Strobilanthes gossypinus

The Persian shield is native to India and Sri Lanka so doesn’t tolerate hard frost. This plant gives the appearance of one which would flourish in hot dry conditions but in my experience prefers a sheltered position with part to full sun.

The finest example I have seen is in the Whangarei quarry gardens in the north of NZ. where it is growing in almost pure rock in an area of high rainfall. So good drainage and a level of moisture suits it best.

I keep mine at about 1x1m with a light annual prune in spring.

These are cuttings taken in spring so not large plants