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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Saururaceae (Lizard-tails) |
| Origin: Asia, East (Asia) |
| Variegated Foliage: Yes |
| Flower Color: White |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [Houttuynia cordata 'Variegata'] |
| Height: 1 foot |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: <15° F |
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Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' - This is a low-growing perennial that spreads by runners to 3 feet or more . The 1 to 2 inch long aromatic heart-shaped foliage is beautifully variegated with cream, pink, yellow and red. One inch wide white four-bracted flowers appear in early summer. Plant in sun or light shade with moist soil. Can be used around ponds and can grow out into shallow water. It spreads by runners that root along the stems, so best to be contained by a root barrier but also does not grow out into dry soil so can be constrained by irrigation practices and dies back to the ground in the cooler months. The green form of this plant is used in oriental cuisine to impart a cilantro-like flavor to food and is also used for medicinal purposes. This plant is native to Japan, Korea, southern China, and Southeast Asia, where it grows in moist, shady places and is grown as a leaf vegetable, eating fresh in salads or as a herb garnish. The 'Chameleon' cultivar is synonymous with plants called 'Court Jester', 'Tricolour', and 'Variegata' and is less less vigorous than the parent species. The name for the genus name honors Maartin Houttuyn, an 18th century Dutch botanist who published Natuurlyke Historie, a 37 volume work on all of the known plants and animals of the time. The specific epithet means "heart shaped" in reference to the shape of this plants leaves.
The information about Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.
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