Description
Houttuynia cordata 'Boo-Boo', known as chameleon plant, has heart-shaped, crinkled leaves splashed and edged with cream and flushed red, turning bright red in autumn. In late spring it carries small yellow flower spikes, each framed by four white bracts. The leaves smell of orange when crushed.
Chameleon plant at a glance
| Botanical name |
Houttuynia cordata 'Boo-Boo' |
| Common name |
Chameleon plant, heart-leaved houttuynia |
| Plant type |
Spreading perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 15–40 cm tall, spreading 50–100 cm or more |
| Flowers |
Four white bracts around a small yellow spike, May and June |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Any moist to wet soil; clay, loam or sand |
| Pond depth |
0–5 cm of water over the crown, in a basket |
| Hardiness |
RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C) |
| Native to |
Not UK native |
Is houttuynia invasive?
It can be. The BSBI records it escaping into ditches, pond edges and marshes, where it can be very persistent, and it regrows from small pieces of rhizome. The RHS says it spreads widely through underground stems in wet soil. It is not a legally listed invasive species, but always grow it in a basket or container, keep it away from streams and natural ponds, and do not put unwanted pieces on the home compost heap.
Where to plant it
- In a basket on the shallow edge of a garden pond, 0–5 cm deep
- Pots and containers in damp ground
- Full sun or part shade
How to plant and care for it
Plant from spring to late summer. It dies back in autumn and regrows in spring. The RHS describes it as generally free of pests and diseases.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
