Sale
Sold out
Saururaceae
Fine herbs
Houttuynia
Houttuynia is a vigorous groundcover perennial with decorative, often variegated and colorful foliage, appreciated for cool to moist soils and controlled pot cultivation.
Hardiness
Zone 4
Difficulty level
Easy
Discover the plant
Family
Saururaceae
Houttuynia is a very decorative perennial groundcover, appreciated for its heart-shaped foliage and spreading habit. It adds beautiful texture to cool garden areas, semi-shaded borders, landscaping around ponds, and places where the soil remains moist. Its dense foliage quickly covers the ground, creating a natural, lively, and slightly wild effect in flowerbeds.
Easy to grow, houttuynia prefers a location in partial shade or gentle sun, in fresh to moist, rich, and well-drained soil. It tolerates moisture-retaining soils very well and can be used on banks, in cool areas, or in more shaded corners of the garden. As its growth can become vigorous when it thrives, it is recommended to plant it in a confined space or in a container to better control its spread.
Hardy, original, and very versatile, houttuynia is ideal for gardeners looking for an easy perennial for cool or partially shaded areas. It pairs well with hostas, ferns, carex, astilbes, and other plants suited for moist gardens. It is an excellent plant for adding texture, movement, and a natural groundcover effect to semi-shaded landscapes.
Planting guide
From plantingto establishment.
Propagation
Division of rhizomes
Soil and care
The rightconditions.
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Fertilization
Light compost in spring; generally low fertilization
Care level
Easy
Seasonal care
Cut back invasive stems as needed; grow in containers or with a root barrier to limit spread; cut back in spring
Container growing
A controlledenvironment.
Recommended for pot culture to control its spread
Bloom and dimensions
The completeprofile.
Bloom periodLate spring to summer
Flower colorWhite
Foliage colorGreen variegated with cream, yellow and red depending on the cultivar
Foliage typeObsolete
FruitingSmall seed pods at the end of the season
Maximum height20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches)
Maximum width60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches)
Growth rateRapid growth
Hardiness zoneZone 4
Minimum temperature-30°C
Garden associations
What to plantwith it.
Groundcover, moist border, waterside, container, part-shade garden
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer
Deer
