Annual / color · North Texas care guide
Strobilanthes dyerianus
Nursery Pro tip: Iridescent purple leaves that stop people on the sidewalk. Loves afternoon shade.
Iridescent purple-and-silver leaves with a metallic sheen — the most unusual foliage plant we carry, and it looks hand-painted. 2–3 ft, grown for leaves rather than the minor blue flowers, and it holds its color from May to frost.
Part shade to filtered light; morning sun deepens the purple, afternoon sun scorches it. Rich, moist, well-drained soil with compost. Space 18–24 in apart.
April or May, once warm. Amend with compost, Root Stimulator, 2 inches of mulch.
Two or three times a week — it wilts quickly and the leaf edges brown if it dries out repeatedly.
Slow-release at planting, light liquid feed monthly.
Pinch the tips through early summer for a bushy plant instead of a leggy one. Cut back by a third in August if it sprawls. Cuttings root easily to carry it over indoors.
Frost ends it; it's a tender tropical here. Color fades in deep shade and burns in full sun. Spider mites in a dry spell.
Striking behind lime coleus and chartreuse sweet potato vine, or with caladiums and begonias in a shaded pot.
Written for Rockwall's black clay, heat and winters by the Landscape Source team. Every yard is different — bring a photo by, or ask LS-Ai, and we'll tailor it to your spot.