Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) is an attractive, fast-growing plant with striking foliage that thrives in containers. It is hardy in zones 10-11, but can be brought indoors in colder climates.
To get the best results and create a dynamic combination, combine Persian Shield with other colorful, complementary plants that also enjoy the same type of environment. Here are some container gardening ideas for growing with Persian Shield:
• Coleus: Coleus is a colorful and easy-to-care-for plant that comes in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. It’s a great choice for combining with Persian Shield as both look great in containers.
• Begonias: Begonias come in several varieties, from small, shrubby types to large-leaved foliage plants. Regardless of the type, Begonias have attractive, colorful foliage and can tolerate the same growing conditions as Persian Shield.
• Caladiums: Caladiums offer bright and colorful foliage in pinstriped, speckled, and mottled varieties. Combine Caladiums with Persian Shield for a stunning combination of deep purple and bright pinks, reds, and greens.
• Spurge: Spurge come in several varieties, from the more durable types, like Euphorbia ‘Glitz’, to the more delicate forms, like Euphorbia ‘Friso’. All types of Spurge are great additions to Persian Shield-based containers.
• Heuchera: Heucheras come in a range of colors and sizes. The colorful foliage of Heucheras will enhance the purple foliage of Persian Shield and also attract hummingbirds to your container.
• Geraniums: Many different types of geraniums are available that can be combined with Persian Shield to create a beautiful and long-lasting container. Depending on the chosen variety, geraniums can offer bright pink, red, salmon, white or purple blooms that will contrast nicely against the deep purple of Persian Shield.
How do I make my Persian shield plant bushy?
To make your Persian shield plant bushy, you’ll need to provide it with the conditions it needs to live and thrive. The most important factor is to provide it with plenty of light. Persian shield plants prefer bright indirect light and direct sun for several hours a day.
If the plant does not receive enough light, it may become leggy with spaced out foliage, rather than full and bushy.
Additionally, provide your Persian shield with consistent, light watering. Let the top inch of soil dry out in between watering, and water thoroughly and slowly until the water drains out of the bottom of the pot.
Persian shield plants like slightly moist soil and very high humidity.
Fertilize the plant every two weeks, using a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer. When the plant begins to grow and become more established, you can encourage bushiness by pinching back the tips of each stem.
This will encourage lateral or side growth and help the plant to become more full and bushy. If needed, you can prune the plant by cutting off the tips of stems, or you can even completely trim back an entire branch.
Pruning will encourage vigorous new growth and help your Persian shield to become more full and bushy.
Does Persian Shield come back every year?
Persian Shield (genus name: Hemigraphis) is generally an annual plant and usually does not come back the next year, especially in areas with a colder climate. It is sometimes grown as an annual in the U.
S. and also may act as a short-lived perennial in some tropical and sub-tropical climates. Because Persian Shield is sensitive to cold temperatures, it is important to know your climate and soil conditions before planting it.
When grown as a perennial, the plant may die back in cold weather and re-emerge in the spring when warm temperatures return. In general, the success of growing Persian Shield as a perennial in colder climates is not guaranteed.
Can Persian shield handle full sun?
Yes, Persian shield (Botanical name: Strobilanthes dyerianus) can tolerate full sun to partial shade. It is native to Myanmar and is often found growing near streams or moist areas. When grown outdoors, Persian shield prefers temperatures between 65-75°F and should be protected from extreme cold weather.
Full sun exposure is tolerated, but it is advisable to keep it in partial shade if the weather is too hot. When grown indoors, it prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65-75°F. Due to its moderate water needs, it should be watered when the top 2-3 inches of soil becomes dry; also, a layer of mulch is recommended to protect the shallow root system.
Fertilize Persian shield in spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Will Persian shield survive winter?
Yes, Persian shield is a fairly resilient plant that can survive the winter in many climates. It is a tropical evergreen and can tolerate temperatures down to 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit. However, in zones that go below this range, it is best to bring your Persian shield indoors during winter or provide extra protection such as mulch or covering it with a frost cloth.
This plant is not frost hardy; therefore, it is best to keep it in a sheltered location. When temperatures begin to warm up, it can be returned outside to its location in the garden.
Should Persian shield be cut back?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the size and type of plant, as well as the climate that it is growing in. Generally speaking, Persian shield should be trimmed or pruned every year to keep them healthy and promote new growth.
Pruning should be completed in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins and to shape the plant. This will keep the plant from becoming too large and encourage more branching and colorful foliage.
Depending on the size and the climate, it may need to be trimmed more frequently. If Persian shield is grown in a warm climate, it may need to be pruned twice a year (once in late winter/early spring and again in late fall/early winter) to keep the plant healthy and promote new growth.
It should also be kept away from frost to protect the foliage. If the Persian shield is becoming too large, it may need to be cut back to a manageable size. When cutting back a Persian shield, cut just above a healthy node or leaf.
Avoid cutting back more than a third of the total height of the plant as this may stress the plant.
Do Persian shields like to be root bound?
Persian shields (botanical name: Strobilanthes dyerianus) generally do not like to be root bound when planted in containers. For the healthiest plant, it is best to plant in a pot that is large enough to comfortably accommodate the plant’s root system.
Persian shields can tolerate being slightly root bound, but they will require additional watering and frequent repotting to ensure their roots have plenty of room to grow and keep the soil fresh and nutrient-rich.
If not given enough space to spread, Persian shields’ leaves may become yellow and their stems may become weak and spindly. Additionally, it will be more difficult for the Persian shield to absorb water and nutrients when the roots become congested, which will stunt its growth.
Should you pinch Persian shield?
No, you should not pinch Persian shield because it can cause damage to the leaves, weaken the plant, and limit the ability of the plant to capture sunlight. Pinching, or pinching back, is a method of pruning and it involves removing the terminal (top) buds of a stem or branch.
Although pinching can be beneficial, especially in the case of certain plants, it can also be damaging to Persian shield.
When pinching Persian shield, you risk damaging the thin leaves, which are susceptible to tearing or breaking. Additionally, since the leaves are so thin, your pinch may also damage the leaf stem, leaving a break or blemish that may never heal.
Persian shield would become weakened and less likely to reach its desired height or spread than otherwise, limiting its light capturing ability.
Therefore, it is not advised to pinch Persian shield as it is likely to cause damage to the thin leaves which can limit the growth potential of the plant. It is recommended to simply trim the leaf tips to minimize their size if desired, or separate out yellowing or browning leaves.
Are Persian Shield plants rare?
Persian Shield plants (scientific name: Strobilanthes Dyerianus) are not particularly rare, however, they are not widely available either. Persian Shield plants are native to Myanmar, Thailand, and India and are, therefore, not very common in North America.
This is probably why they may appear rare. Many garden centers and nurseries have Persian Shield plants available during the summer, however, since proper care for these plants is a bit more specialized, locating one that is in good condition can be slightly challenging.
They also require a warm, humid, and partially sunny climate, so they can be difficult to find in cooler climates or areas with low humidity. If you’re looking for a Persian Shield plant, it’s best to do research and ask around to see if there are any local nurseries that offer them.
Can you propagate Persian shield from cutting?
Yes, Persian shield can be propagated from cuttings. Many gardeners opt to propagate Persian shield from stem cuttings in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. To do so, cut a 4-inch stem section and remove the lower leaves.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and then place the stem into a pot filled with moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place in indirect light. Keep the soil moist and in about four to six weeks, roots should develop.
Once this happens and the stem shows signs of new growth, transplant the cutting into a pot with regular potting soil and care for it as you would a mature Persian shield.
How do you care for an outdoor Persian shield?
Caring for an outdoor Persian shield is relatively easy. It is a low maintenance plant and thrives in seasonal climates with mild temperatures. The plant prefers partial to full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
During the summer, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry and more frequently during hot spells. During the winter, water only when necessary, as an overly wet soil can lead to root rot.
Fertilize the plant every 3-4 weeks during the growing season and prune away any dead foliage after flowering. Persian shield is also prone to certain pests and diseases such as aphids, mites, and powdery mildew, so be sure to inspect the plant regularly and treat any issues with insecticides or fungicides as necessary.
How do you bring a Persian shield back to life?
Reviving a Persian shield plant (botanical name: Strobilanthes dyerans) is an exciting task that can be achieved with a bit of patience and timely care. Persian shield is a small perennial shrub native to tropical areas and requires plenty of moisture and humidity to thrive.
Here are some tips for reviving a Persian shield:
1. Prune the faded leaves and stems: Cutting back the stems and leaves that are dried and faded will allow the plant to channel its energy into healthier branches and new growth.
2. Re-pot the plant: Transfer the plant to a new, larger pot that allows the roots to expand and better absorb water. Use a potting mix that has good drainage and mix in a couple of handfuls of perlite or compost to make sure that the potting soil is light enough for the roots to thrive.
3. Provide adequate sunlight: Place the plant near a window that receives direct or indirect sunlight. Persian shield thrives in filtered light, so the ideal spot should provide shade during the hottest part of the day.
4. Water regularly: Make sure that the potting soil is evenly moist, but not saturated. Water the plant every few days and check the soil for moisture. Add a thin layer of mulch at the base of the plant to keep the soil moist for longer.
Reviving a Persian shield plant can take a bit of time and effort, but with proper care, the plant should eventually become healthy and full of new growth.
What plants look good with Persian shield?
Persian shield (scientific name: Strobilanthes dyerianus) is a beautiful and deep-colored plant with a unique leaf pattern. It’s an ideal choice for adding color and texture to a garden. Persian shield works well as a low-level edging for pathways and flower beds, and it’s also a great addition to mixed pots of houseplants.
For added contrast and texture when pairing Persian shield with other plants, look for plants with bright foliage of different shapes and sizes.
Some plants that look great when paired with Persian shield include petunias and impatiens (for added bursts of color), and plectranthus (for a deep purple contrast). These plants are equally easy to care for and make great accompaniments for Persian shield.
Dwarf varieties of lantana (for heat-tolerant color) and ajuga (for a perennial evergreen) are also good complementary partners for this unique plant. For a bright and eye-catching contrast, pair Persian shield with vibrant yellows and oranges, such as marigolds and gazanias.