Advice needed on removing a 'Kerria japonica Pleniflora' inc. suckers

Hello all

I am going to be able to get started on sorting out my garden sooner than expected and one thing I need to do is to remove a 'Kerria japonica Pleniflora' that has become overgrown and has spread behind the shed.

Can someone offer some advice as to how I would go about removing this shrub?

I can get to the main part of the shrub so I will be able to cut it right down there however the suckers are inaccessible at the moment since they are behind the shed.

I will be replacing the shed in a couple of months so I will hopefully try to address the suckers then, however, I need to know how the suckers grow.

Do the suckers root themselves or are they still reliant on the main root?

How would I go about removing the suckers?

I will not be moving the shrub, I just need it gone.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Hiya Kevin, I learned a few years back that this lovely shrub is an invader
It spreads by underground roots AND surface roots.
If you cut it down it generates vigorous suckering so, take your time, dig the whole plant out. Then go over the area removing roots and suckers left behind.
After that, keep an eye on the odd stray sucker and spray with glyphosate. Good time now because any suckering will be apparent and quick so you can respray up to late September and sort the issue this season
I would tackle the job now. Glyphosate will not be effective in the dormant season.

 

Hello @Verdun

Thanks for the reply.

The issue is that at the moment I am not able to reach the suckers (8' +) that are behind the shed and will not be able to gain access until the old shed is dismantled in a couple of months in preparation for the new one.

Just wondering but would spraying the main shrub now with RoundUp work, would that kill the main shrub and also the suckers?

Then I could just clear what is left of the suckers when the old shed is removed.

I could do that now if that would work.

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Cut back now then half way and then spray it when new growth appears in a couple of weeks. Glyphosate is more effective on young growth
Wont kill the suckers but will help. Turn over the ground thoroughly when you can thereafter Kevin

 

Hello @Verdun

Thanks and sorry for the late reply, my Wireless Keyboard ran out of charge

Kevin

 

Hello @Verdun

I have just cut down what I could reach and will spray it once it starts to grow again.

Also, do the suckers just pull up or do they require digging out?

On a side note, it is too hot out there, I do not handle heat well anyway (one of my sensory sensitivities) but I feel like a lobster being given the guided tour of the pan rim :(

Thanks for your advice, it is appreciated.

Kevin

 

Dig out, pull out....both Kevin

Yep! Bloomin' hot. A beach guy here but best be sensible and keep out of the sun until later

 

Thanks @Verdun

I must say that I envy you living near the sea, I love being next to water, I always have but living in Doncaster and not being able to travel far on my own limits my choices.

Kevin