Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam

[Nogood Boyo]

Is there any chance that HB is suppressing JK in the UK..? We have a
lot of both around here (S Wales) and I have a feeling that HB is
keeping the JK down... Might the wet summer have anything to do with
it this year?

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Nogood Boyo

[Will Hirstle]

Interesting theory. It's unusual to see the two growing together here in Kent. Wet weather may well favour HB which is a usually a wetland species. Are you suggesting that HB shades out the JK because it is taller?

Will

[Nogood Boyo]

Post by Will Hirstle
Interesting theory. It's unusual to see the two growing together here in Kent. Wet weather may well favour HB which is a usually a wetland species. Are you suggesting that HB shades out the JK because it is taller?

Wondering rather than suggesting.

I don't think HB is taller. JK around here grows to 10 feet or more in places. I haven't seen HB that tall.

If I'm right, timing probably has something to do with it - getting in first.

JK is so persistent that, even if I'm right about this year, I doubt if one wet summer will have much effect in the long term.