Key Features
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Botanical herb known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves and colorful foliage.
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Features green leaves with red, cream, and yellow markings.
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Spreading perennial with aromatic foliage and small white flower clusters.
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Suitable for herb gardens, moist borders, and shaded garden areas.
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Grows well in moist soil and can spread through underground rhizomes.
Growing Benefits
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Adds colorful foliage and natural texture to home gardens.
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Creates attractive ground cover in moist, shaded garden spaces.
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Provides aromatic leaves for traditional culinary and herbal uses.
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Offers an interesting perennial herb for beginner gardeners.
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Thrives in consistently moist soil with relatively simple care.
Seed Specifications
The following specifications are for Houttuynia cordata, commonly known as chameleon plant.
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Common Name: Chameleon Plant, Fish Mint, Heartleaf, Houttuynia
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Botanical Name: Houttuynia cordata
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Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial herb
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Colors: Green leaves with red, cream, and yellow markings; white flowers
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Height: Approximately one to two feet
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Sunlight: Partial shade to full sun in consistently moist soil
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Soil: Moist, fertile, humus-rich, well-draining soil
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Water: Regular watering to maintain consistently moist soil
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Germination Time: Usually two to four weeks, depending on conditions
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Sowing Depth: Surface sow or cover very lightly with fine soil
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Spacing: Allow about twelve to eighteen inches between plants
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Growing Zones: USDA zones five through eleven
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Flowering/Maturity: Small white flowers appear in summer; foliage develops during the growing season
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Uses: Ornamental ground cover, herb gardens, and traditional culinary uses
Growing Tips
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Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during warm weather.
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Provide partial shade in hot climates to protect the foliage.
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Grow in containers if you want to limit the plant's spreading habit.
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Remove unwanted shoots regularly to maintain its growing area.
Seed Storage
Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed container. Protect them from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures. Label the container with the seed name and storage date.
Unique Facts About the Seeds
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Chameleon plant belongs to the lizard's-tail family, Saururaceae.
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Its botanical name, Houttuynia cordata, refers to its heart-shaped leaves.
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The plant spreads through underground rhizomes as well as seed.
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Its leaves have a distinctive aroma and are used in traditional Asian cuisine.


