Chameleon Plant

Houttuynia cordata ( Chameleon Plant )
A very fast growing, rhizomatous perennial, reaching up to 24 ( rarely over 15 ) inches in height, that is native to swampy woods and ditches from Nepal to China to Japan; south to mountains of Java.
The scented, heart-shaped leaves are up to 3 x 2.3 inches in size. The foliage is mid-green above, purplish beneath. The foliage is valued both fresh and cooked in the same way as spinach in China and Korea.
The white flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, are borne during early summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 ( to 3b on protected sites with a heavy winter mulch ) in partial shade on moist to wet, fertile soil. On dry soil the foliage will turn brown and look terrible during summer. Cut back hard during late fall. Slugs may occur, but generally insect pests and disease problems are rare. Propagation is from division or root cuttings during autumn. Due to its invasive spread potential, it is recommended to keep this plant in a contained area.

* photos taken on Aug 15 2014 at Maryland Zoo, Baltimore, MD

* photos taken on June 11 2018 in Odenton, MD

* photo taken on May 16 2024 in Columbia, MD

'Chameleon'
Attractive foliage splashed in white, pink and red, otherwise identical to species.

* photos taken on May 21 2012 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 1 2014 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 24 2014 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 18 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Sep 18 2022 in Clarksville, MD

* photo taken on Oct 24 2022 in Columbia, MD