(March) I planted
Houttuynia cordata 'Variegata' under my azaleas. It is a beautiful groundcover,
however, it is extremely invasive. It is quickly moving to my other beds and
chokes out other small plants. I removed my azaleas from the bed and sprayed
round up but a gardener friend told me it might not be affective in getting rid
of it. I have tried digging it up but the root system is so deep this is near
impossible as well. What should I do?
Houttuynia
tends to be more of a problem in moist situations, than dry. If you sprayed
round-up now, it would not be effective, since the Houttuynia is dormant. When
it sprouts, you can spray it with some control. It may need more than one
application. Another option is to till the bed, and then use a strong garden
rake and get out as much of the underground root system as possible. Then
spray with roundup as any remaining plants emerge.