Houttuynia cordata, also known as chameleon plant, is a pretty ground cover that can quickly become a nightmare in the garden. With its heart-shaped leaves and easy care nature, it’s easy to see why this plant is so popular. However, that same easy-going growth habit can lead to chameleon plant taking over your garden completely. So what do you do when this ground cover becomes more of a weed? Here’s how to get rid of houttuynia cordata for good.
Why Is Houttuynia Cordata So Hard to Get Rid Of?
Houttuynia spreads quickly through underground rhizomes which root easily. This makes it very difficult to pull up or dig out entirely. Any small fragment left behind will resprout. The rhizomes also grow quite deep and wide, making manual removal extremely labor intensive.
Herbicide sprays on the leaves will kill the plant’s top growth, but they won’t stop it from sprouting new leaves. To get rid of the plant completely, the roots must be killed or removed completely, which is easier said than done.
Non-Chemical Ways to Control Houttuynia Cordata
For the most eco-friendly approach, plan to manually remove houttuynia over several growing seasons. Here are some tips:
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To begin, dig out plants from the edges first. As you go, remove all stems, leaves, and rhizomes.
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Dig down at least 12 inches to get all the rhizomes. Shake soil through a screen to find small pieces.
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Solarize the soil using clear plastic for several months to bake remaining rhizomes
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Keep area weed-free and remove any regrowth quickly.
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Replant with competitive perennial plants like native ferns or lirope.
While completely non-chemical control is possible, it requires persistence over multiple seasons to fully eradicate this stubborn plant.
Chemical Options for Killing Houttuynia
Herbicide use will provide quicker control but caution is needed near desired plants. Systemic products that kill roots are most effective. Glyphosate is one option but will also kill surrounding plants. Some other chemical options include:
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Products from Imazapyr, such as Arsenal, Chopper, and Streamline, work well on houttuynia. Use with caution around trees and shrubs.
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Dichlobenil-based products, such as Casoron, kill new shoots but don’t hurt mature plants. Must be applied early in season.
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Combination products like Ferti-lome Brush and Stump Killer use both glyphosate and triclopyr for foliar and root kill.
Always read herbicide labels carefully and use proper protective equipment when applying. Consult local extension services for product recommendations in your area.
Eradication Tips and Precautions
Completely removing houttuynia cordata takes time and diligence. Here are some tips to improve success:
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Start in early spring when plants are small and easier to remove.
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Remove every trace of leaves, stems and rhizomes. Double dig or screen soil.
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Solarize the area under clear plastic during summer to bake rhizomes.
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Monitor and quickly remove any regrowth for 1-2 years. Persistence pays off.
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Replant with competitive ground covers or native plants as an additional deterrent.
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Combining manual removal, solarization, and herbicide use often works best.
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Avoid spreading rhizomes further by cleaning tools and disposing of plant debris carefully.
With some elbow grease and vigilance, you can rid your garden of invasive houttuynia. Just be prepared for a multi-year battle against this stubborn ground cover. But trust me, freedom from this weed is worth it!
Controlling Chameleon Plants Naturally
If you are a glutton for punishment, you can remove some of the plants without chemicals. The process will take several seasons but does not require chemicals.
Start at the outer edges of the patch, digging about 2 feet (0. 5 m. ) outside of the visible foliage and stems. Remove rhizomes as you find them and bag them.
Dig down at least 12 inches (30. 5 cm. ). A big tarp is helpful for putting shovels full of dirt on so that you can look through it for pieces of rhizome, leaves, or stems. Take sifted soil and store it in another part of the garden. Once you have gone through the entire bed, you can return the “cleaned” soil.
Keep an eye on the area and remove any plants that sprout. You may have to do the entire process again for the next season or two.
Eliminating Chameleon Plant from Our Garden | Root-to-Rhizome Removal Guide | Perennial Garden
FAQ
How do you kill Houttuynia cordata?
You can use glyphosate, a systemic herbicide that kills plants at their roots, and then dig up the plants that it doesn’t kill completely (Apr 5, 2021).
What is the best product to kill chameleon plants?
The chemical recommendation, as per this Ask Extension response, is to use glyphosate (Roundup), though I have seen anecdotal reports of Houttuynia showing some resistance to the pesticide. It may take multiple applications and will probably also require a vigilant few seasons, as with the physical removal.
Can you get rid of chameleons?
Control of the chameleon plant can be very difficult, depending on its location. Digging up the root system and removing foliage are certainly options for control and will weaken the root system over time, but it could take a very long time.
Will a chameleon plant choke out other plants?
Understanding the Chameleon Plant Its heart-shaped, multicolored leaves may seem attractive at first, making it a popular choice for some gardeners. However, once introduced to your garden, this plant can grow rapidly, overtaking and choking out other vegetation.