Perilla frutescens var. purpurascens

Also Known As

Perilla frutescens 'Atropurpurea'
Perilla frutescens 'Purple Shiso'
Beefsteak Plant

Plant type

perennial, herb, annual / biennial

size

H: 1'-3'
W: 1'-3'

planting zones

10a-12

More Options

Perilla frutescens var. purpurascens plant details

Perilla frutescens var. purpurascens is a broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen annual / biennial or perennial herb with burgundy and purple foliage. In summer pink and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Perilla frutescens var. purpurascens

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial herb
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen burgundy and purple
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, culinary, edible, fragrant foliage, wavy leaves

GROWING CONDITIONS for Perilla frutescens var. purpurascens

USDA Zones: 10a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Upright annual herb..cinnamon scented leaves used to flavor fish, bean curd, pickles, tempura, and especially sushi.. Perilla is the main ingredient in oriental cuisine. Decorative red foliage reminiscent of coleus.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

A pungent purple annual herb that dresses up both your bento boxes & your vegetable beds handsomely. Leaves have a spicy anise-like flavor & are packed with vitamins & minerals. There's also a laundry list of medicinal properties ascribed to the plant: carminative, tonic, antiseptic, anti-cancer & an insecticide on top of everything else. WHEW! (See google for more details.) Shiso is used as an edible in a variety of ways in many Asian cuisines, fresh or cooked, usually in a way similar to Basil. The seeds are also used in Korea like sesame seeds. In milder climes, you'll find that Shiso reseeds easily & since this strain has such lustrous deep purple ruffled foliage, the seedlings should be easy to spot! Grows bushily up to 3' tall & as wide, with spikes of teensy flowers that are is attractive to butterflies & bees when in bloom! Best in rich, loamy soil, with regular water & in SUN.