Shiso 'Purpurea'

Perilla frutescens var. crispa 'Purpurea', often known as Red Shiso, is a striking and exotic annual herb that is becoming increasingly popular in UK gardens. It is a member of the mint family, featuring large, ovate, deeply frilled leaves of an intense, dark metallic purple. The flavour is unique—a complex blend of cinnamon, basil, and anise. Growing to about 60-80cm, it provides a dramatic dark accent in the herb garden or ornamental border. It is a tender annual that requires a warm, sunny position and plenty of moisture to thrive during the British summer. Seeds should be started under glass in spring and planted out only after the last frosts. In late summer, it produces inconspicuous spikes of small pink flowers. Red Shiso is famously used in Japanese cuisine for pickling plums (umeboshi) and as a vivid garnish for sushi. The leaves can also be used to make a stunning, bright magenta-coloured herbal tea or syrup.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil.

Hardiness: H1c — down to 5°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep.