Strobilanthes dyeriana

A very striking foliage plant which always causes comment with attractive purple leaves, distinctly veined and with a metallic sheen. Pinch the growing tips back if stems get too leggy to promote a neat bushy habit. The flowers are pretty insignificant so don't worry about losing these,  this is primarily a foliage plant.

This plant is native to Burma so needs a warm reasonably humid place indoors between autumn and spring. These need to be brought indoors in early September in UK conditions, and only consider putting them out from June onwards when the nights are warm.  The purple colouration is best in good light levels but we find very strong sun scorches the leaves so protect from the midday sun in summer or behind glass. Take care not to over water - wait for the compost to dry out between each watering.  Overwatering and overpotting can easily kill this plant, so care is needed to get this through the winter.