EU plant threat

Keen gardeners have been warned that some of the nation’s favourite plants are under threat.

Not from some virulent virus or devastating bacteria but from "meddling EU bureaucrats".

Brussels is proposing that each plant variety must be given a detailed scientific description, as well as being listed on an official plant register. As the UK does not have such a register it means unregistered plants could be removed from sale in garden centres and shops.

“They are at it again, poking their nose in where it isn’t needed or wanted.They should stop and smell the roses - instead of effectively banning them,” said local MEP Paul Nuttall.

“Among plants at risk are such classic favourites as the clematis Nelly Moser, Hidcote lavender, the hardy geranium Johnson’s Blue and Narcissus King Alfred.

“Anyone selling an unregistered plant could face hefty fines and the proposed legislation demands such detailed information that the costs would be prohibitive to tick all the boxes,” said Mr Nuttall, UKIP deputy leader.

“I fully support the Horticultural Trades Association in urging Environment Secretary Owen Paterson to stop this measure in its tracks and have written to them offering any help I can give.

“As usual this potential disaster is the EU law of unintended consequences. The aim is apparently to ensure that customers are not sold fake or inferior plants but it could wipe out specialist firms and deprive amateur gardeners the chance to buy specimens they love,” said Mr Nuttall.