Houttuynia cordata 'CHAMELEON' houttuynia

Houttuynia, named to honour a Dutch botanist of the 18th century, is a ground covering perennial from East Asia, and Chameleon if one of its few varieties. It bears medium-sized, heart-shaped leaves similar to those of purple morning glory. Their margins are profusely variegated light yellow and pink, and in autumn yellow colour is replaced with rich pink that contrasts perfectly with green centres. Flowers are small, white, and appear in May and June.

It is fast growing and spreading though Chameleon variety is not rated as invasive. It will grow both in full sun and shade but variegation will be most prominent in full sun. Even though it naturally occurs in moist and wet sites it will cope with drier soil as well. It likes humus-rich soil but fertilizing is not necessary. Hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 10-03-2015.