Houttuynia cordata Chameleon
Why Buy Me?
- Ideal for ground cover
- An attractive carpet of flowers
- interesting variegated foliage
Growing Conditions
Light:
Prefers partial shade to full sun. In full sun, the foliage colour becomes more vibrant, showing a striking mix of green, cream, pink, and red tones. In hotter, sunnier spots, some afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch.
Soil:
Thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soil, but tolerates a wide range of soil types including wet or boggy soils. Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil but is quite adaptable.
Exposure:
Best grown in a sheltered spot, especially protected from drying winds. Hardy in most UK gardens. Performs well near ponds or in damp borders.
Drought Tolerance:
Prefers consistently moist to wet soil conditions. Not drought tolerant—needs regular watering if soil dries out.
Cultivation & Care
Planting Time:
Plant in spring or early autumn. It establishes quickly and can become vigorous once settled.
Spacing:
Space plants 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) apart. It spreads via rhizomes and can form dense ground cover up to 30 cm (12 inches) tall.
Watering & Fertilisation:
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring to encourage healthy growth.
Mulching & Pruning:
Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Cut back old or damaged stems in late winter or early spring to tidy plants and promote fresh foliage.
Propagation:
Easily propagated by division or rhizome cuttings in spring or autumn. It spreads readily and can become invasive if unchecked.
Seasonal Interest
Spring:
New growth emerges with a beautiful variegated display of green, cream, pink, and red leaves. The vibrant foliage provides early-season interest.
Summer:
Foliage colours intensify in full sun, making ‘Chameleon’ a standout ground cover or edging plant. Small, inconspicuous greenish flowers appear in early summer, surrounded by white bracts.
Autumn:
Leaves often deepen in colour with cooler temperatures, adding warm tones of pink and red before dying back.
Winter:
Foliage dies down in winter. Cut back dead stems to ground level in early spring.
Wildlife & Garden Use
Wildlife:
Provides good ground cover and shelter for small insects but flowers are not especially significant for pollinators.
Garden Use:
Excellent as a ground cover, for moist borders, woodland gardens, or water margins. Its vibrant, variegated foliage adds colour and texture year-round. Can be grown in containers to control spread.
Companion Plants:
Pairs well with moisture-loving plants such as:
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Hostas
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Astilbe
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Ferns
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Japanese Iris (Iris ensata)
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Ligularia
Great alongside plants with bold foliage or in mixed shade borders where colour contrast is desired.
Transform your home and garden with the Houttuynia cordata Chameleon, a must-have for any season. Order online now for quick and easy shopping, or drop by your local Thompson's Branch to explore it up close and get personalised recommendations.
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EAN code9000000479
- Brand
- AspectSun or Shade
- Flower Colourwhite
- Foliage ColourYellow/Red/Green
- Width in ft3-4ft (90-120cm)
- Height in ft1ft (30cm)
- Pot size2 litre pot
- Flowering PeriodJune/August
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