polka dot plant
Hypoestes phyllostachya
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones10 to 11
SunHandles partial sun to partial shade
WaterNeeds moderate soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall9 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Lilac
- Foliage color
- Green, pink, variegated, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) is a perennial for borders, containers, and shade gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 10 and warmer, down to about 30°F (-1°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes part sun or part shade, average moisture, and sandy or loamy soil. Its green leaves are splashed with pink or white, and it grows into a dense, rapid mound. Deer usually look elsewhere for a meal. Small lilac flowers appear on the plant.
Pairs well with False shamrock, Mondo grass, and Australian tree fern.
Native range
Madagascar.