Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' (v)
heart-leaved houttuynia 'Chameleon'
A wide-spreading, herbaceous perennial to 30cm in height, with fragrant, variegated leaves splashed and margined cream, often heavily red-flushed. Dense white and cream flower spikes appear in late spring
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White Yellow | Cream Green Red Variegated | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Cream Green Red Variegated | |||
| Autumn | Cream Green Red Variegated | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Saururaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Houttuynia are rhizomatous perennials with pungently orange-scented, heart-shaped leaves and tiny yellow flowers in spikes with usually 4 prominent white bracts at the base
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Tolerant of a range of soils from dry to wet in sun or shade. Can be prone to extensive spreading, especially in wet soils, by underground stems and therefore has the potential to become a nuisance. Ideal for containers where its spread can be restricted. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings of young basal shoots
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Garden edging
Pruning
Divide regularly to limit spread
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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