A spreading bog groundcover with heart-shaped leaves splashed red, cream, yellow and green, and small white flowers. Vigorous and can be invasive in damp ground, so often best contained in a pot.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: wet or boggy ground
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Chameleon Plant
Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' is a fast-growing spreading groundcover in the Saururaceae family. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with deciduous and variegated foliage. White flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Chameleon Plant
Chameleon Plant suits subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Chameleon Plant does best in clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Chameleon Plant is wet or boggy ground. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Chameleon Plant after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is moderate maintenance.
Using Chameleon Plant in the garden
Chameleon Plant earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Chameleon Plant with other plants that enjoy the same wet or boggy ground and subtropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden.
Good to know
Be aware it can self-seed or spread into bushland in some regions — check it is not a declared weed in your area before planting.
Buying Chameleon Plant
Plant Sale lists Chameleon Plant as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.