Strobilanthes gossypinus

Common Name:
Silver Persian Shield

Description:
Strobilanthes gossypinus is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its dense, velvety foliage coated in silver-grey hairs, giving it a soft, shimmering appearance. Native to southern India and Sri Lanka, this plant is a relative of the more common Persian Shield but differs in its woolly texture and muted tones. The arching, rounded form creates a mounded habit that brings contrast and texture to mixed borders, Mediterranean-style plantings, or containers. In Melbourne’s climate, it performs best in a sunny, sheltered position with protection from heavy frost and cold winds. It appreciates well-drained soils and occasional watering once established. Small, tubular purple flowers may appear in late summer to autumn, but its main feature remains the luminous foliage that catches light beautifully in any setting. Regular pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages fresh growth.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:

• Height: 1–1.5 metres

• Width: 1–1.5 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Late Summer

• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• Purple

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Disease Resistant

• Perennial

• Evergreen

• Low Maintenance

• Foliage plant with year-round interest

Toxicity:

• Not known to be toxic to humans or animals

Companion Plants:

• Plectranthus argentatus

• Salvia leucantha

• Helichrysum petiolare

• Westringia fruticosa

• Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’

For more information and photos of this species, Warners Nursery has detailed information available to the public here