General Culture:
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11. In St. Louis, plants are grown as bedding annuals or in containers. Bedding plants are best grown in organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Pinch tips to promote bushiness. Some gardeners remove flower spikes because they are somewhat inconspicuous and tend to detract from the attractive foliage. Overwinter containers and grow houseplants in bright indoor light, but not direct sun. Although bedding plants can be dug and potted up in fall for overwintering, it may be easier to simply purchase new plants each spring.
Noteworthy Characteristics:
Native to Madagascar, polka dot plant is an evergreen tropical subshrub that is noted for its ovate green leaves (to 2” long) which are spotted with rose, pink or lavender. As a bedding plan or houseplant, it typically grows like an herbaceous perennial to 12-20” tall. Tiny lilac flowers in racemes to 6” long bloom sporadically in the summer.
Problems:
No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for powdery mildew.
Uses:
Annual bedding plant. Containers. Houseplant.
© Missouri Botanical
Garden, 2001-2010
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