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. It is native to E Himalaya to Japan.
About
Houttuynia cordata is a vigorous perennial that can grow up to 30 cm tall. It features muted blue-green foliage and produces compact flower spikes in late spring.
About the genus
Houttuynia consists of rhizomatous perennial plants characterized by their heart-shaped leaves, which emit a strong orange fragrance. They produce small yellow flowers arranged in spikes, typically featuring four prominent white bracts at the base.
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
- Native to
- E Himalaya to Japan
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Houttuynia cordata
- Cultivation
- Tolerant of a range of soils from dry to wet in sun or shade. Can be prone to extensive spreading, especially in wet soils, by underground stems and therefore has the potential to become a nuisance. Ideal for containers where its spread can be restricted. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
- Pruning
- Divide regularly to limit spread
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings of young basal shoots
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Houttuynia cordata?
Tolerant of a range of soils from dry to wet in sun or shade. Can be prone to extensive spreading, especially in wet soils, by underground stems and therefore has the potential to become a nuisance. Ideal for containers where its spread can be restricted. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice.
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 do I prune Houttuynia cordata?
Divide regularly to limit spread.
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 a UK hardiness rating of H6.
How do I propagate Houttuynia cordata?
Propagate by seed or division in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings of young basal shoots.