The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Chameleon plant

Houttuynia cordata ‘Chameleon’

hoo-TY-nee-ah kor-DAY-tah Audio

Chameleon plant lives up to its name, with red-and-yellow-variegated heart-shaped green leaves. Its scrambling growth habit may overwhelm neighboring plants, so grow chameleon plant in a window box or a hanging basket, where its growth can more easily be controlled. —Debra Lee Baldwin, Regional Picks: Southern California, Fine Gardening #127

CarePlant in moist, rich, well-drained soil.

PropagationBy division

  • Zones : 10, 11, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Width : 30 feet or more
  • Plant Height : 6 to 12 inches
  • Uses : Containers
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
  • Growth Rate : Fast
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Moisture : Medium to Wet
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
  • Flower Color : White

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide