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Strobilanthes dyerianus

Image of Strobilanthes dyerianus

Holly Chichester

Family

Acanthaceae

Botanical Name

Strobilanthes dyerianus

Plant Common Name

Persian Shield

General Description

A tender evergreen subshrub often used as a bedding or container plant, this Southeast Asian native is grown for its showy iridescent foliage. The paired oval dark green leaves are suffused with bronze-purple and highlighted by a shimmering silver halo. Their undersides are dark purple. Spikes of small blue-flushed flowers appear in winter. Absent pruning, it eventually forms a small leggy shrub with relatively dull foliage.

Plant Persian shield in porous, humus-rich, evenly moist soil in full or partial sun. Pinch to control size and encourage fuller plants. Mulch in-ground plantings to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Replace older, less colorful plants with purchased or cutting-grown material. Use Persian shield as an accent plant, ground cover, or striking container specimen.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 12

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    18"-48" / 45.7cm - 121.9cm

  • Width

    12"-36" / 30.5cm - 91.4cm

  • Bloom Time

    Fall, Winter

  • Native To

    Southeastern Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Lavender

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Purple, Dark Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Purple, Dark Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Purple, Dark Green, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Purple, Silver

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Feature Plant, Groundcover, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No