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Image of butterfdly attractant,
Perilla frutesscens var. Crispa or Beefsteak Plant or Chinese Basil |
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Perilla frutescens
var. Crispa
(Beefsteak Plant, Chinese Basil, Shiso, Purple Mint, Rattlesnake
weed, Summer Coleus, Wild Red Basil) |
Origin: Native to Asia
Family: Lamiaceae
Light: Full sun-part shade
Height: 30"
Spread: 18"
Blooms: Small, white flowers, terminal racemes, on 3-6" long
spikes, late Summer
Foliage:
Aromatic, hairy, purple-bronze with wrinkled margins, lacinate-dentate on
square stems
Soil: Well-drained, 2:1:1 mixture of peat moss, loam, sand/
perlite, moist
Fertilizer: Every month with well-balanced fertilizer, during growing period
Propagation: Seeds (takes 1-2 weeks to germinate), cuttings
Uses: Container, landscaping, cut flowers
Comments: Perilla frutesscens var.Crispa or Beefsteak Plant or
Chinese Basil is a fast growing herb with interesting curly,
purple-bronze leaves. Wild Red Basil has many
uses, both in traditional medicine and as a culinary herb. The flavorful leaves of
Beefsteak Plant are used as a spice in seasoning and
the tender leaves are used as a vegetable in Asian cooking. The crushed leaves
of Beefsteak Plant smell
like basil and when rubbed onto the skin or clothing, it repels ticks -
a great plant to have especially for hikers. Chinese Basil seeds are rich in edible oil.
Shiso self-sows freely so deadhead to prevent volunteer plants next
season. the seedpod rattles when you shake it, hence the name
Rattlesnake weed.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 5-9 |
