Hypoestes phyllostachya Hippo Red - Polka Dot Plant

Hypoestes Hippo Red is the reddest' of the 'freckle plants' from the new 'Hippo' series. Vigorous, it tolerates the sun better than usual varieties, allowing it to be placed on the terrace or balcony during the summer. Its foliage, a rich red with small dark green spots surrounded by a black filament, is remarkable. Typically grown indoors for its splendid multicoloured foliage, Hypoestes phyllostachya is a tender plant from tropical climates that also makes a beautiful annual plant in our regions, if it has enough warmth. Easy to grow in good potting soil, the 'Hippo' Hypoestes thrive in shade, partial shade, or even in the sun, in containers, pots, troughs, and hanging baskets.

Hypoestes plants are related to Acanthus plants and belong 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 from the new 'Hippo' series, selected for their vigour and ornamental qualities. As tropical plants, they only grow well at temperatures above 16°C (60.8°F), in soil that is kept moist in spring and summer, and drier in autumn and winter.

Hypoestes Hippo Red forms branched clumps that can reach 80cm (32in) in all directions in one season. The stems bear triangular leaves of good size, wider than those of usual varieties. The lamina is mostly a deep red tinged with pink, irregularly speckled with areas of very dark green surrounded by grey-black along the veins. Flowering occurs on mature plants, in late summer or autumn in our climate. The small pink flowers in clusters are quite discreet, somewhat reminiscent of scented geraniums.

The 'Hippo' Hypoestes, with their sumptuously coloured foliage, are irreplaceable for bringing any decor to life... in the garden as well as in the house, where they can live for several years. While they tolerate sunny exposures well, they appreciate a partially shaded location, which can be found at the edge of a bed of tall perennials or bushes, or even in a cool rockery, exposed to the east, away from the harsh summer sun. They can be used to create mosaic-like beds 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 conservatory plants (Orange tree, Mimosa, Banana tree, Oleander, Bougainvillea).

Note: Please be aware that 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 being planted outside once the risk of frost is definitively eliminated.