Plant of the moment: FALLOPIA

FALLOPIA

Better known as Russian vine, or mile-a-minute, this rampant climber is also a garden strangler, racing over fences, trellises, sheds and other trees and plants. This is pleasant for the first 10 minutes or so after it is installed, when it impresses with its vigour. It then rampages not only over your garden but over your neighbour's garden and their neighbour's garden, too, extending as much as 40ft, like a many-limbed alien. Fallopia also has an aggravating habit of becoming brown and leafless around the nether regions. So, if allowed to escape, someone in the next street will probably benefit from any flowers it may produce, which are small, white, and undistinguished. Stick to a relatively well-behaved clematis or wisteria instead.