Houttuynia cordata Chameleon
Chameleon Plant
Position
- Full sun to partial shade
- Protected from strong winds
- Ideal for pond margins, bog gardens, or moist borders
- Can grow as marginal aquatic plant in up to 5cm of water
Hardiness
- Tolerates temperatures down to -15°C (5°F)
- Dies back in winter but reliably returns in spring
Soil Type
- Prefers moist to wet soil
- Thrives in heavy clay or loamy soils
- Adapts to any soil pH (acid, neutral, or alkaline)
- Must be consistently damp
Soil PH
- Suits acid, alkaline, or neutral pH soils
Height
- Height: 20-30cm (8-12 inches)
- Spread: 100cm+ (39+ inches) if not contained
- Can be invasive if not controlled
Seasons of Interest
- Foliage: Variegated leaves in green, cream, pink and red
- Changes colour intensity based on sun exposure
- Flowering: Small white flowers with bracts June-August
- Aromatic leaves with orange-peel scent when crushed
Additional Notes
- Highly invasive – best grown in containers or barriers
- Excellent for water filtration in pond systems
- Can be used as ground cover in damp areas
- Leaves used in East Asian cuisine
- Best contained using deep root barriers
- Regular trimming helps control spread
- Dies back completely in winter
- May need protection in first winter
- Can be divided in spring to propagate
- Particularly vigorous in wet conditions
Growing Houttuynia Cordata: The Versatile Chameleon Plant Guide
Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as the chameleon plant, is a fascinating addition to any garden. This remarkable plant offers vibrant foliage and adaptability, making it perfect for both water features and ground cover. Learn how to grow and maintain this unique plant that brings colour and interest to your garden throughout the growing season.
What Makes Houttuynia Cordata Special?
The chameleon plant stands out for its heart-shaped leaves and variegated foliage in shades of green, cream, and pink. This herbaceous perennial gets its name from its ability to display different colours throughout the season. Its leaves release an orange peel fragrance when crushed, adding sensory appeal to your garden.
How to Choose the Perfect Location?
Houttuynia cordata thrives in both full sun and partial shade locations. It performs best in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for bog gardens or pond margins. This versatile plant can tolerate a range of conditions, from shallow water to normal garden soil.
What Are the Best Growing Conditions?
The plant spreads through rhizomes and prefers consistently damp conditions. It grows well in aquatic soil or regular garden soil as long as moisture levels remain high. For best results, maintain soil pH between 6.0-7.5.
How to Plant Houttuynia Cordata?
Whether planting in a border or pond margin, ensure proper planting depth of about 1cm below soil level. For container growing, use a planting basket with fine mesh to control spread. Space plants approximately 30-40cm apart to allow for growth.
Can It Be Grown in Containers?
Yes, container growing is an excellent way to control this vigorous plant. Use large pots with good drainage and keep the soil consistently moist. This method is particularly useful for the less vigorous variegated varieties.
What About Maintenance and Care?
Regular trimming helps maintain shape and prevent invasive spread. Remove dead foliage in late autumn and divide dense clumps every 2-3 years to rejuvenate growth. Watch for drought stress and water accordingly.
How to Use in Garden Design?
Incorporate as groundcover in boggy areas or as a marginal pond plant. Its attractive foliage works well in borders when contained. Create vibrant displays by combining with other moisture-loving perennials.
What About Seasonal Interest?
Small white flowers appear in late spring, surrounded by showy white bracts. The variegated foliage provides continuous interest from spring through autumn. Winter dormancy occurs in colder regions.
Are There Different Varieties?
The most popular variety is ‘Chameleon’ with its tri-colored foliage. ‘Variegata’ offers cream and green leaves, ‘Flame‘ is an improvement on ‘Chameleon’ while the species type features solid green leaves with aromatic properties.
Key Points to Remember:
- Thrives in moist to wet conditions
- Works well as both ground cover and pond plant
- Control spread through container growing
- Regular maintenance prevents invasive behaviour
- Provides year-round interest through foliage
- Tolerates both sun and shade locations
- Perfect for bog gardens and water features
- Easy to grow and maintain with proper care
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Check out the RHS article here.
For more information on Herbaceous Perennials for your garden please click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ plant?
A: The Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ is a vibrant perennial aquatic plant recognised for its colourful heart-shaped leaves, which can display shades of green, yellow, and red. It’s often called the chameleon plant due to its ability to change colour based on light and environmental conditions.
Q: Can I grow the chameleon plant in my garden?
A: Absolutely! The chameleon plant is perfect for aquatic gardens and can also thrive in borders. It tolerates a range of conditions, so whether you have sun or shade, it can adapt nicely.
Q: How does the Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ spread?
A: This plant is known for its wide-spreading, rhizomatous growth. Its roots send out stems that can create a lovely collection of vibrant foliage, making it a fantastic choice if you want to fill space in your garden.
Q: What type of soil do I need for the chameleon plant?
A: The chameleon plant prefers well-drained, gravelly soil, but it can also tolerate a bare root setup if you’re planting it in water. Just ensure the roots are submerged for the best growth.
Q: How much sunlight does the Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ need?
A: This vibrant plant is quite adaptable! It can thrive in full sun or partial shade, making it versatile for different garden setups. Just observe it to see what it prefers in your specific environment.
Q: How big can the chameleon plant get?
A: Under the right conditions, the Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ can grow up to 3 feet wide. It’s a low-growing plant, which makes it great for filling in spaces without overshadowing taller plants.
Q: When is the best time to plant the chameleon plant?
A: The recommended planting time for the chameleon plant is in the spring or early summer, allowing it to establish its roots and thrive during the warmer months.
Q: Does the Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’ attract any wildlife?
A: Yes! The masses of white flowers that bloom can attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making your garden a lively spot. Plus, the vibrant foliage adds a splash of colour that enhances the aquatic atmosphere.
Q: Are there any specific care tips for the chameleon plant?
A: To keep your chameleon plant happy, ensure the soil stays moist, especially during dry spells. You may need to trim it back occasionally to control its spread and encourage bushier growth.