The Chameleon spreads by underground root-like stems, erect 12-18" high stems hold heart-shaped multi-colored leaves, gray-green creamy, carmine, golden, hence its 'chameleon' name. Bright winter color is a rarity on the Chameleon plant but it gives chameleon full sun exposure for best color, and it grows best in bog-type conditions. The Chameleon plant, Houttuyina cordata, is a rapidly growing multicolored groundcover plant that loves wet soils.