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Annual BiennialBedding

Perilla frutescens var. crispa

curly perilla

A bushy, aromatic annual with broadly ovate, deep purple leaves with crisped and incised margins, and spikes of insignificant white flowers in summer

Synonyms
Perilla frutescens var. nankinensis

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple
Summer White Purple
Autumn Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Lamiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Name status

Correct

Plant range
China

How to grow

Cultivation

Best grown in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade, used as foliage carpet bedding plant but also as a herb

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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