Persian Shield Plant

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Persian shield plant

Persian shield does best in warm temperatures (above 60 degrees Fahrenheit) and sultry humid air. It is fully evergreen in USDA zones 10 and 11, and can grow as a standard perennial in zones 8 and 9, where it dies back to the ground but usually returns in the spring.

Does Persian shield like sun or shade?

Plant Persian shield in full sun in more northern areas; in southern states it usually benefits from partial shade. It may be pinched back if it gets too leggy, although this is usually not an issue when grown as a seasonal annual. Provide rich soil high in organic matter, with good drainage but also plenty of water.

Is a Persian shield plant indoor or outdoor?

Persian shield is a warm-weather foliage plant with deep purple leaves that makes an excellent indoor or hedging plant.

How big do Persian shield plants get?

Persian shield can grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet across. It can be planted in perennial beds or used effectively in larger container gardens. Because of its colorful foliage, it pairs nicely with silver plants like artemisia or chartreuse plants like 'Margarita' ornamental sweet potato.

Can Persian Shield take full sun?

Wonderfully adaptable, Persian shield grows in sun or shade. When grown in full sun, especially in hot climates, it needs regular watering to keep it from wilting. Make growing Persian shield easier by spreading a 3- to 4-inch-deep layer of mulch over the soil around the plant.

Are Persian shield easy to care for?

Persian shield is an easy-to-care for plant. Pinch the stems back to force bushiness. Water the plant when the top couple of inches (5 cm.) of soil are dry and keep a bit drier in winter.

Where do you put the Persian shield?

Persian Shield thrives in shade or semi-shade and is one of the most vibrantly purple plants you'll ever find. Originally from Burma, this plant grows well in the tropics or subtropics in moist, semi-shaded areas.

Will Persian Shield spread?

Plant Type:	Tender evergreen perennial	Lavender blue/green and iridescent purple
Spread:	1-3 feet	Acanthaceae
Growth Rate:	Fast	Acanthoideae
Maintenance:	Low	Strobilanthes
Common Pests and Diseases:	Aphids, fungus gnats, spider mites; diseases uncommon	Dyerianus

Will Persian shield survive winter?

Persian shield's showy purple metallic leaves can't hold up to frost.

Do you prune Persian shield?

You can trim back Persian shield hard now to control the size and make the plant bushier, or to remove any cold damage that may have occurred. Cut the plant down to the point where you want the plant to sprout and produce new growth. Pinch or trim back as needed any time during the summer growing season.

Is Persian shield hard to grow?

The Persian shield is not a particularly difficult plant to grow, providing you can give it the warmth and moisture that it needs. In colder conditions, the plant will drop leaves, and if you live in a place with colder winters, you might want to cut the plant down to the soil level to overwinter.

Why is my Persian shield dying?

Your plant will wilt quickly if it has too little water, and it's immediately obvious. If this happens, increase your frequency of watering to compensate, being sure to keep the soil moist and humidity up around the plant. It bounces back quickly even when in bad shape.

How much sun does Persian shield?

The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

How cold can Persian shield tolerate?

They do best from 60-75 °F (16-24°C) yet can shrug off short dips below this range. They tend to get leggy in hotter weather. Outside, they are hardy in USDA Zones 10 and up, though anecdotal reports claim Strobilanthes are becoming perennial in Zones 8 and 9.

How much water do Persian shields need?

Try watering once or twice a week, but always testing the soil first to see if watering is necessary. During winter, when the plant isn't in an active growing phase you should reduce watering frequency and use tepid/room temperature water. As with all plants, drainage is essential.

Why are the tips of my Persian shield turning brown?

If the surrounding saturation is too low or the heat too high, its leaf-tips may start to brown over and curl, especially in direct sunlight. Gently hose the foliage down from time to time to hydrate the leaves and keep the dust levels down.

Is Persian shield toxic to pets?

Q: Is Persian shield plant toxic to cats? A: It does not show up on any toxic lists that I can find, but that doesn't mean it is something that a pet should be allowed to eat. Most plants at minimum cause mild stomach distress to cats.

Can Persian shield be rooted in water?

Instead of planting cuttings directly into soil, peat or sand, I place them in water until roots form. I skip rooting hormone and just place the cuttings near a sunny, warm window. Be sure to change the water regularly, every 2-3 days, and roots will begin to appear in about a week.

Why isn t my persian shield purple?

There is nothing wrong with the plant losing it's purple color and is normal on older leaves that will die off. There isn't much you can do to make it more purple. Its highly unusual to attempt to, but exposing it to brighter light may help.

What plants look good with Persian shield?

Persian Shield Plant Growing Preferences A good group of companion plants could include Ferns, Caladiums, Lambs Ears, Silver Plectranthus, and Impatients. Another great idea is to grow them among red or purple flowers or foliage that will enhance the colors of the Persian Shield.