Is it a goodie or a baddie?

Typical newbie question here. I have several of these sprouting up in one of my borders. They look quite attractive but I don't know what they are, perhaps they are a weed! Any ideas?

 

Can't be sure from the pic Rovingricey but it looks like Rosebay Willowherb. Yes, it is very attractive and does lovely purple flowers - but it is a real thug and seeds everywhere, which is why you have it. If that's what it is have it out straightaway. You'll find big roots.

 

Thanks guys. It has actually 'hopped' over into our beds from our neighbour's garden so if anyone's gonna get grumpy about it, it should be me! I've only got about half a dozen of them at the moment so I'll get them up pronto. Cheers.

 

I'm now wondering whether it would be good to compost it (pre-seed heads of course) or would that be a really bad idea?.....

 

Update: been doing some webresearch this afternoon and looks like it is possible to compost Rosebay Willowherb so that's what I'm going to do. I love it when I can put a weed to good use...kind of makes it not a weed at all doesn't it, merely a plant at the wrong stage of composting!

 

a weed is only a plant in the wrong place.

 

I would compost it - minus the seed heads and the roots - if that makes sense.