Weed Control

Bindweed / convolvulus (Calystegia)

Hand-pull small plants only if all stem and root fragments can be removed; dispose of roots/fragments securely. For larger stems/patches, use cut-and-stump treatment or careful spot-spraying with a labelled product. Follow up repeatedly because root fragments and rhizomes resprout. Avoid herbicide near water unless the label and local rules allow it.

Climbing dock / rambling dock (Rumex sagittatus)

Dig out small infestations including tubers and rhizomes; bag/dispose of tubers, rhizomes and seed capsules. Spot-spray active regrowth or follow-up after digging with a labelled herbicide where appropriate. Replant or mulch bare ground and check for resprouting from missed fragments.

Agapanthus (Agapanthus praecox)

Remove flower/seed heads before seed drops. Dig out scattered plants including crown and rhizomes, then dispose of plant material at landfill/refuse rather than composting. For large plants, cut-and-paste or foliar-spray with a labelled herbicide; repeat follow-up until regrowth stops.

Shrub balsam / Impatiens (Impatiens sodenii)

Start control at the top of the catchment/slope to reduce reinfestation. Hand-pull small plants or dig out full root systems before seeding. Keep stems/fragments off damp soil because they can root at nodes. For dense patches, use cut-and-paste or foliar spray with a labelled herbicide, avoiding desirable plants.

Periwinkle / blue periwinkle (Vinca major)

Dig or rake out runners, rhizomes and rooted stems, removing every fragment to refuse/bury/burn. Smothering with black plastic or weed mat can work for small patches. Treat regrowth early and repeat follow-up several times a year; dense patches may need repeated treatment over 2-3 years.

Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana / C. jubata) 

Confirm it is not native toetoe before treating. Remove and dispose of flowerheads before seed set. Hand-pull/dig small plants, removing the crown. For established clumps, foliar-spray actively growing plants with a labelled grass herbicide. Do not use herbicide near water unless the label allows it. Replant/cover bare soil and monitor seedlings

Tibouchina / princess flower(Tibouchina urvilleana)

If retained as ornamental, prune after flowering/early spring and remove unwanted seedlings. If removal is required in a natural area, cut low and treat stump or regrowth using locally approved woody-weed methods. Dispose of green waste securely and confirm local pest status before large-scale control.

Canna lily / Indian shot (Canna indica)

Deadhead seed capsules and dig out entire clumps, including all rhizome fragments. Do not dump or compost rhizomes. For established patches, cut-and-paste stems or foliar-spray regrowth with a labelled herbicide, taking extra care around waterways. Follow up because fragments left in soil resprout; replant with suitable native species.

Woolly nightshade / tobacco weed (Solanum mauritianum)

Wear gloves/eye protection and avoid inhaling dusty hairs. Hand-pull small seedlings or dig out the full root system. For larger shrubs/trees, cut low and immediately treat the stump with a labelled herbicide, or use basal/drill-and-fill methods where appropriate. Do not use relevant herbicides over/near water unless the label allows it. Monitor for many seedlings after control.

Blackberry / bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.)

For small plants, dig out the root crown and as much rhizome as possible; dispose of or burn plant material where permitted. Larger canes can be cut and stump-treated, basal-treated or foliar-sprayed in summer-autumn with a labelled herbicide. Expect regrowth after slashing/grazing and repeat follow-up; encourage canopy/native cover to suppress reinvasion.