My favorite web site listing non-poisonous and poisonous plants is http://www.sniksnak.com/plants.html

http://www.vth.colostate.edu/poisonous_plants/report/search.cfm
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.html

Q: I bought my first Persian Shield (Strobilanthes Dyerianus) at Longwood Gardens about 10 years ago - because I fell in love with the awesome foliage - and brought it home to the Boston area. I have taken countless cuttings and now have a flock of Persian Shields. I keep them in containers and put them outside in the summer under an east-facing porch or north side of our house. They thrive! I cannot bring myself to allow a single one to expire come winter - so I bring all of my orphan plants into the basement where I keep them under lights. In previous winters I have simply let the leaves just fall off during the winter and then prune moderately in the spring. Results have been mostly good. However, given their size I have a hard time fitting anything else in my small basement lighted area. My question is: Would a modest pruning in the fall be detrimental to their health? I would appreciate any guidance.

A: I do not see where modest pruning will hurt your plants at all. Since you have maturity of the plant on your side, there is a very good root system, and experience on your side as a gardener in taking care of them in the Northcountry.

I live in zone 8b-9 and they may or may not winter over for me. I grow then in the ground and in pots - and try to keep some through our winter too.

I consider your methods very good.

Q: I planted six Persian Shield plants last fall. They did well during the winter months. Some of the branches started swiveling up, became dark brown and wilted as if it was not getting enough water (even though I watered most days). Subsequently, we had much rain and Florida Sun (two plants have died). I sprayed with an insecticide that a person in the nursery recommended (Sunspray "Ultra-Fine" year-round Pesticidal Oil). They continue to get worse.

A: I think I would trim down to some healthy nodes and go from there. Or try and take some cuttings to root in water.

This plant does require a fair amount of water, but also needs extremely good drainage.

I also find they like good morning sun and some partial shade. The sun tends to bleach out their color and the winter in your area is perfect for them.

Pinching here and there will keep them bushier.

The pesticide oil should only be used if you have a pest problem. I think they were "cooked" with the oil from the heat and sun. But I would have to really see them in person to know.

Q: I live in West Texas. Will Persian shield grow here and if so, in sun or shade?

A: Persian Shield will grow in good morning sun and partial shade the rest of the time. I am afraid if you grow it in full sun you will be watering it more than usual and the coloring will get depleted. I have seen it grown in full sun and it survives. I mulch well for the summer season and even in zone 8b it does not always winter over. In a good mild winter, it will.

Q: I was wondering how to get make more plants from my Persian Shield.

A: Persian Shields are easy perennials to propagate. Take a cutting (in the morning) just above the node in the plant stem. Strip about two sections of leaves off. Dip in a rooting hormone (if you happen to have), and stick in a mixture of perlite or vermiculite or a potting soil and keep moist. Not wet, but just check it every couple of days. In about two weeks, tug on the cutting to see if there is a resistance, this means there are roots that are growing and spreading out. In about a month you will have a plant on its own. Plant like you do your regular Persian shield. Either in the landscaping -flower bed or in a container.

These plants will not winter over in zones lower than 8 unless there is a good micro climate. You may bring inside and grow as a houseplant until the next summer season.

Q: I have planted 19 strobilanthes. They are great and still growing for about a month and 1/2. They're about a foot high now and the stems are thickening. Should I cut some stems to make the fuller ? I water the each night only. I live in south Florida, and the plants in ground see sun only in the spring morn. They may see some full sun in the summer with the direct rays. They will be taller and stronger then, will that be OK ?

A: Yes pruning along the way as your plant grows will make the plant busier. I would water early in the morning if I could. Night watering sometimes creates unwanted diseases, because it increases the humidity that so many diseases love. Trim and cut only when you feel it is getting lengthy and straggly. Otherwise it should do fine.

It is one of my most favorite plants !!!!!

This sounds like fun!!