Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon'): The Color-Changing Groundcover

Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon', also sold as 'Variegata') is a low-growing, spreading perennial famous for its chameleon-like foliage: heart-shaped leaves splashed with cream, pink, red, and green—colors that shift with light, season, and maturity. A living kaleidoscope for moist shade.

Foliage & Flowers

The real show is the leaves—each uniquely patterned. In summer, simple, four-bracted white flowers appear on short spikes, but they're secondary. The plant spreads vigorously by rhizomes, forming a dense mat 6–12 inches tall. In cooler weather, the pink/red tones intensify. Dies back in winter (zone 5+).

Taxonomy

• Family: Saururaceae
• Genus: Houttuynia
• Species: cordata
• Cultivar: Chameleon
• Also known as: Variegata

Culture & Caution

Thrives in moist to wet soil, part to full shade. Can be aggressive—spreads indefinitely in ideal conditions. Use in contained beds, bog gardens, or pots. In Asia, the species is eaten as a culinary herb (fishy, cilantro-like flavor). Deer resistant. A spectacular foliage plant for damp, shady spots—with boundaries.