Collection of three Hippoestes Hippo plants - Polka Dot Plant

 The collection consists of:

- 1 x Hypoestes 'Hippo White', with intensely speckled white foliage on a dark green background. The brightest of the 'freckled plants' in this series.

- 1 x Hypoestes 'Hippo Red', which displays a remarkable rich red colour foliage with small dark green spots surrounded by a black filament.

- 1 x Hypoestes 'Hippo Pink', with deep pink leaves and dark green spots.

 Individually labelled.

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

'Hippo' Hypoestes form ramified clumps that can reach 80 cm (32in) in all directions in one season. The stems bear triangular leaves of a larger size than usual varieties. Flowering occurs on mature plants in late summer or autumn in European climates. The clusters of small pink flowers are quite discreet, resembling those of scented pelargonium.

With their sumptuously coloured foliage, 'Hippo' Hypoestes are irreplaceable for enlivening any decor in the garden as well as indoors, where they can last several years. While they tolerate sunny exposures well, they appreciate partially shaded positions such as along the edge of a bed of tall perennials or bushes, or even in east-facing rock gardens sheltered from the harsh summer sun. They allow for the creation of mosaic-like flowerbeds, combined for example with Coleus, and blend well with Begonia and Impatiens in pots. They can also be planted at the base of taller orangery plants (Orange trees, Mimosa, Banana trees, Oleander, Bougainvillea).

Please note: our young plug plants are professional products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, repot and store them under cover (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 16°C (60.8°F) for a few weeks before planting on outdoors once the risk of frosts has definitively passed.