Persian Shield

Strobilanthes Dyerianus, or Persian Shield, is a soft stemmed shrub with unequal pairs of elliptic, toothed, dark green leaves, to 6 inches long, flushed purple with an iridescent silver overlay above, deep purple beneath.  Short spikes of funnel-shaped, pale blue flowers are produced in autumn.  It is rated as hardy above 54 degrees Fahrenheit, but some have had luck with covering and heavy mulch during cold snaps here in Zone 8.  It should be grown in light, fertile, free draining soil in full sun or partial shade.  Pinch frequently to induce bushiness.  In spring or early summer you may root basal or softwood cuttings.  Grow cuttings in containers and bring indoors in winter, to plant back out next spring in case parent plant does not survive the winter.