Also known as Persian Shield · 11 saves
Strobilanthes
Strobilanthes, the genus most gardeners know as persian shield. We track 4 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Strobilanthes varieties
Browse all 4 Strobilanthes varieties →
4 species of Strobilanthes
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Strobilanthes in Sow
Save the Strobilanthes you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Strobilanthes
Whats common across all Strobilanthes varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 4 most-grown of them.
The Strobilanthes year
- Pinch TipsMay–August100% of varieties
Pinch back stem tips to maintain a bushy habit and prevent the plant from becoming leggy.
- FertilizeApril–August100% of varieties
Apply a weak liquid houseplant or general-purpose fertilizer monthly during active growth; withhold in winter.
- Winter PrepOctober and November100% of varieties
Bring outdoor container plants indoors before temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F).
- PropagateMay–July75% of varieties
Take stem tip cuttings or divide rooted surface runners to easily propagate new plants.
Do
- Keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained.
- Provide high humidity levels to maintain healthy foliage.
- Apply a weak liquid fertilizer monthly during the active spring and summer growing seasons.
- Protect the plant from temperatures below 10°C (50°F) and frost.
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, which causes rapid wilting.
- Do not place the plant in direct, blistering afternoon sun as it bleaches the foliage.
- Do not over-fertilize, which burns the sensitive roots and ruins leaf coloration.
- Do not cut hard back into old, leafless wood when pruning.
What goes wrong with Strobilanthes
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves, distorted growth | Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Whiteflies | Leaf discoloration, overall plant weakness, and sticky honeydew residue on foliage. | Treat the foliage with insecticidal soap or horticultural oils, and isolate the plant to prevent spreading. |
| Scale insects | Small, bumpy pests feeding on sap along stems and leaf undersides, leaving a sticky residue. | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, and prune away heavily infested stems. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaf undersides and stippled, washed-out foliage, especially on indoor overwintered plants. | Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and increase local humidity levels. |
| Root rot | Wilting despite wet soil, yellowing leaves, and mushy, decayed roots. | Improve soil drainage, reduce watering frequency, and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes. |
| Downy mildew | Fungal spots on leaves and fuzzy growth on leaf undersides. | Improve air circulation around the foliage, avoid overhead watering, and apply a bio-fungicide if necessary. |
| Powdery mildew | A powdery white or gray coating on the upper surfaces of the leaves in damp, stagnant conditions. | Improve air circulation around the foliage and avoid overhead watering. |
Making more Strobilanthes
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip cuttings in rooting hormone.
- Place in moist soil or water, keep warm for 4-6 weeks.
Stem Cuttings
- Cut a 3- to 4-inch stem tip just below a node during the active growing season.
- Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes, leaving a few leaves at the top.
- Place the cutting in water or insert it directly into a moist, sterile potting mix.
- Maintain high humidity and bright indirect light until roots establish and new growth appears.
Strobilanthes questions
How many types of Strobilanthes are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 4 distinct Strobilanthes varieties. The most popular — ranked by 11 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Strobilanthes grow in?
Across its varieties, Strobilanthes covers USDA Zones 8–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Strobilanthes bloom?
Most Strobilanthes varieties bloom in late summer, spring, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Strobilanthes should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.