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.
Do Persian shields spread?
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.
Should I mist Persian Shield?
Persian Shield Propagation sections from the tips of the plant, cutting just below a growth node. Strip the bottom leaves off and insert the cutting into a non-soil medium such as peat. Mist the medium and place a bag over the cutting. Remove the bag for one hour daily to keep the cutting from molding.
Is Strobilanthes toxic?
Is Strobilanthes Shield Considered Toxic or Poisonous? Generally speaking, members of the Acanthaceae family are non-toxic. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the sap of Persian Shield may be irritating to skin.
Can you overwater Persian shield?
Top Tips & Info. Persian Shields like to be kept in a bright location, with the possibility of either morning or evening sun. Avoid deep shade at all costs due to the risk of over-watering and a loss of variegation.
Will Persian shield survive winter?
Persian shield’s showy purple metallic leaves can’t hold up to frost.
Is Persian shield plant poisonous?
Is The Persian Shield Plant Toxic or Have Poison? For the most part, Persian Shield is a safe choice for properties and households with kids, pets and livestock. There is no indication that this plant is toxic; however, some anecdotal accounts say that the sap can be irritating to your skin.
Can I cut back 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.
How big does Persian shield get?
Persian shield languishes when the weather is cool, but grows quickly under hot and humid conditions to form a large, bushy, mounded plant. This soft-stemmed herbaceous shrub can grow up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, but typically remains much smaller when grown in containers or in cooler climates.
Do Persian shields need distilled water?
Persian Shield plants require high humidity. Leaves dry up and fall off in low humidity. You can mist the leaves to increase the humidity, but use rain water or distilled water.
Why is my Persian shield losing color?
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.
Why is my Persian shield crispy?
Brown crispy leaves are caused by dry air. This tropical native wants moist air to look its best. Don’t worry, there are easy ways to raise the humidity around it. I often use pebble trays with water or a cool-mist room humidifier.
What is Persian shield?
Persian shield, Strobilanthes dyerianus, is a stunning ornamental species that originates in warm, humid Myanmar, where it grows as a tender evergreen perennial. It is a member of the Acanthaceae family, which consists mostly of flowering tropical flora. With its unique iridescent purple leaves, S.
How often should I water my Persian shield?
Persian shield plants require constant moisture. Water them thoroughly and evenly twice a week. The top six inches of soil should be constantly moist. If you notice the soil getting dry between waterings, increase how much you water it.
Is Persian shield deer resistant?
Persian shield (Strobilanthes) has a leaf texture deer avoid, along with Shirley poppies (Papaver rhoeas) and ageratum (Ageratum houstonianum), in all sizes. Tall verbena (Verbena bonariensis), with its willowy form and pretty purple blooms, adds an airy element to any planting.
How do you revive death in Persian shield?
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 it bad shape.
Does Persian shield like sun or shade?
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).
What plants look good with Persian shield?
Persian shield grows about 4 feet tall or more and is striking when used as a background plant in a shady bed of lilac, white or pink impatiens, white or pink caladiums, torenias, ferns, purple heart, peacock gingers, hostas and other shade loving plants.
Most people would think of Persian Shield as an annual plant much like coleus. However, it is considered a perennial in zones 8-11, and ours have come back for the last four years. You can make great combinations with the Persian Shield.
What bedding plants do deer not eat?
- Shade: Hellebores.
- Full sun: Herbaceous peonies.
- Vegetable: Rhubarb.
- Shrub: Skimmia.
- Climber: Jasmine.
What annuals will deer leave alone?
- Cosmos.
- Spider flower.
- Larkspur.
- ‘Love and Wishes’ sage.
- Mexican sunflower.
- Flowering tobacco.
- Heliotrope.
- Mexican marigold.
Do deer eat hydrangeas?
Deer love to graze on the leaves, flowers, and tender tips of hydrangeas. That said, there are strategies that hydrangea-loving gardeners like me can use to reduce deer damage. First, plant the most resistant types of hydrangeas. Next, use a barrier to keep deer away from your plants.
Why is my Persian shield drooping?
Keep your plants in partial shade. A Persian shield’s iridescent purple leaves will fade and/or wilt if they are exposed to constant, direct sunlight. Keep your Persian shields in partial shade (or indirect light indoors) to keep your leaves vibrant and full.
Do deer like coffee grounds?
Deer have a strong sense of smell, which means that the bitter smell of coffee grounds can be used to keep deer away from your property. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove that coffee grounds deter deer, but ground coffee does exude a bitter odor that deer tend to avoid.
Will deer eat lavender plants?
Lavender Plant your Lavender in with your vegetable and herb garden, or plant them along walkways or driveways or for edging patios or gazebos. Not only are they deer-resistant, but they are also mosquito and fly repellant. Try to plant your perennial in full sun and well-draining soil conditions.