Recently I stumbled across a plant recipe called ‘This is the Life.’ Not only was it a collection of some of my favorite plants, but was like a wake-up call to an old favorite, the Persian Shield. Known botanically as Strobilanthes dyerianus, it is native to Myanmar and has 8-inchlong leaves that are iridescent in shades of purple, lilac and pink with purplemaroon on the undersides. If those colors aren’t awesome enough, the foliage looks as though it has a light coat of silver electroplated to the leaf.
It has been around for a while, even in Victorian times, but kind of slips to the back burner depending on the whims of producers. It has been selected as an Athens Select plant of the University of Georgia and has won Top Performer and as well as Best of the Zoo at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Thankfully, it has secured its position as part of the Proven Accents section of Proven Winners which is where you’ll also find all the new ornamental sweet potatoes.
The Persian Shield prefers well-drained, organic-rich soil. I rarely see it in full afternoon sun looking its best in the South. I love planting it in morning sun and afternoon shade to keep its brilliant colors always photo worthy. This spring, wait to plant until all danger of frost has passed, then space plants on 18- to 24- inch centers. I think we may finally be safe in my part of Georgia. The plants should reach close to 3-feet in height and are really considered maintenance free. Don’t be afraid to pinch if needed to keep plants bushy.
