This month, the object of our affection is Strobilanthes gossypinus, a silver-grey evergreen native to India and Sri Lanka. Its species name gossypinus meaning cotton-like, refers to the prolific shiny hair on the surface of its leaves, causing it to shimmer in the sunlight.
Also known as Persian Shield, we love the contrast it provides against other plants, as pictured here against the deep green and glossy foliage of the Ligularia in one of our Brighton gardens.
Suited to part sun and shady positions, this plant does not require much other than a frost-free environment and free-draining soil. This species grows to approximately 1m high x 1.5m wide and produces mauve funnel-shaped flowers from spring to autumn.