To begin, the plant was originally found in Japan and controlled by natural pests and climate conditions. However, Philip von Siebold bought a sample of the plant back to Europe in the Victorian era, where it was planted in gardens, mainly to create themed areas. Although, the plant was found to grow quickly, and by the mid-1800s, was being sold by multiple sellers across the UK.
Since then, the plant has spread across the UK. As well as this, the rhizomes (underground shoots) can grow to a depth of 2 metres underground, leading to this plant returning each year.