Perilla (Beefsteak Plant)
(Perilla frutescens)
Perilla (right) growing alongside Rudbeckia
Hardy to Zone 10
Colors - Purple, Burgundy (leaves), White Flowers (not showy)
Foliage - Ovate, aromatic, green tinged with purple or burgundy
Size - 1 - 3 feet tall - 1 ft. wide
Exposure - Full sun to part shade
Culture - Easy to grow from seeds or starter plants in average soils. Pinch plants to keep them bushy and deadhead spent flowers to reduce re-seeding. The leaves can be used in soups, salads and garnishes. The leaves are also popular in Oriental cooking.
If you ever plant Perilla, you will probably have it forever. It freely self-sows, any and everywhere. It would almost be a nuisance if the foliage was not beautiful. The deep burgundy leaves contrasts well with a number of plants and it is a good companion plant. However, most of the time, it will pop up in places where you don't want it. It can be easily transplanted to other areas. Plants can be easily propagated by cuttings.
It is a native to the Himalayas and Southeast Asia and related to basil and coleus.
Return to Perennials and Annuals
Colors - Purple, Burgundy (leaves), White Flowers (not showy)
Foliage - Ovate, aromatic, green tinged with purple or burgundy
Size - 1 - 3 feet tall - 1 ft. wide
Exposure - Full sun to part shade
Culture - Easy to grow from seeds or starter plants in average soils. Pinch plants to keep them bushy and deadhead spent flowers to reduce re-seeding. The leaves can be used in soups, salads and garnishes. The leaves are also popular in Oriental cooking.
If you ever plant Perilla, you will probably have it forever. It freely self-sows, any and everywhere. It would almost be a nuisance if the foliage was not beautiful. The deep burgundy leaves contrasts well with a number of plants and it is a good companion plant. However, most of the time, it will pop up in places where you don't want it. It can be easily transplanted to other areas. Plants can be easily propagated by cuttings.
It is a native to the Himalayas and Southeast Asia and related to basil and coleus.
Return to Perennials and Annuals