This tender sub-shrub, typically grown as an annual or houseplant, can tolerate heat and drought very well. In fact, it does best in heat and humidity, staying true to its Burmese roots. Growing upright, it can be considered a "thriller" in a container display, especially because its coloration is so unusual. Colors stay true when the plant is grown in sun or partial sun. There is little need to fertilize.

Have you experienced how breathtaking exotic foliage can be in container gardening? This plant will permit you to have that experience. Although it does send up some spikes of pale blue flowers for a couple of months in the right climate, it is admired for its darkest purple (almost black) foliage which is accented in lavender and green. As the plant grows taller, its lower leaves, graceful and lance-shaped, show as completely purple... a brighter purple than the leaves nearing the top. Upper leaves show full decoration: near-black, purple, lavender, and green. Many enjoy 'Persian Shield' as a houseplant, taking it in when the weather turns too cold for its survival outdoors.