Appearance

Growth form

It is a creeping perennial about 0.5–2 ft (15–60 cm) tall that spreads through underground stems called rhizomes.

Leaves

The leaves are simple and heart-shaped. The garden form 'Chameleon' has variegated leaves.

Flowers

The four white parts are bracts, not petals. The actual flowers are tiny and packed onto the short central spike.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• moist garden beds
• pond edges
• shady yards

Range

It is native to Asia and introduced in North America. In the United States it is grown as a groundcover; in North Carolina gardens, it can spread aggressively and be hard to contain.

Preferred conditions

It tolerates sun or shade but grows best in moist soil and can handle shallow standing water.

Growing it

Care

Its deep, spreading rhizomes make it difficult to remove. Growers who keep it are advised to use a sturdy container or a hard-edged confined bed.

Propagation

It spreads rapidly from rhizomes, and small pieces left in the soil can start new growth.

Name and classification

About the name

The name heart-leaved houttuynia points to its heart-shaped leaves. It is also called rainbow plant.

Varieties and forms

Garden forms include the variegated 'Chameleon' and 'Flore Pleno', which has extra white bracts.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed