Fish mint / Fish leaf

Plant family

Eidechsenschwanzgewächse (Saururaceae)

Also known as

Rainbow Plant, Chameleon Plant, Heart Leaf, Fish Wort, Chinese Lizard Tail

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Moist

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

High

Plant distance

25 cm

Row spacing

25 cm

Seeding depth

10 cm

Instructions

Description

Newt's tail, heart-shaped houttuynia, lizard's tail, chameleon plant or variegated leaf is a species of plant in the genus Houttuynia, which belongs to the lizard-tail family (Saururaceae). It forms creeping rhizomes, which roots at its nodes. The plant reaches growing heights of 5 to 60 cm. Used as a vegetable, spice, ornamental and medicinal plant, ground cover and aquarium plant.

Growing tips

Not all species/varieties of Houttuynia cordata are hardy, and some should only be planted out after the Ice Saints. Very vigorous and loves moist, well-drained soil. Thrives ideally in a sunny position. However, some varieties also like shade. Propagation by division. Blends well with marsh gladioli, lady's mantle and meadowsweet. Sometimes referred to as an invasive plant as it reproduces by rhizome formation from all parts of the plant. Not susceptible to diseases or pests, only drought is a problem for the plant.