Houttuynia cordata; is an invasive hardy herbaceous perennial, that will thrive in cool moist soil, light shade, or shallow water 25-50mm (1”-2”) deep.
It grows to around 300-500mm (12”-18”) high.
It is grown generally for its variegated sour citrus smelling foliage rather than its inconspicuous flowers.
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The variegations are seen as splashes of cream yellow, pink, & red on the leaves.
The white flower spikes appear in late spring.
Cultivation;
Week 17; Divide the plant/s regularly to limit spread and plant the divisions 250-300mm apart.
Alternatively; and probably the best method of propagation, is to plant them in 100mm (4”) pots of potting compost and grow on in a coldframe till planting out time.
Circa Week 26; Collect seeds and sow immediately into pots/trays of seed compost and place in a cold frame to germinate.
Prick out into individual pots when seedlings are large enough to handle.
Week 35; Plant out cuttings 250-300mm apart in moist, humus-rich, fertile soil in full sun or part shade.
