Taking cuttings to Italy

Mrs C & I were strip-searched at Pisa airport recently to make sure we didn't have any pyrocanthus on us. Otherwise don't seem to be any problems.

Thank you very much for your help in this subject. We found your response very helpful.

I found this on the web - dated March 2008hi there here is a copy of email I got in reply from Defra about us taking plants to Spain, this email only came in on Wednesday so it is still valid and current and I hope it helps;''Dear xxxxxThe only plants you may not take to Spain from the UK arerhododendron/azaleas, viburnum or camellias (to prevent the spread of aserious fungal disease to which these plants are hosts).You may take as many other plants as you wish, including the soil theyare growing in, without the need for any plant health documentation.Please note that all plants entering another country are subject to'random' inspection to ensure freedom from plant pests and disease.Regards.Paul KilbyDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)Plant Health & Seeds InspectorateGround Floor, Foss House, Kings Pool1-2 Peasholme Green, York, YO10 7PXTelephone: 01904-455188Fax: 01904-455199Email: paul.j.kilby @ defra.gsi.gov.uk ..Its about plants to Spain - but perhaps you could ring him about Italy ,

Thank you very much indeed. The advice you gave us is most helpful. We will contact DEFRA for info on Italy and plants.

We have bought cuttings / bulbs over when driving down - never been a problem as we were not searched but don't think it is entirly legal - something to do with the bacteria in the soil. If you are driving down and don't go through Switzerland, then there is much less chance of being searched anyway. I know you can legally transport bulbs which have a certificate on them to say they have been tested/ treated. We flew with some blubs we bought in Amsterdam and this was fine. All our daffodils and snowdrops are doing fine and also the plants we bought from my Mums garden. Just can't seem to get any roses to grow but that must be down to our hard clay soil (looks like it would be great for making pots!).

Many thanks for your advice. We won't be driving over with plants but wanted to put some cuttings from our garden in the suitcases we will check-in at the airport. They should survive with a bit of wet paper wrapped around them following a 2hr. flight.Thanks again.

I had a look through the Italian pages and there is not a formal ban on any plant with the exceptions of vines from Croacia and obviously any kind of diseased plant or protected species. Wrap them in wet kitchen towels and then some newspaper. Put the lot in a strong plastic bag. Join the gardening group and tell us how you go.Happy gardening!

Thank you very much for your useful advice on transporting plants. We will let you know how we get on with the planting but it won't be until 6 months or so as we're awaiting some outside work to the house to be completed.Much obliged.

Hi Have been bringing plants, cuttings and bulbs back and forth for the past number of years from Spain, Italy, Uk, France...in fact most of Europe. As far as I am aware this is permitted by European law as all nurseries must have a licence and all plants are numbered, so therefore if any problems they can be traced back to their origin. Only healthy (?) plants can be sold in Europe believe it or not......... however as some posts say I think there are certain plants that different countries ban. Just check the immigration of that particular country.

I was always led to believe that the problems are caused by the soil that the plant is transferred in rather then the roots, so bare root transfer avoids that problem. We have brought plants from Madeira in this way. Orchids are sometimes sold in gel out there but I prefer the bare root method, with sufficient protection.

Unfortunately we are having to move back to the UK at the end of June and the removals firm have no problems with the plants I want to take back - a bougainvillea, a money tree plus a couple of indoor plants too. Sentimental plants as I bought them when we lived in Greece and they came with us to Italy - the others are going to good homes here!!!! I did enquire when we left Greece to come here and was told that as they were domestic plants within EU not a problem.......