Houttuynia cordata Chameleon

Price £ 14.99

Short description

A rapidly spreading, low growing perennial that forms a carpet of attractive yellow, red and green variegated leaves and white flowers in the summer months. This perennial will die back in the winter and re-grow the following Spring, it thrives in moist soils and almost boggy conditions. Perfect for growing as ground cover or around a pond. 3 Year Hardy Plant Guarantee

  • Quantity
Chislehurst
Newchurch
Petham
Welling
  •  Weekday Collection from 4 different locations
  •  Order by 5 pm for next day collection
  •  Family-owned since 1977
  •  Locally grown plants from our very own nurseries

Houttuynia cordata Chameleon

Thompson's
Price £ 14.99

Short description

A rapidly spreading, low growing perennial that forms a carpet of attractive yellow, red and green variegated leaves and white flowers in the summer months. This perennial will die back in the winter and re-grow the following Spring, it thrives in moist soils and almost boggy conditions. Perfect for growing as ground cover or around a pond. 3 Year Hardy Plant Guarantee

  • Quantity
Chislehurst
Newchurch
Petham
Welling
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  •  Weekday Collection from 4 different locations
  •  Order by 5 pm for next day collection
  •  Family-owned since 1977
  •  Locally grown plants from our very own nurseries
Houttuynia cordata Chameleon - image 3
Houttuynia cordata Chameleon
Price £ 14.99
A rapidly spreading, low growing perennial that forms a carpet of attractive yellow, red and green variegated leaves and white flowers in the summer months. This perennial will die back in the winter and re-grow the following Spring, it thrives in moist soils and almost boggy conditions. Perfect for growing as ground cover or around a pond. 3 Year Hardy Plant Guarantee

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:

  • Hostas

  • Astilbe

  • Ferns

  • Japanese Iris (Iris ensata)

  • 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.

  • EAN code
    9000000479
  • Brand
  • Aspect
    Sun or Shade
  • Flower Colour
    white
  • Foliage Colour
    Yellow/Red/Green
  • Width in ft
    3-4ft (90-120cm)
  • Height in ft
    1ft (30cm)
  • Pot size
    2 litre pot
  • Flowering Period
    June/August

Collect your Order from one of our sites!

Order and pay online and select the day you would like to collect your order from one of our four sites.

Local deliveries available, please order and pay online for delivery within 5 working days. See our terms & conditions.

Combination is key
Total
£ 14.99