A Better Set of Polka Dots

‘Hippo Rose’ in the Pathway Garden with Begonia ‘Super Olympia Pink’

We considered Hypoestes to be a sleepy little category because pros in the industry need specific capabilities. That cute little houseplant your grandmother grew was a specialty player at best, and marginally used outside the house. Deep shade was its thing and spots was its shtick. It performed best in smoky little jazz cafes where the lack of light was the signature feature and no one understood the plant; however, we changed our attitude after we planted out the new Hippo series in our Display Gardens.

What we got was something different, something more like modern Coleus—larger plants, better branching, more dynamic color, and enough moxie to stand up to the other workhorses of the industry. We didn’t expect it, but Proven Winners released a genuinely useful series for both landscape and container work. You probably haven’t seen these plants yet unless you attended Field Day, because they just released this series last year. Let’s see if their efforts will change how you think about the Polka Dot plant.

Osteospermum ‘4D Lemon Ice’

‘4D Lemon Ice’ has double blooms, an unusual trait in Osteos. It’s a pretty white and yellow bicolor that gives us lots of flowers, and it possesses another unique quality. Unlike most other Osteo varieties that close at night, 4D is open 24/7 for color first thing in the morning. 

‘Ostica Glamour’—big blooms in classic pure yellow

For the classic Osteo look yellow is the go-to color, and ‘Voltage’ has been our standard bearer for a pure yellow. Its extra height and roundness adds greater impact in baskets and containers. Still, we’re always on the hunt for the best genetics in a yellow. Our new pure yellow is ‘Ostica Glamour’. It trialed very well at Penn State—we have high hopes but we have not grown it out yet. Stay tuned…time will tell who will be crowned King of Osteos. 

‘4D Lemon Ice’, ‘Ostica Glamour’, and ‘Voltage Yellow’ are available in the 4.5-inch pot.

Euphorbia ‘Diamond Mountain’ reaches new heights

‘Diamond Frost’ is the usual go-to for a wispy, Baby’s Breath-like presentation, but not all cultivars are created equal. A plant’s habit makes a big difference when it comes to success in containers, and we think we’ve found a better Diamond for our hanging baskets: ‘Diamond Mountain’. This variety is more upright, has a higher center, and looks nicer as it flows out over the edges. We think it has a better appearance in general when you’re looking up at the plant.

Euphorbia ‘Diamond Mountain’ comes in the 4.5-inch pot and the hanging basket.