About
A bushy, aromatic annual with broadly ovate, deep purple leaves with crisped and incised margins, and spikes of insignificant white flowers in summer.
About the genus
Perilla are bushy upright annuals with toothed, ovate, aromatic, often red or purple leaves, and insignificant 2-lipped white flowers borne in erect spikes in late summer
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Bedding
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationBest grown in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, used as foliage carpet bedding plant but also as a herb
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free