Plants + Care

Persian shield, not just for containers

6 Comments

Isn’t this a wonderful combination? Usually, you see the metallic purple patterned leaves of Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus) accenting a container. It can also be grown as a houseplant.

This time, I found it used as a bedding plant in a public garden in Stratford, Ontario. Loved it!

persianshield-ornamentalsweetpotatovine-torontogardens
Here, it’s “de-vine” with three sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) in three different colours
persianshield-grasses-torontogardens
And, here, with a tapestry of foliage plants, including variegated fountain grass (Pennistum), golden creeping moneywort (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’) and ‘Gryphon’ begonia

It apparently propagates easily from cuttings. So I might be tempted to try this one next year.

Though, I confess, it will likely be in a container.

Helen

Helen Battersby is a gardener, a writer, a garden speaker, and a power-walker, not always in that order!

6 comments

  1. I love my Persian Shield. I fill containers with some every year. It either coordinates with, or contrast with EVERYTHING else you can combine with it.

    1. I need to change it up from my usual coleus standards, so I might follow in your footsteps, Jim. I’ve admire this plant for some time.

    1. It looks like you can grow it from seed, Margaret. The challenge would be finding the seed. Select Seeds came up with a Google search for Strobilanthes dyerianus, and they say they ship seed to Canada, but at a cost. Have a look.

      1. Yeah, that is pretty pricy at $12US for a packet of seeds including shipping. I’ve added it to my list, though, as you never know when a less expensive alternative may appear. Thanks for the info!

        1. There’s a UK supplier with a similar if not greater shipping mark-up. If you find a Canadian seed supplier, please let us know.

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