Perilla frutescens purpurea RED SHISO (plant)

Red Shiso, also known as Purple Perilla or Perilla frutescens in Latin, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family.
It has been cultivated and used in Northeast Asia since ancient times. It reaches a height of 50 to 70 cm by late summer. Its growth is rapid.

The plant features dense foliage with oval, slightly serrated purple leaves, as well as a purple stem.
The leaves are thick, fuzzy to the touch, and release a very characteristic spicy aromatic scent.

The plant blooms in summer between July and September. The small purple flowers are grouped in panicles or spikes. The flowering is delicate and adds a decorative touch to the plant. After flowering, it produces small, dry, brown fruits.

These fruits contain the seeds and are dispersed by the wind.

Purple shiso seeds are small, round, and black. They used for both cultivation and culinary consumption.

- Uses:

A Culinary Signature with Complex Aromas

An iconic staple in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisines, Purple Shiso is famous for its unique aromatic profile, blending notes of basil, anise, and tangy cumin.
Every part of the plant, from shoots to flowers, is edible. It elevates sushi, sashimi, and tempura with its sophisticated flavor while naturally adding a vibrant touch to your culinary creations.

Chromatic Contrasts and Volume in the Garden

In the garden, the Shiso's dark, textured foliage creates a striking visual contrast, perfect for structuring summer flowerbeds or "Zen" inspired spaces.
Its vigorous growth quickly provides generous volume, whether planted in open ground to highlight the bright colors of neighboring flowers or in elegant pots to enhance an aromatic balcony.

- Planting and Cultivation:

• Prepare a 3-liter pot with horticultural potting soil rich in organic matter.
• Drain the bottom with clay pebbles to prevent root rot and ensure good aeration of the substrate.
• Plant the purple shiso exactly at the level of the collar.
• Lightly firm the soil by hand.
• Water copiously upon planting. Find it a sunny spot.
• It can also be grown directly in the ground in a very bright location.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

Perilla frutescens grows in light, well-aerated, and well-drained soil rich in humus. A universal potting soil mixed with a bit of compost is perfect for optimal growth.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It enjoys full sun exposure to promote development and coloration. A sunny location guarantees a vigorous plant with numerous, richly colored leaves.

- Temperatures / Hardiness:

Native to Asia, purple shiso tolerates hot temperatures up to 32°C. It is not hardy at all.

- Watering / Water Needs:

Its water requirement is quite high. It needs to be watered regularly—once a day in the height of summer—or the base should be mulched to limit soil evaporation. Avoid stagnant water to prevent root rot.

- Reproduction / Propagation:

Perilla is easily propagated by seeds or cuttings. Cuttings can be taken before the plant flowers, starting in late spring.

- Pests / Predators:

It can be attacked by aphids or whiteflies. Biological control or a light treatment with soapy water is generally sufficient to control these pests.

This article was written by Julien on 07/18/2026.