Many plants in our landscape are just not going to tolerate shade to any degree and look usefully ornamental – they often become leggy, lose foliage color or never flower. There are a few exceptions to this rule however and one example is Sanchezia. This includes a group of species and hybrids that are grown primarily for their colorful striped foliage. Bright, in-direct light is what they need and part-shaded/dappled-shaded spots in your landscape will be ideal for these underutilized plants.
There are a number of species of Sanchezia including Sanchezia nobilis, S. parvibracteata, and S. speciosa – all similar, but different. Sometimes called Golden Vein or Zebra Plant (not to be confused with Aphelandra squarrosa, also commonly called Zebra Plant) you may have encountered them originally as common houseplants. However, in the landscape, this plant can grow to around four-feet tall and is generally hardy in our area, especially when under the dappled shade of a tree. The large – up to one foot long – green leaves are striped with yellow or white zones of variegation that generally outline the main veins of the leaf. Keep in mind that this plant does best with bright, in-direct light (aka filtered light) to maintain good foliage color. Tubular flowers will develop for summer blooms on mature plants with true yellow flowers emerging from distinct red bracts.
Sanchezia prefers moist soil which will be easier to maintain in the dappled shade of the selected planting site. This shrub – when planted in mass – really lights up shady areas with dazzling visual appeal. In addition to mass planting, Sanchezia work well as a hedge or shrub border. In Hardiness zone 10, this evergreen perennial shrub will normally remain in good shape in coastal or protected areas over the winter except when abnormally cold temperatures cause damage or kill it back to the ground. If that happens, it will grow back and return to normal as soon as temperatures moderate starting in the spring. As a general statement, plants growing in shade – such as under the canopy of a tree – do better with freezing temperatures than those exposed in the open.
Don’t forget that Sanchezia also makes an ideal container plant. Whether used as a genuine houseplant, or for a shaded deck or patio, this ornamental foliage plant can fit into most limited space landscapes. As it grows, continue to step up the pot size to accommodate the increasing root mass. Propagation is as easy as taking tip cuttings using rooting hormone – as per label directions – to ensure good rooting and establishment.
Plants that do well in low-light conditions may be hard to find. Sanchezia is an answer to this search providing both sustainability in the landscape and color that brightens dappled shade and catches the eye. Add Sanchezia to your plant palette – you will not be disappointed! For more information on all types of colorful perennial shrubs, or to ask a question, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlotteCountyExtension. You can also call the Master Gardener Volunteer Helpdesk on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer. Ralph E. Mitchell is the Director/Horticulture Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County. He can be reached at 941-764-4344 or ralph.mitchell@charlottecountyfl.gov. Connect with us on social media. Like us on Facebook @CharlotteCountyExtension and follow us on Instagram @ifascharco.
Resources:
UF/IFAS Extension – Gardening Solutions (2026) Sanchezia. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Ingram, D. L. & Yeager, T. H. (2010) Cold Protection of Ornamental Plants. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
Brown, S. P. (2024) Landscaping in Florida Shade. The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS
Christman, S. (2020) Sanchezia speciosa. Floridata – https://floridata.com/plant/888.
Sanchezia (2025) Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanchezia.
Fine Gardening (2026) Sanchezia https://www.finegardening.com/genus/sanchezia
Sanchezia nobilis Plant Indoor Care, Propagation, Problems and Solutions (2026) – homeplantsguide.com. https://homeplantsguide.com/index.html# .
Zebra Plant: Sanchezia speciosa (2025) Southern Garden. https://southerngarden.net/plant-profiles/zebra-plant-sanchezia-speciosa/ .
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