- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 18 - 36 Inches
- Mature Spread 18 - 24 Inches
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
Persian Shield is a reliable and easy-to-care-for plant that will spruce up any container or hanging basket. Persian Shield is grown for its outstanding foliage, although there are insignificant flowers that sometimes form late in the summer. The large, shield-shaped leaves are heavily textured with almost black veins and a fantastic metallic purple coloring, sure to add drama to any mixed seasonal container.
Although Strobilanthes dyerianus is an evergreen perennial in USDA growing zones 9-11, it is most often grown as an annual or houseplant in the remaining growing zones. Even though cold temperatures will fade the brilliant purple of the leaves, the color is not affected by sun or shade. It is perfect for growing in difficult spots, such as on a covered porch or an open deck. The naturally mounding shape makes Persian Shield a smashing thriller element in a mixed container. In locations where Persian Shield is perennial, you can plant it as a medium-sized element in a tropical garden bed.
Proven Accents® Persian Shield Care
Plant Persian Shield in an all-purpose potting mix that has added perlite for drainage. The container or basket you use needs plenty of drainage holes and preferably no saucer when growing outdoors. Place the container in a location that gets either full or partial sun and can be easily reached for regular watering. Check for water daily, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between sessions. Pinch out any flowers that form to promote bushier foliage growth. Fertilize with a diluted liquid seaweed or fish emulsion product to replace nutrients leached from the soil from frequent watering. Plants grown as perennials will benefit from an annual application of a slow-release fertilizer that has a balanced ratio of NPK. Pinch out the stem tips early to promote a well-branched, dense, and mounded shape.
Persian Shield is easily overwintered as a houseplant in cold winter climates. Bring the plant in as nighttime temperatures drop to 55 degrees F and grow it in a spot with bright but filtered light all winter. Near an east- or west-facing window is ideal. Reduce watering to once every 7-10 days, depending on the humidity level indoors. Although Persian Shield will continue to grow through the winter, it will not require fertilizing until it goes back outside for its summer vacation.
Proven Accents® Persian Shield Spacing
Persian Shield is a medium-sized plant that benefits from plenty of air circulation to help keep pests and diseases at bay. The mature height ranges from 18 inches to 3 feet, while the spread can be up to 2 feet. Use a container with at least a 10-inch diameter for a single specimen plant. When planting with other seasonal color plants, ensure that all plants in the container require the same water and light conditions.
Proven Accents® Persian Shield Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9 - 11 |
Plant Type: Annual |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 18 - 36 Inches |
Mature Spread: 18 - 24 Inches |
Mature Spacing: 18 - 24 Inches |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Purple |
Foliage Description: Black/Purple |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Attracts: Bees |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Award Winner |
Brand: Proven Winners |
Common Name: Proven Accents® Persian Shield |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Strobilanthes dyerianus |
- SKU:
- STRPSP
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations