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Strobilanthes auriculata var. dyeriana

Previously known as:

  • Perilepta dyeriana
  • Strobilanthes dyeriana
  • Strobilanthes dyerianus
  • Strobilanthes maciellandi
Phonetic Spelling
stroh-bil-AN-theez
Description

Persian Shield is noted for and grown for its showy foliage. Its silvery iridescent sheen can coat the foliage, creating a metallic look.  It's a soft-stemmed, tropical, evergreen shrub or sub-shrub.  The leaves are a variegated dark green deep pink or purple blotching with silvery-purple iridescence and dark purple on the underside.  It can be grown as a perennial in warmer climate zones, 8b and warmer.   In other zones, it can be planted as an annual.  It is not an evergreen in locations that experience frost. 

Cool temperatures and low lighting conditions can reduce the color of the foliage, giving the plat a sort of washed out appearance.  As the plant ages, it can also lose its brilliant coloring.  It grows best when planted in a rich soil and located in an area that receives bright light with no direct sunlight.  To promote a more bushy appearance, pinch back the stems.  

Although a flowering plant, it is not grown for the flowers.  The tiny flowers will bloom in the winter months when grown as a houseplant or outdoors in zones 10 and 11.   

It makes an excellent container plant, however, over time, it will need to be repotted into a larger container.  A larger container will also encourage larger growth.  A 3 gallon (11.36 liters) container would be a good choice.  Ensure that the container has good drainage.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Provide good drainage.  Watch for red spider mites and fungus gnats when grown indoors.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#heat tolerant#houseplant#shrub#frost tender#winter interest#tropical perennials#tender perennials#deer resistant#variegated#groundcover#subshrub#humidity tolerant#tropical#tropical annual#container plant#high humidity#broadleaf#annual#soft-stemmed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#heat tolerant#houseplant#shrub#frost tender#winter interest#tropical perennials#tender perennials#deer resistant#variegated#groundcover#subshrub#humidity tolerant#tropical#tropical annual#container plant#high humidity#broadleaf#annual#soft-stemmed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Strobilanthes
    Species:
    auriculata
    Family:
    Acanthaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Houseplant, container plant
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Leaf Cutting
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Myanmar to Thailand
    Play Value:
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Shade
    Textural
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    powdery mildew
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Mounding
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Seldom flowers in the first season. The small flowers form along a spike with glandular hairs.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Velvety
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Up to 7" long, the upper foliage is purple with green veins, while the underside is purple. Sparse hairs on the upper side.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Soft stemmed.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Hanging Baskets
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Pool/Hardscape
    Slope/Bank
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Rock Garden
    Shade Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Heat
    Humidity