When grown as an annual, Persian shield may not have enough time to set buds and flower, but you won't miss them with all that colorful foliage. Plants grown indoors will generally bloom in the winter, but you may prefer to pinch them off and develop a fuller plant, instead. The flowers tend to be small and are out shown by the leaves.
Persian Shield planted in partial shade will pick up the light and reflect it back off its leaves. It makes a striking border plant, particularly when paired with soft gray greens or chartreuse.
In USDA Zone 10 and higher, Persian Shield can get quite bushy and makes a wonderful focal point. It may even over-winter some years in cooler climates.
Even when grown as an annual, Strobilanthes make an eye-catching addition to borders and containers. Bring a plant or two indoors, and grow as houseplants through the winter. You can always move them back outdoors, in the spring.
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