I thought about the hosta forum but the question is specifically about an annual - I am very unsure about how much sun/light this plant actually needs to thrive. My hostas are not in question. I'll give it a try but still thinking it's a weird question on that forum. But if they are truly insane......

Ken.....Mary's question isn't about hostas at all, but Strobilanthes. Her question IS appropriate to this or the perennials forum and not the Hosta Forum.

Mary, I would worry that the Persian Shield would lose some of its most attractive colors if grown in complete shade. However, you did classify the location as bright shade, so it might be worth a try.

I've grown it as a container plant in an area that receives full morning sun, then bright shade from late morning on.

Strobilanthes is actually a subshrub, a perennial but typically grown as if it were an annual in non tropical climates.

so what would be the downside.. to asking the hosta mavens... if they have ever used the combo ...

i dont care where you post ... just offering a different potential source of info ...

good luck

ken

Thanks rhizo - I love all my oak trees but sure wish I had some morning sun at least. I think I'll give them a try - it's not dense shade but more like bright shade. I've always thought that plant was beautiful - it's worth a try!!

I've grown Persian Shield in bright shade and it has done marvelously. I would avoid full shade, but part shade, bright shade are just fine, and the coloring should still be pronounced.