Infected fuchsias in the south of England are being destroyed because of an infection of mites, it has been reported.

The fuchsia gall mite has been found at three separate locations in Kent, Hampshire and Middlesex.

Defra must be notified of any suspected outbreaks and flowers have to be destroyed to control the infestation, the BBC reported.

Consultant entomologist for Defra, Paul Bartlett, told BBC Radio Kent's Sunday Gardening programme the mite was on a list of pests "which have to be notified and regulated for Europe because it is so damaging".

An infested plant will turn pale green and felt-like, particularly at shoot tips, which will redden and the upper parts of the plant will collapse.

It was confirmed for the first time in Europe in 2003, around the gulf of Morbihan in Brittany, France, where it has continued to flourish.

Defra notes that by the time symptoms have become obvious it normally too late for chemical treatments to have any effect on the crop.