Care of the plant Perilla frutescens or Beefsteak plant |
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The genus Perilla, family Lamiaceae, comprises 20 species of herbaceous plants native to the Far East. Some species are: Perilla frutescens, Perilla nankinensis, Perilla shimadae, Perilla citriodora. Common names: Beefsteak plant, Shisho, Korean perilla, Perilla mint. This species is native to China, Korea and Japan. They are perennial plants with an erect bearing that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The interesting serrated-edged oval leaves are purple, very dark green, or almost black. They produce small white or pink flowers that are not decorative. Beefsteak plant is used as contrast plants in groups with other plants with light leaves and colorful flowering. It's also used in rockeries, on borders and in balcony pots. In Japan and China it's used as a food (condiment, tea or oil) and as a medicinal plant for its strengthening properties of the immune system. Perilla frutescens needs full sun exposure and average annual temperatures of 15-25 ºC/59-77 ºF (temperate climate). In the cold it behaves like annual plant. The soil can be a mixture of garden substrate with 1/4 peat and 1/4 coarse sand. Planting is done in early spring. Water regularly so that the substrate is always slightly damp but never watery. If the summer is very hot (for example in Mediterranean climates) increase watering. Fertilize with manure during the second half of winter and with mineral fertilizer every 15 days during spring. Korean perilla does not need pruning; The tips of the branches can be pruned to grow wide. Perilla frutescens is a quite resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Shisho is propagated by seeds sown in spring in seedbeds at 18 ºC (64.4 ºF). The transplanting of the seedlings is done in mid-summer. It also propagates by division in tropical and subtropical climates. |
Images of the plant Perilla frutescens or Beefsteak plant |
 Perilla frutescens  Perilla frutescens  Perilla frutescens |