In spite of the Middle Eastern inference, Persian shield is actually from Burma, but this still gives a clue as to what will make it happy: heat and humidity, of which summertime Carolina gardens typically have plenty of both. Morning light will help intensify leaf colors, but too much of ol’ Sol in the scorch of the afternoon will cause this pretty to suffer, so filtered shade later in the day is recommended.

Being from the tropics, you would correctly guess that Persian shield could get nailed by the winters in our state, and from the Triad to the west this can be true. However, in my Raleigh-area garden, I’m never surprised after mild winters to find survivors ready to grow again in the new spring. Best advice: Treat it like an annual (or tender perennial) in the west and a root-hardy perennial in the east.

Persian shield (deer-resistant, by the way) can tolerate some drought, but it grows better in a planting site that has been enriched with moisture-retaining ingredients such as compost or commercial soil conditioner. These organic additives will also help fluff up the soil and prevent soggy, boggy conditions that can lead to root rot.

Persian shield can grow up to 3 feet tall but has soft limbs, so it could topple over and spread outwards. Some gardeners value this as an expressive, vibrant flow of multicolored flora eloquently draping a garden bed. For other backyard growers, it looks like a drunken plant.

To tame Persian shield’s tottering, pinch back its branch tips late in the spring to create a compact, fuller plant. Watering with a balanced fertilizer solution once a month through the summer will also make for a sturdier, prettier plant.

For all its fanciness, exotic Persian shield will not be hard to find this spring. From big box garden centers to local nurseries, this popular plant will be easy to spot and tough to resist!