Plant in sun or light shade with moist soil. Can be used around ponds and can grow out into shallow water. It spreads by runners that root along the stems, so best to be contained by a root barrier but also does not grow out into dry soil so can be constrained by irrigation practices and dies back to the ground in the cooler months. The green form of this plant is used in oriental cuisine to impart a cilantro-like flavor to food and is also used for medicinal purposes.

Houttuynia cordata plant is native to Japan, Korea, southern China, and Southeast Asia, where it grows in moist, shady places and is grown as a leaf vegetable, eating fresh in salads or as a herb garnish. The name for the genus name honors Maartin Houttuyn, an 18th century Dutch botanist who published Natuurlyke Historie, a 37 volume work on all of the known plants and animals of the time. The specific epithet means "heart shaped" in reference to the shape of this plant's leaves. The 'Chameleon' cultivar is synonymous with plants called 'Court Jester', 'Tricolour', and 'Variegata' and is less vigorous than the parent species. 

Information displayed on this page about Houttuynia cordata 'Chameleon' is based on our research conducted about this plant in our nursery library as well as from information provided by reliable online resources. We also include our own observations made about it as it has grown in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers in our nursery field. We will also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.