Whats this plant/weed and how to control it

In some parts of the borders every year at this time this plant/weed pops-up in and amongst the flower and shrubs.
What is it, what conditions cause it and what can help to control it other than weeding etc.



Thanks

 

It could be Willowherb, but maybe I'm wrong. If it is then the best way to get rid of it is to pull it up.
I don't think any specific conditions 'cause' it, weeds are just wild flowers and this one will grow in most places.

 

Could be one of the willowherbs(Epilobioum species). They spread their feathery seeds by wind so its a plant that gets everywhere even if you can weed out all the ones in your own garden. I think they are fairly flexible with the conditions they will grow in so if you have space where something else is not growing it is a fairly likely to settle in and shoot up some flowers and produce a good number of seeds. It is one of the ones I dig out quicker than some others as it makes seed relatively quickly. A good mulch over where there is any bare soil might help slow it down and make any that start to grow on the mulch easier to pull out. The stem of some types can break if they are pulled out carelessly and it will regrow unless care is taken to pull it all out in one piece but regular treatment with finger and thumb is the best ways to deal with them I have found.

Happy gardening!

 

Thanks, but it mostly appears in the garden where damp and winter shade also not seen to flower also grows no higher than 3cm. Areas that see the sun all year round, it does not appear. ?

 

Improve drainage in these areas and reduce winter shade if possible. Meanwhile it's weeding hoeing probably best with a hand hoe if among other plants. I wouldn't worry what it is. If you've decided it's a weed remove it.