Perilla frutescens Shiso (Labiatae)

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Perilla frutescens
Shiso
(1 Page of 5)

The Perilla frutescens plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan, India. It is a member of the Labiatae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Shiso. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. ocimoides. L.

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Latin Name:  Perilla frutescens
Common Name:  Shiso
Family:  Labiatae
Author:  (L.)Britt.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.3

Habitat:  Hills and mountains of central and southern Japan[58]. Sunny and fertile situations in China[147].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a light soil[1, 206]. Requires a rich well-drained moisture-retentive soil in full sun[200]. Plants require a well-drained soil but do not need particulary fertile soil[206]. Prefers an acid soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6[206]. The plant is not frost hardy and requires temperatures above 18°c if it is to grow well[206]. The plant requires short days in order to flower[206]. Shiso is often cultivated in the Orient as a food flavouring. There are some named varieties, those with purple leaves being preferred for seed production[183, 206, 238]. Shiso is also cultivated for the oil obtained from its seed[50, 171]. It is sometimes used in sub-tropical bedding schemes in Britain[1].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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