About
A wide-spreading herbaceous perennial to 30cm in height, with scented leaves splashed and margined cream, often heavily red-flushed and with dense spikes of small white flowers in late spring. 'Chameleon'. The foliage is crinkled and deeper in colour than the similarly-marked H.
About the genus
Houttuynia are rhizomatous perennials with pungently orange-scented, heart-shaped leaves and tiny yellow flowers in spikes with usually 4 prominent white bracts at the base
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Herbaceous Perennial, Bogs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationTolerant 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
PruningDivide regularly to limit spread
PropagationPropagate by seed or division in spring or take semi-ripe cuttings of young basal shoots
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free