Persian Shield Plant Care

Persian Shield (Strobilanthes wallichii) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Strobilanthes genus. Persian Shield is native to the Himalayas.

Persian Shield displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Persian Shield produces tubular flowers in shades of blue, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Persian Shield every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Persian Shield thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Persian Shield in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Strobilanthes wallichii tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Persian Shield prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Persian Shield to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Persian Shield every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Persian Shield is suited to USDA Zone 6a – 9b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Persian Shield can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Persian Shield while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Persian Shield is hardy down to USDA zone 6a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Persian Shield can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple waffle plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Persian Shield is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Persian Shield grows outdoors in USDA Zone 6a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Persian Shield is native to the Himalayas.