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How to get rid of Chameleon Plant #453219

Asked May 10, 2018, 7:25 PM EDT

My wife and I recently moved into a new home and we noticed that Chameleon plant is growing in the two front garden beds. This plant is highly invasive and supposedly a real pain to remove. The root system under the soil goes horizontal and I heard that if any is left in soil it regrows. Any recommendation on how to go about removing this totally? Thank you

Warren County New Jersey

Expert Response

Chameleon Plant - Houttuynia Cordata

Hi.  This plant spreads by rhizomes and can regenerate from broken stems if left in the soil.  Hand remove would be effective, but will take a while. All plant parts should be disposed of  in a black, plastic bag.   You could try a herbicide like glyphosate when the plants are actively growing.  You will need to allow it time to be translocated throughout the plant to the roots – read the label of the product you are using.  Wait a minimum of 7-10 days. This would allow it to affect the underground stems.  A combination of hand removal and possible herbicide application may be needed to be effective. 

Information on the plant and its life cycle - https://hvp.osu.edu/pocketgardener/source/description/ho_rdata.html

Much success with your removal efforts. 
Kind regards,
Tracy





An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 18, 2018, 10:47 AM EDT
Tracy,
  Thank you for the very informative response.  Everything you said was what I was thinking too.  What about the left over soil that this plant is in?  Would you dispose and add new soil once removed from flower bed?
Thanks in advance
The Question Asker Replied May 18, 2018, 4:52 PM EDT
Physical Removal of the plant should not affect the soil. I would suggest a soil test if you haven’t had one in the last 3 years in this area. You can request recommendations on the Soil test for the plants you plan to put in this area. If you use a herbicide to aid In Removal, be sure to check the label for how long it lasts in the soil and when you can replant in this area. Good luck! Tracy
An Ask Extension Expert Replied May 22, 2018, 5:27 AM EDT

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