It is easy to see how Strobilanthes was dubbed the Persian shield. The leaves have the appearance of little armor shields ready for battle, with a flashy, purplish iridescence and silvery metallic sheen. Although this plant's name is "Persian," it is native to Myanmar (formerly Burma), not Persia. It is a sub-shrub that is evergreen in hot climates. In cooler climates, it is grown as an annual plant and is even more popular as a houseplant because it tends to bloom during winter. It can grow well in containers or outdoor flowerbeds.Botanical NameStrobilanthes dyerianusCommon Name Persian shield, royal purple plantPlant Type Evergreen perennialMature Size 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wideSunPartial shadeBloom TimeLate Autumn or winterFlower ColorPurplish-blue