Q&A – How do I get rid of chameleon plant?
Question:
Is there any way to get rid of chameleon plant permanently?
Answer:
Chameleon plants (Houttuynia) are very invasive. They spread by rhizomes or underground stems. Because of this they can not be killed by cultivating the soil as any piece of rhizome left in the soil will grow a new plant. UT Assistant Professor of Horticulture Natalie Bumgarner says if you try to dig it out you must try to get as many of the rhizomes as possible. You may have to do this several times. Also, some careful use of herbicides like glyphosate will help eliminate any growth from rhizomes you missed. The most effective time to use glyphosate on the plant is in the fall as it is pulling nutrients down to the roots for the winter. Make sure you don’t get any glyphosate on desirable plants nearby.
Related Resources:
Houttuynia cordata
Is there any way to get rid of chameleon plant permanently?
Answer:
Chameleon plants (Houttuynia) are very invasive. They spread by rhizomes or underground stems. Because of this they can not be killed by cultivating the soil as any piece of rhizome left in the soil will grow a new plant. UT Assistant Professor of Horticulture Natalie Bumgarner says if you try to dig it out you must try to get as many of the rhizomes as possible. You may have to do this several times. Also, some careful use of herbicides like glyphosate will help eliminate any growth from rhizomes you missed. The most effective time to use glyphosate on the plant is in the fall as it is pulling nutrients down to the roots for the winter. Make sure you don’t get any glyphosate on desirable plants nearby.
Related Resources:
Houttuynia cordata