Houttuynia cordata 'Flore Pleno'
heart-leaved houttuynia
Delivery options
- Standard £5.95
This pond plant dies right back in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Depth of water: 0-10cm (0-4in)
- Rate of growth: fast
- Flowering period: April to May
- Hardiness: fully hardy
This spreading perennial forms a carpet of oval to heart-shaped leaves, which emerge with a reddish purple flush that fades over time, leaving just a hint around the outer edges. They also smell like oranges when they are brushed past or bruised (hence its common name of orange peel plant), but this plants crowning glory is the double white flowers that form in late spring. A moisture-loving plant, it makes a great addition to the edges of a pond, but it can also be used as groundcover in bog gardens - or any other area of the garden that has poor drainage.
Houttuynia cordata species are drought resistant once established, and are tolerant of a range of soil moisture from boggy, poorly drained soils, to dry. Our plants are potted up (using a suitable aquatic compost) into aquatic pots. These pots are made of a fine mesh, which allows water to circulate through the compost, providing the plants with both oxygen and nutrients. If you are using them as an aquatic plant, they can be placed straight into the pond up to a depth of 10cm (4"), otherwise they can be potted up or planted out to thrive in the soil and situations described. In shallow water the spread may be limited by using an aquatic planting basket lined with hessian. Before planting, apply a 2.5cm (1in) top-dressing of pea shingle or gravel to prevent the top layer of the planting medium from clouding the water.
- CAUTION toxic if eaten/skin & eye irritant