what are my friend's giant ?

Hi 3 witches, Welcome..
If Paladin is right & it is Himalayan Balsam, it is stunningly beautiful plant to look at, but,,,,,,
:eek:

Himalayan or Indian balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) was introduced to Britain in 1839, but escaped from gardens and rapidly colonised riverbanks and areas of damp ground. Himalayan balsam grows in dense stands that suppress the growth of native grasses and other flora. In the autumn, the plants die back, leaving the banks bare of vegetation and vulnerable to erosion.

Facts and figures

Native range: Western Himalayas

Stem: Pinky-red colour
Up to 3m tall - tallest annual plant in Britain
Hollow and jointed
Sappy and brittle

Leaves: Spear-shaped, with serrated edges
Shiny and dark green with a dark red midrib
Up to 150mm long
Opposite or in whorls of three

Flowers: Purplish-pink to pale pink
Slipper-shaped, on long stalks
June ââ?¬â?? October

Seeds : White, brown or black
Produced from July ââ?¬â?? October
4-7mm diameter
4 ââ?¬â?? 16 seeds per pod

Control: Control measures should aim to prevent flowering and if this is achieved before seeds are set, eradication is possible in two to three years.

Chemical control: can use glyphosate or 2,4-D amine. Need to be used whilst plant is actively growing in early spring for best effect.

Cutting/mowing/strimming: cut at ground level using a scythe, before the flowering stage in June. Do not cut earlier as this promotes greater seed production in any plants that regrow. Cutting should be repeated annually until no more growth occurs.

Pulling: shallow-rooted plants can be pulled up very easily and disposed of by burning or composting, unless seeds are present.

Grazing: Grazing by cattle and sheep is effective from April throughout the growing season. It should be continued until no new growth occurs.


also have a read here at this RHS link as well.
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0705/himalayanbalsam.asp

Maybe the right thing to have pulled it up. I don't see why you couldn't grow it as long as you don't let it set seed.... :eek: