Persian Shield

Persian shield is an evergreen tropical shrub grown chiefly for its iridescent foliage, which combines deep purple, lilac and green with silvery highlights. In warm, humid conditions it can become a large, bushy plant; in containers and cooler settings it usually stays smaller, and it is commonly grown as a seasonal accent or houseplant. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/strobilanthes/persian-shield-strobilanthes-dyerianus) lists it for part sun to sun, with average water and heat tolerance; [Wisconsin Horticulture](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/persian-shield-strobilanthes-dyerianus/) describes moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil and best color in warm conditions. ## Foliage and flowers The lance-shaped leaves have a metallic sheen, with darker maroon-purple undersides. Older plants may become woody and lose some of their vivid color, so fresh growth is especially ornamental. Small pale blue-to-lilac flowers can appear on older plants in fall or winter, while Proven Winners lists spring and summer flowering; the foliage remains the main garden feature. Its cold sensitivity makes sheltered containers useful where it cannot remain outdoors year-round. ## Maintenance Keep the soil evenly moist and well drained during active growth, and give the plant warmth and humidity. Partial shade helps retain leaf color in hot sites. In cool climates, bring containers indoors before cold weather or grow it as an annual; trim or renew older stems when foliage quality declines.