Description
Strobilanthes dyeriana, commonly called Persian shield, is grown for striking iridescent purple, silver, and green foliage. Small lavender flowers may appear, but the colorful leaves are the main attraction. This tropical foliage plant can grow roughly 1–4 feet tall and wide depending on conditions and pruning.
Growing in Alabama: Give Persian shield morning sun or bright filtered light with afternoon shade to protect its foliage from harsh summer exposure. Use rich, well-drained soil and water when the surface begins to dry, avoiding soggy roots. Pinch growing tips to keep plants full. It is frost sensitive and best treated as a warm-season annual outdoors in much of Alabama or overwintered indoors in a bright location.