Hypoestes phyllostachya Hippo Pink - Polka Dot Plant

Hypoestes Hippo Pink is part of a new series of 'plants with freckles' that are vigorous and easier to grow in the sun, for example on the terrace or balcony. Its foliage, a deep pink spotted with very dark green, is truly remarkable. Usually grown indoors for its splendid multicolored foliage, Hypoestes phyllostachya is a tender plant from tropical climates that also makes a beautiful annual plant in our latitudes, if it has enough warmth. Easy to grow in good potting soil, the 'Hippo' Hypoestes will thrive in shade, partial shade, or even in full sun, in containers, pots, troughs, and hanging baskets.

Hypoestes are plants related to Acanthus, belonging to the Acanthaceae family. The most common in cultivation is Hypoestes phyllostachya, native to Madagascar, which is a very popular indoor plant. Horticulture has produced many hybrids, including those in the 'Hippo' series, selected for their vigour and ornamental qualities. These tropical climate plants only grow properly above 16°C (60.8°F), in soil kept moist in spring and summer, and drier in autumn and winter.

Hypoestes Hippo forms ramified clumps that can reach 80cm (32in) in all directions in one season. The stems bear triangular leaves of a good size, wider than those of usual varieties. Their lamina is mostly a deep and vivid pink, irregularly spotted with dark green along the veins. The flowering occurs on mature plants, in late summer or autumn in our climates. The small pink flowers are quite discreet and somewhat resemble those of fragrant geraniums.

Hypoestes 'Hippo', with their sumptuously coloured foliage, are irreplaceable for brightening up any decor... in the garden as well as in the house, where they will live for several years. While they tolerate sunny exposures well, they appreciate a partially shaded exposure, which can be found on the edge of a border of tall perennials or bushes, or even in a shaded rockery, exposed to the east, away from the harsh summer sun. They allow for the creation of mosaic-like massifs of colours, for example with Coleus, and they pair well with begonias and impatiens in flower pots. They can also be planted at the base of taller orangery plants (Orange tree, Mimosa, Banana tree, Oleander, Bougainvillea).

Note: Attention, our young plug plants are professional products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, repot and store them under shelter (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 16°C (60.8°F) for a few weeks before planting them outdoors once the risk of frost is definitively removed.