shiso
Perilla frutescens
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones2 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry or moderate or wet soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Spreading
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender, red/burgundy
Garden uses
Notes
Shiso (Perilla frutescens) is an annual for food gardens, annual beds, and naturalized areas. It cannot take cold, and a freeze will end its season. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet soil. It grows fast to 12 to 36 inches tall and spreads by a spreading habit. The leaves come in green, purple, lavender, and red shades, and they smell fragrant. White flowers open in summer.
Pairs well with African marigold, Lemon Mint monarda, Russian Red garlic, and Zucchini.
Native range
Southeast Asia.