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How to get rid of Chameleon Plant #453219
Asked May 10, 2018, 7:25 PM EDT
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
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