Overview
Houttuynia cordata is a clump forming aquatic in the genus Houttuynia, part of the Saururaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Houttuynia cordata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, low maintenance and garden edging.
About
Houttuynia cordata, also known as fish mint, fish leaf, rainbow plant, chameleon plant, heart leaf, fish wort, or Chinese lizard tail, is one of two species in the genus Houttuynia (the other being H. emeiensis). It is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia. It grows in moist, shady locations. It was named after Martinus Houttuyn. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Houttuynia cordata
About the genus
Houttuynia is a genus of two species native to Southeast Asia in the family Saururaceae. One species, H. cordata, is widely cultivated as a culinary herb.
Wikipedia contributors, "Houttuynia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Houttuynia
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Houttuynia
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Houttuynia cordata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Aquatic, Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Low Maintenance, Garden edging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Houttuynia cordata
- Propagation
- Seed, Division in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings of young basal shoots
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Houttuynia cordata?
Houttuynia cordata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Houttuynia cordata need?
Houttuynia cordata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.
How big does Houttuynia cordata grow?
Houttuynia cordata reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Houttuynia cordata hardy in the UK?
Houttuynia cordata has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Houttuynia cordata?
Seed, Division in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings of young basal shoots.
More in the Houttuynia genus
Browse all Houttuynia →
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