The Strobilanthes Persian Shield, 'Strobilanthes dyerianus', is an Athens Select variety. In summers with sweltering heat, this plant displays multi-colored foliage that is always exquisite. The leaves are a flushed purple with silver iridescence and dark purple underneath. Warmer temperatures enhance the leaf color. Persian Shield tends to get tall and fall over, so pinch back a few times in the first half of the growing season to induce branching and bushier foliage.For zones 9-11, this plant can also be a perennial.