Wow this is sure a 'scorch the earth' thread. Have you considered co-existing with your goutweed? I use it as a groundcover around my cherry tree and it looks quite lovely. I also have it as a ground cover in two other beds where I simply keep it cut closer to the ground so the other plants have their space. Snipping the hootenanny (my term for the latin name) is easier for me than pulling weeds and I like how it brightens up a shady spot. It apparently depends on your own micro-climate how aggressive it is per the comments found in the database.

It is possible to contain goutweed. I've done it. That's not the case with Houttuynia. The stench of the removed roots or stems of Houttuynia is yet another downside...as if it needed it!

When I reference goutweed, I mean houttuynia. Do you have another plant you call goutweed? Perhaps the unvariegated variety?

Aegopodium podagraria = goutweed for most folks.

For the first few years I tried to coexist by pulling it back and planting some calla lillies the roots of the weed took them out. I then planted big established rosemary bushes and it took them out too. After I started seeing it go into the grass on the other side of the sidewalk I declared war. But yours looks beautiful Deb! I wish mine would play nice

I agree with Greene. Goutweed/Bishop's Weed are both synonyms for Aegopodium.

This is the entry for the unvariegated Houttuynia cordata (no 'Chameleon'): Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata)

What I have is not goutweed it's definitely the chameleon plant

SO sorry to know that. Once you've conquered it you will feel like Superwoman!

Ah, that was simply a brain-drain on my part. Both of those plants get such bad press, they both grow well in shade, and I have both of them. So, corrected to say, I keep the chameleon plant as a groundcover in my hosta bed, with the goutweed under my cherry tree and as a groundcover in a second bed. Not enough coffee yet apparently... My apologies for the confusion. I've never tried to wage battle with either one of them, though, we all get along fine.

It's really nice to know some people can grow it without a problem. I've said often enough that it is the most beautiful weed I've ever seen...or grown. Here it is with a dayliliy:

That is a pretty combination, Pirl.

Wow that's really pretty Arlene if I lose the battle maybe I'll try daylillies. So after hard work today here it is.



I still need to get the pressure washer out on the walkway and drive way but def looks alot better

It even strangles the daylilies so the Houtt. is best off in the trash.

That looks very nice, very welcoming for Halloween! Do you remove the pumpkins when it's 9 PM so they won't be thrown against your lovely home or through the windows?

Looks super, SC!