Persian Shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus): Not Hardy in Pennsylvania

Persian shield is a tropical foliage plant (Zone 9–10) that cannot survive Pennsylvania winters outdoors. It must be brought indoors or treated as an annual.

Indoor Overwintering Challenges

• Requires high humidity and warmth (jungle conditions).
• Difficult to maintain without a greenhouse.
• Can be forced into dormancy by keeping cool (50–55°F), dry, and dark—but this is tricky and risky.

Better Options

• Take stem cuttings in late summer, root them indoors, and grow as houseplants.
• Replace with hardy alternatives like heuchera or coleus (as annuals) for similar foliage color.

Unless you can provide a steamy, bright environment, enjoy Persian shield as a summer container plant and start fresh each year.