Plant Profile: Perilla frutescens

This plant is a perennial native to the Himalayas and Southeast Asia, commonly utilized as an ornamental species, a salad herb, and a flavoring agent in various South and East Asian dishes. Often, the more aromatic variety known as Shiso (var. crispa) is preferred. The genus name is derived from the Latin term "pera," which translates to bag or wallet, alluding to the shape of the fruiting calyx. The specific epithet refers to its bushy or shrubby growth habit.

It thrives in full sunlight and flourishes in rich, moist soil, demonstrating strong resistance to both heat and drought. To encourage a bushier appearance, pinch back the tips. This plant can be effectively grown in mass plantings within beds or borders, as well as in containers. It tends to self-seed abundantly, which may lead to it becoming weedy in some situations.