Houttuynia cordata aka Chameleon Plan

[Keys6505]

I bought a pot of this about 2 years ago but when I got home and read up on it I realized it's invasive so I never did anything with it.  I have a small 5' long x 2' wide bed that is bordered by my foundation, driveway, and walkway that I have had a rough time getting any ground covers to take hold.  I'm wondering if I can use the Houttuynia. My question is, is this stuff so invasive that it will run under the 3' of concrete walkway and into my yard?  Or will it be ok contained in this area?

 

[Manalto]

I will confirm that it is indeed invasive. I used it in a situation just as you described - except - the walkway was separate paving stones and it found its way through them. I think you'd be safe with a 3' solid concrete sidewalk to stop it.  Others may chime in with a contrary opinion.

Edited November 6, 2022 by Manalto

[Silas_Sancona]

Figures that the first thing that comes up when looking up info is " Chamelion Plant Invasive ".  The " reviews " on Dave's Garden alone are bad enough, let alone a few other linked articles i found about the stuff:

https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=399165

https://awaytogarden.com/why-wont-this-plant-die/

Sounds like the Rhizomes can extend down 12-14" into the soil as the plant spreads and the smallest piece left behind can root/ take over ( Like **********................. Bermuda Grass ).

Trash it and plant something like Sunshine Mimosa if looking for a durable ground cover, or, even better, fill the bed with various summer flowering Bulbs like Cannas, Hurricane Lilies, Ox Bloods, and Rain Lilies . 

[Xenon]

Funny thing is I grow this as a culinary herb (used in Vietnamese cuisine) and while it is somewhat "invasive", its nowhere near the same category as African petunia or bermudagrass in my experience. It actually struggles a bit in the dead of summer and can dieback, needs plenty of supplemental irrigation and prefers midday shade. 

If you have a shady spot, Piper sarmentosum makes an amazing vigoruous groundcover with shiny, tropical leaves.