Creeping Buttercup
Lynda 5
Posts: 22
I have provided an enviromental pond no fish, just newts frogs/toad and plant, but I have noticed that a creeping buttercup is now invading the pond. Should I get rid of it or leave it alone.
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Lynda 5
Posts: 22
Posts
I have plenty of buttercups, and I have a pond. But I've never found the buttercups to be a problem. I don't think I've ever noticed buttercups trying to colonise the pond. Buttercups like damp conditions, but they are not aquatic plants.
I'm wondering how a buttercup would operate in water. Does it float on the surface.
If the buttercup is obviously strangling other plants growing in the pond, then perhaps you should take some action.
The buttercup has spread from the outside of the pond and is using this as it base. The buttercup is floating on the pond and is making large roots. To date it has made three new root stems.
How big is the pond? If it's large (at least as large as Monty Don's) I think I'd let it invade a little way, but keep an eye on it. If it's smaller than that then personally I'd get rid of it and make sure you've got plenty of good marginal plants. Creeping buttercup can make itself into a sort of a raft and eventually the roots will take over the pond which will silt up - I've seen this happen in old ponds on commons etc, once the cattle stop wading into the pond to drink.
On second thoughts, I'd take the buttercup out, even if your pond is as big as Monty's.
Some Marsh Marigold might be nice to replace it
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
yes agree hollie-hock - its the worse weed we have and its really good at sneaking back when you think you ve dug them all up. Lynda 5 - i d dig up any you see - its so good at taking over - good luck !
theres not much upsets me when i m trowel in hand in the garden , but creeping buttercups are on a par with slugs - and at least slugs are tasty nibbles for the hedgehogs