The Polka Dot Plant

The Polka Dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is well known as a novelty indoor plant, but it has also emerged as a striking outdoor bedding plant that can be used to brighten borders or containers in those difficult shaded areas. The polka dots that give this colourful plant its name and spatter its foliage like a work of modern art come primarily in pink. However, hybrids are available with red spotting, white and a lighter shade of green. A hybrid with pink leaves and green spots is also available.

Being low-growing makes them great bedding plants and they will rapidly spread to add colour to borders and dull shady areas. They look good following the contour of a path and combine nicely with New Guinea impatiens. H. phyllostachya grow best in filtered sunshine and the plants will exhibit more pronounced colour in partial shade than full sun. Fortunately, this vivid beauty has few pest problems.


Information Supplied by the Bedding Plant Growers Association. Go to www.lifeisagarden.co.za for more.