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JENNY'S GARDEN
Perilla frutescens
(Ao Shiso, Beefsteak Plant, Chinese Basil, Rattlesnake Weed)
Origin: Native to East Asia
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint)
Light: Full sun
Height: 1.5-2'
Spread: 1-2'
Blooms: Floriferous, 1/4" long, tubular, pink, white, lavender, 6-10" long spikes, borne on leaf axils, late Summer
Foliage: Aromatic, dark green/purple, hairy, ruffled, edible
Soil: Well-drained, rich, moist, mildly acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline, tolerates drought
Water: Moderate-low
Propagation: Seeds
Uses: Foliage, butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, culinary, container, tick repellant, potpourri, dried floral arrangement, perfumery, medicinal
Caution: Plant may cause skin allergy
Comments: Perilla frutescens or Ao Shiso or Beefsteak Plant or Chinese Basil or Rattlesnake Weed is a an annual herbal plant with an upright growth habit. It is in green form or purple form. Ao Shiso is a native of East Asia. In late Summer, Perilla frustescens produces 6-10" long stalks of floriferous, pink, white and lavender tubular blossoms, followed later by seedpods. The seedpod rattles when shaken hence the common name, Rattlesnake Weed. Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are magnetized by the nectar-rich flowers. Beefsteak Plant got its name from the large leaves that are streaked in red. It has dark green or purple, ruffled, hairy leaves borne on square stems and it branches at every leaf node. Chinese Basil is easily propagated from seeds. It thrives best in well-drained acidic or alkaline soil in a sunny environment. Rattlebox Weed can tolerate some drought and is low maintenance. It self sows freely so deadhead before it sets seeds. Grow Ao Shiso in a container to contain its spread. There are myriad uses for Beefsteak Plant. The dried flowerheads make nice floral arrangements and in potpourris. For may years, the Chinese have been using Ao Shiso as a herb in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including lung problems and cancer. A healthy herbal drink can be made by steeping dried leaves for about 10 minutes. To repel ticks, rub leaves onto skin and clothes. Grow Perilla frutescens with tomatoes to keep insects at bay. Young tender leaves are used like mints in salads or in stir-fry. The dried leaves can be stored for future use. The seeds can be made into cooking oil and are also used in perfumery.
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint)
Light: Full sun
Height: 1.5-2'
Spread: 1-2'
Blooms: Floriferous, 1/4" long, tubular, pink, white, lavender, 6-10" long spikes, borne on leaf axils, late Summer
Foliage: Aromatic, dark green/purple, hairy, ruffled, edible
Soil: Well-drained, rich, moist, mildly acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline, tolerates drought
Water: Moderate-low
Propagation: Seeds
Uses: Foliage, butterfly garden, hummingbird garden, culinary, container, tick repellant, potpourri, dried floral arrangement, perfumery, medicinal
Caution: Plant may cause skin allergy
Comments: Perilla frutescens or Ao Shiso or Beefsteak Plant or Chinese Basil or Rattlesnake Weed is a an annual herbal plant with an upright growth habit. It is in green form or purple form. Ao Shiso is a native of East Asia. In late Summer, Perilla frustescens produces 6-10" long stalks of floriferous, pink, white and lavender tubular blossoms, followed later by seedpods. The seedpod rattles when shaken hence the common name, Rattlesnake Weed. Hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are magnetized by the nectar-rich flowers. Beefsteak Plant got its name from the large leaves that are streaked in red. It has dark green or purple, ruffled, hairy leaves borne on square stems and it branches at every leaf node. Chinese Basil is easily propagated from seeds. It thrives best in well-drained acidic or alkaline soil in a sunny environment. Rattlebox Weed can tolerate some drought and is low maintenance. It self sows freely so deadhead before it sets seeds. Grow Ao Shiso in a container to contain its spread. There are myriad uses for Beefsteak Plant. The dried flowerheads make nice floral arrangements and in potpourris. For may years, the Chinese have been using Ao Shiso as a herb in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including lung problems and cancer. A healthy herbal drink can be made by steeping dried leaves for about 10 minutes. To repel ticks, rub leaves onto skin and clothes. Grow Perilla frutescens with tomatoes to keep insects at bay. Young tender leaves are used like mints in salads or in stir-fry. The dried leaves can be stored for future use. The seeds can be made into cooking oil and are also used in perfumery.
USDA Hardiness Zones : All
JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening descriptions of tropical perennial plant, Perilla frutescens (Ao Shiso, Beefsteak Plant, Chinese Basil, Rattlesnake Weed) growing in Jenny's Garden
