1 Persian Shield plant similar to the ones in photos.

Persian Shield most striking feature is its colorful leaves, which have an iridescence that gives them an almost metallic look. Persian Shield is a native of Myanmar, formerly called Burma, not Persia. Persian shield is a sub-shrub that is evergreen in hot climates. In cooler climates, it is grown as an annual and is even more popular as a houseplant, because it tends to bloom during winter.
Persian shield is a non-woody sub-shrub with long pointed, variegated leaves.

Leaves: The leaves are elliptical and grow to about 6 inches long. They are puckered and the tops are washed in purple-pink and silver. The undersides are all purple. Stems are square.
Flowers: Pale blue tubular flowers are born on short spikes.
Hardiness Zones:
USDA Hardiness Zones 9–11 and up. In Zone 9 and sometimes 7 and 8, Persian Shield may die back to the ground after frost, but remain alive and regrow the following season. In Zones 10 and 11, it should remain evergreen (or "everpurple").

Persian Shield is often grown as both an outdoor annual and an indoor houseplant.
Bloom Period:
If Persian shield plants bloom, it is usually in fall / winter. When grown as an annual, Persian shield may not have enough time to set buds and flower, but you won't miss them with all that colorful foliage.

Suggested Varieties:
It is unlikely you will find any named varieties or cultivars of Strobilanthes dyerianus.
Persian Shield planted in partial shade will pick up the light and reflect it back off its leaves. It makes a striking border plant, particularly when paired with soft gray greens or chartreuse.

In USDA Zone 10 and higher, Persian Shield can get quite bushy and makes a wonderful focal point. It may even over-winter some years in cooler climates.

Even when grown as an annual, Strobilanthes make an eye-catching addition to borders and containers. Bring a plant or two indoors, and grow as houseplants through the winter. You can always move them back outdoors, in the spring.

Maintenance:
Persian Shield prefers moist soil and some shade during the hottest parts of the summer. The less water it gets, the more shade it will need. Cold water may spot the leaves.

Since Persian Shield is grown for its foliage and the flowers are not particularly showy, many gardeners like to pinch back the leaves, to create a fuller plant.
Growing Persian Shield as a House Plant:
Indoors, Persian Shield needs bright light, to keep its color, and temperatures above 60º F (15.6ºC).
Make sure it has humid conditions. Dry air will cause the leaves to dry and drop. Misting daily is recommended.