{"product_id":"houttuynia-cordata-boo-boo-marginal-pond-plants-mp043","title":"Houttuynia cordata ‘Boo Boo’ - Marginal Pond Plants - MP043","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHouttuynia cordata 'Boo Boo'\u003c\/strong\u003e, commonly known as \u003cem\u003eBoo Boo Chameleon Plant\u003c\/em\u003e, is a compact and ornamental variety of the \u003cem\u003eChameleon Plant\u003c\/em\u003e, celebrated for its vibrant, multicoloured foliage. This cultivar is a smaller, more manageable version of \u003cem\u003eHouttuynia cordata\u003c\/em\u003e, making it an ideal choice for smaller water gardens, containers, or damp garden areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDescription\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHouttuynia cordata 'Boo Boo'\u003c\/em\u003e grows to a height of 15–30 cm (6–12 inches) and forms low, spreading clumps with striking, heart-shaped leaves. The foliage features a unique variegation, with green centres and edges in shades of red, pink, and yellow, giving the plant a colourful, eye-catching appearance. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small, yellow-green flowers with white bracts. While the flowers are not the primary ornamental feature, they complement the foliage and add delicate charm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrowing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHouttuynia cordata 'Boo Boo'\u003c\/em\u003e thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, fertile soils. It is perfect for planting along pond edges, in bog gardens, or in containers with water trays. It can tolerate shallow water up to 5 cm (2 inches) deep, making it an excellent choice for small water features or damp garden beds. Hardy in UK conditions, it tolerates frost, though it may die back in cold winters and regrow in spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePropagation and Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePropagation is usually done through division of rhizomes in spring or autumn. As with other \u003cem\u003eHouttuynia\u003c\/em\u003e varieties, \u003cem\u003e'Boo Boo'\u003c\/em\u003e can spread vigorously via rhizomes, so it may require regular management to prevent it from becoming invasive. Planting it in containers or using physical barriers to restrict its spread is a useful strategy for smaller garden spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUses\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn its native regions, \u003cem\u003eHouttuynia cordata 'Boo Boo'\u003c\/em\u003e has culinary uses, with the leaves adding a distinctive, fishy aroma to traditional dishes. While the taste may not appeal to everyone, it holds cultural significance in certain cuisines. The plant also has medicinal properties, though it should be handled with care due to its strong flavour and potential toxicity in large quantities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEcological Value\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cultivar contributes to wetland ecosystems by providing cover for small creatures and supporting pollinators like bees. Its dense growth also helps stabilise soil, reducing the risk of erosion in wet areas. As an ornamental plant, it enhances the biodiversity of water gardens and boggy landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eConsiderations\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile \u003cem\u003eHouttuynia cordata 'Boo Boo'\u003c\/em\u003e is a manageable and compact variety, it can still spread quickly. Regular maintenance and monitoring of its growth are necessary to ensure it does not overrun other plants. Growing it in contained spaces, such as pots or containers, can help control its spread.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its bright, multicoloured foliage and small size, \u003cem\u003eHouttuynia cordata 'Boo Boo'\u003c\/em\u003e is a perfect addition to water gardens, damp areas, or container gardens. Its ornamental beauty and ecological benefits make it an excellent choice for creating a colourful, low-maintenance display in wetland or water garden settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose Houttuynia cordata ‘Boo Boo’?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHouttuynia cordata ‘Boo Boo’\u003c\/strong\u003e is a unique cultivar of the versatile \u003cstrong\u003eHouttuynia cordata\u003c\/strong\u003e, prized for its compact size and vibrant, colorful foliage. Perfect for small water gardens, containers, and moist borders, this variety offers all the beauty of its larger relatives but in a more manageable form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Compact and Manageable Growth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDwarf variety\u003c\/strong\u003e of Houttuynia, growing to a modest height of \u003cstrong\u003e15–20cm (6–8 inches)\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it ideal for smaller spaces, including container gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIts tidy, clumping habit ensures it won’t spread aggressively like other Houttuynia varieties, offering easier maintenance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2. Striking Multicolored Foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures \u003cstrong\u003eheart-shaped leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e with an eye-catching mix of \u003cstrong\u003egreen, red, yellow, and cream\u003c\/strong\u003e, providing a vibrant and dynamic display throughout the growing season.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe variegated foliage becomes even more intense in full sun, adding warmth and brightness to your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Delicate Summer Flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProduces \u003cstrong\u003esmall, white flowers\u003c\/strong\u003e with yellow centers in \u003cstrong\u003elate spring to early summer\u003c\/strong\u003e, adding a subtle charm to its colorful foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhile understated, the flowers provide a lovely complement to the plant’s striking leaves.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. Ideal for Moist and Wet Areas\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThrives in \u003cstrong\u003emoist to wet soil\u003c\/strong\u003e and can tolerate shallow water (up to 5cm\/2 inches deep), making it suitable for pond edges, bog gardens, and rain gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrefers \u003cstrong\u003efull sun to partial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e, with its most vibrant foliage emerging in sunnier conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5. Low Maintenance and Hardy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to grow and requires minimal care, making it perfect for gardeners of all skill levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardy and tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including cold winters and hot summers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6. Wildlife Benefits\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides \u003cstrong\u003ehabitat and shelter\u003c\/strong\u003e for small insects and aquatic creatures, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIts flowers attract pollinators, supporting the local ecosystem.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e7. Versatile in Design\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePerfect for \u003cstrong\u003econtainer gardening\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering control over its growth while adding a vibrant splash of color to patios or decks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplements taller moisture-loving plants like sedges, irises, and rushes, creating depth and contrast in planting schemes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for small-scale water features, borders, or accent planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 15–20cm (6–8 inches)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage\u003c\/strong\u003e: Multicolored variegation of green, red, yellow, and cream\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers\u003c\/strong\u003e: Small, white blooms with yellow centers, appearing in late spring to early summer\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e: Moist to wet soil or shallow water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e: Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHouttuynia cordata ‘Boo Boo’\u003c\/strong\u003e is a compact, colorful, and low-maintenance plant that is perfect for small gardens, containers, and water features. Its manageable growth habit, vibrant foliage, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for adding interest and biodiversity to any garden setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb style=\"font-size: 22pt;\"\u003e \u003cb\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e \u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Lincspplants","offers":[{"title":"1 \/ 7cm","offer_id":56445082370425,"sku":"MP043-plug","price":2.6,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm","offer_id":56445082403193,"sku":"MP043-9cm","price":6.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 9cm Potted","offer_id":56445082435961,"sku":"MP043-9cmpot","price":8.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr","offer_id":56445082468729,"sku":"MP043-1ltr","price":10.72,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 1Ltr Potted","offer_id":56445082501497,"sku":"MP043-1ltrpot","price":12.67,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr","offer_id":56445082534265,"sku":"MP043-3ltr","price":19.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 3Ltr Potted","offer_id":56445082567033,"sku":"MP043-3ltrpot","price":23.4,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 \/ 2 x Pot \u0026 2 x Compost","offer_id":56618383638905,"sku":"MP043-2xpot-2xcompost","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 \/ 7cm","offer_id":56724404142457,"sku":"sku-52456142405979","price":7.41,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 \/ 9cm","offer_id":56724404175225,"sku":"sku-52456142438747","price":19.38,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 \/ 1Ltr","offer_id":56724404207993,"sku":"sku-52456142471515","price":30.55,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 \/ 3Ltr","offer_id":56724404240761,"sku":"sku-52456142504283","price":55.58,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0966\/8263\/9737\/files\/Houttuynia-cordata-Boo-Boo-01-scaled.jpg?v=1767532438","url":"https:\/\/mgmgardening.com\/products\/houttuynia-cordata-boo-boo-marginal-pond-plants-mp043","provider":"MGMgardening","version":"1.0","type":"link"}