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Persian Shield is a stunning tropical plant with silvery leaves.
Interesting Facts about Persian Shield
The Persian shield is a beautiful plant that thrives in the humid, warm environment of rainforests. The dark purple color on its leaves will make you want to reach out and touch them- it’s like an intricate piece from centuries ago!
Persian shield is a striking plant with succulent, iridescent leaves. Grows outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11 where it can grow up to 4 feet tall (1-2 meters).
For most people the best way to enjoy their beauty indoors would be by growing this stunning specimen from seed – just like all plants!
The Royal Purple plant, Strobilanthes dyerianus is a beautiful tropical evergreen shrub with silvery armor-like leaves.
It originates in Myanmar, and its common names include Persian Shield due to how the plants’ branches shield themselves from sunlight by rolling up like an ancient warrior’s helmet (or perhaps even more fittingly after being compared with shields).
Other nicknames for this type are Burmuda coneflower or simply “the purple one.”
Persian Shield Plant Care Indoors
To care for Persian shield indoors, start with a rich and well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not soggy to avoid root rot in between watering.
For best results grow them away from direct sunlight exposure, as this plant prefers an average temperature range of 60 – 75 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity levels above 80%.
Persian Shield Plant Care Outdoors
To grow a Persian shield plant in the ground, choose an area of your garden with dappled sunlight.
Plant it near or by water because they prefer rich soil that has good drainage and will need to stay moist at all times for germination! If growing as a tender perennial, you can bring them indoors when temperatures drop below 60°F.
Persian Shield Flower
One of the most exotic house plants, Persian shield produces insignificant spikes of lilac-colored funnel shaped flowers on short stems. The small 5 lobed flower has many blooms per stalk which are often found growing in one place due to their size and shape (the “cone”).
Growing indoors from burlap like roots is uncommon for this type or plant; however purple varieties do sometimes bloom during winter months when temperatures stay much lower than usual
Persian Shield Leaves
The most attractive feature about this plant is the purple Persian shield leaves. These lanceolate-shaped, iridescent sheen with a silver and dark under tone come in at lengths between 6″ – 8″. Hot conditions bring them out to their fullest potential.
Persian Shield Companion Plants
There are a lot of different colors in this world, but not many that can compete with the beauty and variety found within Persian Shield plants.
These ornamental vines make for great companion plants because they don’t just add flair to your landscaping – their dramatic appearance means these partners will be loved by all!
Here’s how some other popular companions pair up:
- Curcuma – Curcuma plants have beautiful flowers that can last for over a month. The long lasting colors contrast nicely with Persian’s shields, which are typically more intense in color but shorter-lasting.
- Gardenia – Gardenias are perfect for growing alongside a Persian shield. The plant has stunning white flowers and strong scents that will complement your home’s décor, making it hard to resist planting this beautiful flower in any garden!
- Impatiens – Impatiens are colorful and showy, with flowers that offer a bold contrast to dark purple leaves.
- Lobelia – The brilliant colors and patterns of lobelia make it one of the most visually stunning plants in any garden.
Planting Persian Shield
Persian shield plants grow as evergreen perennials or annuals, depending on the climate.
The dramatic purple foliage and relatively low growth height mean they are ideal for border or edging with their dramatic appeal; you can also use this type of plant in mixed beds to create a focal point that will draw attention from all angles!
Persian shields are great for adding color and flair to the garden. If you want an annual, it’s best grown in containers so that when cool weather comes around they can be brought inside!
Persian Shield Light Requirements
The Persian shield is an ornamental plant that likes plenty of light, as long it’s protected from direct sunlight.
Indoors you can keep the plant on a sunny windowsill if behind sheer curtains and in front or near east facing window with morning sun during summer months but give some shade between 2PM – 4 PM so this tropical vine has enough time to dry out before nightfall.
The Persian shield’s leaves grow in different colors depending on the light. If it has too much shade, then they become leggy and stretch toward any available source of illumination while not enough lighting can cause its silver shine to dull purple coloration over time.
Similarly, too much sunlight will bleach the dark colors on leaves. In time this can cause them to lose their iridescent purple hues.