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Annual BiennialBedding

Perilla frutescens var. crispa
  • RHS AGM

curly perilla

P. frutescens var. crispa is 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 the UK
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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