Chameleon Plant (Houttuynia): Beautiful but Invasive – Proceed with Caution

The plant sold as 'Chameleon' houttuynia (Houttuynia cordata) is indeed the same one that becomes ragged in winter and leaves an unpleasant odor on your hands. While its colorful foliage is attractive in spring and summer, this plant is highly invasive in shady, moist garden spots and will smother neighboring plants.

A Cautionary Tale

I once had chameleon plant in a daylily bed. Eradicating it required digging up every daylily, washing the roots clean, and replanting elsewhere. Even after spraying with glyphosate, new sprouts emerged every three weeks for three months. Despite its invasiveness, garden centers still sell it—I often warn customers and have considered surreptitiously treating the pots with herbicide.

chameleon plant flower

Recommendation

If you already have it, consider removing it entirely. If you're thinking of buying it, choose a less aggressive alternative for your garden.