Chameleon Plant | Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon'

Key Characteristics:

• Height 20cm to 50cm
• Spread: up to 1m (Medium Growth)
• Depth: 0cm to 10cm
• Flower Colour: Small white flowers with yellow centres
• Growth Habit: Spreading, rhizomatous perennial
• Foliage: Variegated heart-shaped leaves in shades of green, yellow, and pink

Additional Information:

• Common Name: Chameleon Plant, Harlequin Plant
• Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
• Soil: Moist to wet, suitable for pond margins and boggy soils
• Flowering Period: May to September
• Hardiness: Hardy in most UK areas; tolerates -15°C to -10°C. (H5)
• Normally Available From: April
• Supports Pollinators 🐝

Your marginal plant will arrive in a Finofil Aquatic Basket, pre-planted with aquatic soil and a slow-release fertiliser. Just pop straight into you pond upon arrival!

Aquatic Basket Measurements:

• 1ltr - Square pot (11cm wide by 11cm high)
• 3ltr - Hexagonal pot (18cm wide x 16cm high)
• 5ltr - Square pot (24cm wide x 14cm high)
  
• 9cm plants arrive in solid pots and will need repotting into aquatic baskets.

Growing Instructions: Place the plant on a marginal shelf at the recommended depth. Allow 5 x 1ltr plants per linear metre or 3 x 3ltr plants per linear metre.

Growing Tips: Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' thrives in moist to wet soils, making it ideal for bog gardens, pond margins, and damp borders. To achieve the best colour, plant in a sunny position where the foliage will develop its most vibrant pink, yellow, and green variegation. To prevent excessive spreading, keep the plant in its aquatic baskets or containers, especially in smaller spaces. In larger planting areas, monitor its growth and remove unwanted rhizomes as needed.

Pruning: Trim back any damaged or untidy foliage in spring to encourage fresh growth. Thin out rhizomes annually to control spread and maintain a tidy appearance.

Pests/Diseases: Generally pest-free but may occasionally suffer from slug or snail damage, particularly on young shoots. Ensure good airflow to prevent mildew in overly damp conditions.

How Deep Should I Place My Marginals?

The planting depth depends on the variety. Check the product page or the care label included with your plant for specific guidance.

Depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water’s surface.

Most marginals are fine placed 1cm to 2cm under the waterline, just enough to hide the aquatic basket.

How Many Marginals Do I Need?

Measure the length of your marginal shelves and then allow:

• 1ltr Plants: 5 per linear metre
• 3ltr Plants: 3 per linear metre

Tip: Leave space between plant varieties to prevent dominant species from taking over. For more details, see our Planting Guide.

Do I Need to Line My Basket with Hessian?

No, Finofil aquatic baskets are designed with a fine mesh that prevents soil loss. Adding a liner is optional but not necessary.

What Are Finofil Baskets Made From?

Finofil aquatic baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic and manufactured in the UK. They can be recycled at local recycling centres or through kerbside collections that accept black plastic. Plant labels are also recyclable.

Will Carp or Ducks Eat My Plants?

Carp (inc. Koi): These fish find pond plants irresistible! If you have carp, we recommend protecting your plants with barriers.

Goldfish: Goldfish may nibble on oxygenators and softer plants but generally cause less damage. They also eat insects, larvae, and tadpoles.

Wildfowl: Ducks and other birds may eat plants or damage roots while nesting. Mature plants with strong root systems are more resilient, but consider protecting roots/rhizomes for added security.

Pre-Order Information

What is a Pre-Order?
Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.

Benefits of Pre-Ordering:

• Secure popular plants before they sell out.
• Receive healthy, pond-ready plants straight from the grower.

Plant Availability:
Plants are released in phases:

• Phase 1 (March–April): Ships by late April (e.g., Water Hawthorn, Marsh Marigold).
• Phase 2 (May): Ships by late May (e.g., Loosestrife, Frogbit).
• Phase 3 (June): Ships by late June (e.g., Pickerel Weed).

Note: Orders with pre-order and ready-to-ship plants will be shipped together. To avoid delays, place separate orders.

Read More about pre-orders

Shipping Prices

Plant Orders:

• Standard Delivery: £5.00.
• Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).

Highlands & Islands:

• Small Orders (<1.8kg): £5.00.
• Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.

Soil & Gravel:
Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.

Container Ponds:
Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.

Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland due to regulations.

Read More about delivery prices

Couriers & Delivery Schedule

Couriers Used:
Royal Mail, APC, Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).

Current Shipping Schedule:

• Season: Autumn/Winter (October–February).
• Dispatch Days: Weekly on Tuesdays.

Orders with pre-order plants will be held until all items are ready to ship.

If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk