Houttuynia (Chameleon Plants)

Houttuynia’s vibrant foliage and sprawling habit make it a wildlife-friendly choice for damp gardens. Its nectar-rich summer blooms attract hoverflies, bees, and butterflies, while the dense ground cover shelters frogs, toads, and beneficial insects like ground beetles. The plant’s shallow roots provide egg-laying sites for damselflies near water, and its leaves host caterpillar species. Though vigorous, its spreading nature creates valuable shelter for small creatures in rain gardens, pond margins, or shady corners. A resilient plant that balances ecological value with striking colour, especially in variegated forms, Houttuynia supports biodiversity while suppressing weeds naturally.