Greetings Annual Gurus!

I'd really like to include Persian Shield in a few of my planters this year, but I was hoping for some clarification on exactly how much sun it will or won't take. I am in southern NH, Zn 5. I have both full (light) shade planters and partial sun planters. The partial sun planters get a few hours of mid-day sun then shade, though I do have one that may get more mid-late afternoon sun. That one probably gets the most/hottest sun of all. I have read that their coloration is bland in full shade, but that they burn in sun...so I'm trying to figure out exactly how much sun people think they tolerate/need for good color without crisping?

I appreciate your input from your experiences! Thanks so much!

Jennifer

Persian (or Purple) shield have no problem in full sun, as long as the soil is kept moist all the time.However the problem is the leaves of plants grown in full sun will turn silvery in color with deep green veins. Some like it, but most people rightly don't see the point in it as there are better looking annuals for sull sun. Note this is merely a color issue: Purple shields grown in full sun and adequately watered don't seem to suffer any other ill effect.
The typical purple of these plants can only be obtained in shade, preferably warm shade. I honestly have no idea what leaf coloration you'd get with a few hours of hot sun... they are usually grown either in full shade or where they get a few hours of sunshine in the morning.

Since you mentioned you live in Zone 5, remember these plants are true tropicals and as such they need nightly temperatures around 60F. Take that into account when/if planting.

Hey! Somehow I didn't realize I had received a reply on this until today. Thanks so much!

I have to ask- does your screen name convert to 'the devil chicken'? Lol!

I didn't realize they required constant moisture, and that could be a problem so maybe I'll skip those this year.