Leylandii topped the poll with seven out of ten respondents concerned about the speed at which the plant grows and potential complaints from neighbours. Another old favourite, ivy came second on the list, with 67% of respondents revealing that concern about the potential damage the plants could cause to masonry would put them off a property covered in the trademark dark green leaves. Pampas grass completed the top three with half of those surveyed revealing that the plants dated 70s look and shooting stems would put them off buying a house.

Plants named and shamed
The study indicates that Britain is becoming a nation of plant snobs; preferring attractive, flowers to hardy perennials like the traditional magnolia (47%) and geranium (31%), which also appear in the top ten. Many respondents revealed that they thought these flowers are old-fashioned, preferring instead more modern and exotic plants. Other naff plants to be named and shamed included carnations, wisteria and conifer trees.