Strobilanthes
stro-bih-LAN-theez. Acanthus family, Acanthaceae.
Strobilanthes contains some 250 species of tender perennials and shrubs from Madagascar and Asia, most of which grow naturally on woodland edges. They bear clusters of tubular to funnel-shaped, two-lipped flowers and lance-shaped to rounded leaves. While some are grown for their flowers, the most popular species is primarily valued for its silver-and-purple-patterned foliage.
How To Grow
Give Persian shield (S. dyeranus) a site in partial shade to full sun with rich, well-drained soil that remains evenly moist. Rich soil and even moisture yield lush growth and thus the best foliage display. This species thrives in heat and humidity, but benefits from a spot with some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in areas with hot summers. North of Zone 10, grow Persian shield as bedding plants replaced annually or as tender perennials.
Plants usually are grown from cuttings. Since young plants have the best foliage - the older ones become woody-stemmed - consider growing new ones from cuttings taken annually or every other year in spring or early summer. Try taking cuttings in mid- to late summer for overwintering; bottom heat will speed rooting. Pinch to encourage branching. Water container-grown specimens regularly and feed at least monthly. To overwinter, bring plants indoors in fall and keep them in a bright, warm (minimum 60 to 65 degrees F) place. Prune overwintered plants in early spring, as necessary, to shape them. Use Persian shield to add foliage color to mixed plantings or in containers.
S. dyeranus
s. dy-er-AY-nus. Persian Shield. (pictured above)
A tender shrub that can reach 4 feet in frost-free climates but is usually smaller when grown in the North. Bears toothed, 6-inch-long, dark green leaves marked with purple and overlaid with a silvery sheen. Bears small spikes of 1 1/4-inch-long pale lilac-blue flowers in fall. Tender perennial.
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The above copyrighted information is adapted with permission from the "Taylor’s Guide to Annuals: How to select and grow more than 400 annuals, biennials, and tender perennials," (Houghton Mifflin, 1999, softcover) written by Barbara W. Ellis and published by the Houghton Mifflin Company. The Exclusive Online Only Author's Note comes directly from Ellis and is not included in the book.
Ellis is also the author of "Taylor's Guide to Growing North America's Favorite Plants: A detailed, how-to-grow guide to selecting, planting, and caring for the best classic plants." (Houghton Mifflin, 1998, softcover). Country Living magazine called this comprehensive reference "The 'must-have' gardening book of the year."
For more information about these books, please visit your local bookseller.
Images provided by Houghton Mifflin Company.