Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Purple | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Hypoestes are tender evergreen perennials, subshrubs or shrubs, with simple leaves, often attractively coloured or patterned. Plants sometimes produce 2-lipped tubular flowers, but are more often grown for their foliage
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Tropical & S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in loam-based potting compost in bright, filtered light, with moderate to high humidity. Water freely in growth and sparingly in winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks in summer. See Hypoestes for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, softwood cuttings in late spring, or semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pinch out the growing tips to promote a bushy habit
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Powdery mildews can occur
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.