to whether it's poisonous to dogs. I've never known anything grow so fast !

kittylester Sun 02-Aug-20 15:29:36

We've got one and cut it back to nothing in the autumn. Ours hasn't done so well this year. confused

BlueBelle Sun 02-Aug-20 15:59:18

Mine has disappeared this year I d love another one must get one for next year

Ellianne Sun 02-Aug-20 16:07:16

I have two plants and both have covered four or five fence panels. I've never cut it back before but am going to have to do something to stop it soon.
Which part is supposed to be poisonous for dogs?

MayBee70 Sun 02-Aug-20 17:46:55

I knew once I started pruning I'd get carried away. Felt really bad because there were a few bees and butterflies on it. However, considering it's size there weren't actually many flowers on it. And, cheeky thing, it had grown amongst a pyracantha [?]so my fingers are torn to shreds. Roots still there so I'll see what happens next year. Why do plants in the garden only grow when you go away for a few weeks [ditto fingernails and toenails?].

MayBee70 Sun 02-Aug-20 17:48:14

I'm not sure if it is poisonous. Don't think it is but having had a huge vets bill recently don't want to risk it !

kittylester Sun 02-Aug-20 17:55:31

Dont prune it - hack it back.

midgey Sun 02-Aug-20 18:01:20

We had one that was doing so well it went under the foundations and came up in the house. Get rid!

Rosalyn69 Sun 02-Aug-20 18:07:15

Ours benefits from a good hack and the digs don’t bother it.

Rosalyn69 Sun 02-Aug-20 18:07:26

Dogs.

MayBee70 Sun 02-Aug-20 20:05:51

I did worry that it was invasive...I think the pyracantha might have to go as well. It's a very untidy bit of the garden; and untidy by my standards is very untidy. I've got stinging nettles everywhere for the butterflies and I usually leave piles of leaves for the birds to rummage through. But passionflower corner has got out of control.