Perilla frutescens, picture by Douglas Ladd. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species.
Sunset®: All zones
USDA: Summer annual
Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Origin: Asia
Growth Habits: Annual, 2 to 3 feet tall (60-90 cm); ornamental bedding plant with cinnamon-mint scented, green or brightly colored purplish red leaves, up to 5 inches long (12 cm)
Watering Needs: Likes warm and humid climates, moderate water with good drainage
Propagation: Seeds, self sows if not dead-headed
Perilla frutescens, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 3: 154.
The seed oil is used for cooking, and as an ink dryer. The seeds are eaten by people, they have a sweet, pungent taste. They are alse used as bird seed. The foliage is cooked as a potherb. A few cut leaves are sometimes used to color the rice pink.
Blooming Habits:
Pink flowers in late summer.
Culture:
Space one foot apart. Pinch them to keep them bushy.
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