Houttuynia 'Flore Pleno' - Double Chameleon Plant, Pond Marginal Plant

Houttuynia cordata 'Flore Pleno' (sold as 'Plena') has heart-shaped, blue-green leaves, often edged red, which smell of orange peel when crushed. From late spring it carries white flowers with a double ring of petal-like bracts around a small central spike.

Double chameleon plant at a glance

Botanical name	Houttuynia cordata 'Flore Pleno' (syn. 'Plena')
Common name	Double-flowered chameleon plant, orange peel plant
Plant type	Spreading perennial; dies back in winter
Height and spread	Up to about 45 cm tall, spreading 50–100 cm
Flowers	White, double, from late spring into summer
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Moist to wet soil or shallow water
Pond depth	0–5 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness	RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C)
Native to	East Asia (not UK native)

Does it spread?

Yes, widely. It spreads by underground stems, especially in wet soil, and the RHS says it has the potential to become a nuisance. Grow it in a pot or aquatic basket and divide it regularly.

Where to plant it

The shallow edge of a pond, in a basket
Bog gardens and damp ground, where it can be contained
Pots stood in shallow water

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.