This summer I bought a bedding plant unfamiliar to me named Hypoestes. I
cannot find it in any of my garden books. Can you please tell me a little about
this plant. Is it an annual or perennial in south Arkansas? The tag said sun or
part shade, but did not mention moisture. Any information would be helpful.
(Portland)
Hypoestes is commonly called polka dot plant, because of the pink or white polka dots on the foliage. The Pink Splash or White Splash varieties have larger dots of color. It is grown as an annual in Arkansas and makes a good fill around other more colorful plants. It does equally well in full sun to partial shade. Moisture is basically the same as other bedding plants, especially this summer. In my experience it tends to be more a sprawling plant, versus an erect growing plant.