Control
Non-weedkiller control
Creeping buttercup in lawns
In spring, before mowing use a wire-toothed rake to lift the developing runners so that they can be cut by the mower. Aerate in autumn to improve drainage.
Creeping buttercup in borders
The runners can be dug out in spring with a trowel. Repeated hoeing through the summer will also eliminate this weed. Both processes will need to be repeated several times for full control.
Where very thick infestations occur there may be no option but to lift desirable plants removing any parts of the weeds and hold the cleaned plants in weed-free ground while the infested border is cleaned up over the summer using the methods described for bare soil.
Creeping buttercup on bare soil
Digging and hoeing will destroy this weed. Alternatively, smother it with a sheet of black plastic mulch. These should be left in place all summer.
Weedkiller control
Creeping buttercup in lawns
Most lawn weedkillers (e.g. Doff Lawn Weeder, Roundup Lawn Ultra Weedkiller, Roundup Lawn Optima Weedkiller or Westland Resolva Lawn Weedkiller Extra) will control creeping buttercup. Apply in spring when growth is vigorous and repeat if necessary.
Creeping buttercup in borders
Weedkillers based on glyphosate (e.g. Roundup Fast Acting, SBM Job done General Purpose Weedkiller or Doff Glyphosate Weedkiller) are effective in controlling creeping buttercup. However, as glyphosate is not selective in its action, it is essential to avoid spray or spray drift coming into contact with garden plants. If treating weeds in the immediate vicinity of garden plants, apply carefully using a ready to use spray or the gel formulation (Roundup Gel) in cool, calm weather. Branches or shoots can be held back, using canes, or by covering or screening while spraying, but make sure that the weed foliage has dried before releasing branches or removing the covering.
Creeping buttercup on bare soil
A weedkiller based on glyphosate (see above) will eliminate it very effectively, spraying in spring or summer.
Inclusion of a weedkiller product does not indicate a recommendation or endorsement by the RHS. It is a list of products currently available to the home gardener.
Download
Weedkillers for gardeners (Adobe Acrobat pdf document outlining weedkillers available to gardeners; see sections 1b, 4 and 5)
Links
Chemicals: using a sprayer
Chemicals: using safely and effectively
Chemicals: using spot and broad-scale weedkillers
Weeds: non-chemical control