A shortage of olive trees and lavender is imminent as an import ban is considered because of a devastating plant disease which is sweeping Europe.

Severe restrictions are to be placed on the import of popular garden plants because of Xylella Fastidiosa, a bacterium spread by spittlebugs which has wreaked havoc in the olive groves of Europe.

Defra believes it could shortly come to our shores, and if it does it will destroy our gardens and trees. Though the disease is known for destroying olive groves in Italy, it also attacks 560 other species.

In Britain, plants most at threat include oak, elm and plane trees.

The bug is most likely to arrive from Europe on a host plant, such as lavender.

Because of this, olive trees and lavender bushes will now be curtailed, and there will also be restrictions on almond, rosemary and oleander shrub.

The Royal Horticultural Society has previously put its own restrictions on European plants for its shows, and does not let growers use Spanish lavender at Chelsea Flower Show.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural affairs (Defra) is following suit, banning  imports of coffee plants  and myrtle-leaf milkword completely, and placing tough restrictions on Olive, Almond, Oleander, Lavender and Rosemary.

A Defra spokesperson explained: "The UK's plant biosecurity, in response to known threats, thereby protecting UK business, society and the environment in the short term, as well as in the future.

"As such, we have concluded that it remains important to introduce these enhanced protections now, to deliver the benefits identified (for instance, maintaining the UK's pest status for the trees and plants concerned) despite the challenging circumstances we are all faced with at present, as a result of Covid-19."