Invasive flowers a headache for gardeners, says Saskatoon horticulturist

They may be pretty to look at and easy to grow, but be careful what flowers you plant.

Edmonton has declared war on the creeping bellflower, placing it on its "most wanted" noxious weeds list. And althoughSaskatoon city officials haven't followed suit, horticulturistGrant Wood said gardeners need to be vigilant.

You're not going to eradicatein one year, even if you are using herbicides.- Grant Wood, horticulturist

"They will spread, they will take over, they will outcompete the other plants," he said.

Wood said flowers like the creeping bellfower have a very aggressive root system. Others like the Himalayan balsam, more commonly known as the poor man's orchid, have huge seed production.

Wood said the most effective way of controlling the plants is by digging and destroying.

"You're not going to eradicatein one year, even if you are using herbicides," he said.

Top 10Invasive Plants in Saskatchewan

1.Goutweed.

2.Creeping bellflower.

3. Shasta daisy.

4. Achillea.

5.Common tansy.

6. Leafyspurge.

7. Dame's rocket.

8. Purpleloosestrife.

9. Himalayan balsam.

10. Scentless chamomile.