Purselane in flower bed - want it gone

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SCarolinaGirl Charleston, SC Sep 27, 2015

I want to get rid of purselane growing in my flower bed. How do I get rid of it?

I have attempted to pull it up without success as I can never find the bottom of the weed in the ground. It is growing deep with underground runners. I have also attempted spraying carefully with round-up but no luck there either.

What can I put in the flower bed that won't hurt my other plants (clematis, agapanthus, echinacea)?

I unterstand it seeds prolifically, but I have yet to see any flowers on it since trying to get rid of it. We've been in this location for 15 years. This pesky weed (to me) may have been a hitchhiker in another plant at some point.

Help!

PS: I have no intention of trying to eat it :)

Post #10147762
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altagardener Calgary, AB(Zone 3b) Sep 27, 2015

Weed it out diligently using a dandelion weeder to loosen the soil at the roots. Pick up and get rid of (e.g. compost) all pieces that you've pulled up - any pieces left laying on the ground will reroot, and will continue to drop seeds. The only secret to weeding is to keep at it.

Post #10147779
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SCarolinaGirl Charleston, SC Sep 27, 2015

Thank you, altagardener.

Yes, I have learned that broken stems of this weed(!) will root if any piece is missed. Ugh!

I use my hand spade to try and get the running stems underground. Sometimes they go very deep and also horizontally. When I try to remove the shoots, they sometimes break. I think this is my problem. I cant seem to get it out without breaking off some of it and because it breaks off underground, it just re-roots and the cycle begins again.

Was hoping for some type of spray that would work. Round-Up does kill the exposed leaves and stem but the purselane just re-appears later.

Post #10147791
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DaisyPlantLady Reno, NV(Zone 6b) Sep 27, 2015

Diligence, a Hula Hoe and a rake. And a Mexican friend that does think it's good to eat. 8')

Post #10148021
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dirt_digger Longwood, FL(Zone 9b) Sep 28, 2015

I wash off what I pull and add it to salads! Very good for you. Make it work.

Post #10148188
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kittriana Magnolia, TX(Zone 9a) Oct 03, 2015

Purslane cant grow anew to you remove the old plant. It is a very good ground cover plant to help retain moisture, and is actually compatible with those flowers; crowding it out with those flowers is possible also.

Post #10150364
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