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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Chameleon Plant is adapted to wet or boggy ground. Feed as new growth begins, following the rate on a balanced garden fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Chameleon Plant after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. For most gardens, maintenance 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
Chameleon Plant sits most comfortably beside plants adapted to wet or boggy ground and subtropical climate. A small cluster gives stronger visual impact than isolated plants scattered 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. Availability is confirmed when you request a quote; use the panel above to register interest.
