Beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens)

Overview

The Beefsteak plant, scientifically known as Perilla frutescens, offers a unique combination of ornamental appeal and culinary value. Related closely to basil and coleus, this bushy annual is prized for its highly aromatic foliage, often utilized in various Asian cuisines. Gardeners appreciate Perilla frutescens for its resilience, readily handling heat and periods of dryness once established.

This versatile herb easily grows into an upright, bushy form ranging from one to three feet tall. Its broad, crinkled leaves provide excellent texture in borders, and its aromatic quality sets it apart from standard foliage annuals. Though it produces small white flowers in late summer, the primary appeal of Perilla frutescens lies in its foliage.

Known for being low maintenance, the Beefsteak plant performs best in rich, well-drained soil under full sun conditions, though it tolerates partial shade as well. As a rapid-growing summer annual, it provides quick structure and aromatic texture to vegetable patches, herb gardens, and container displays.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lamiaceae
• Plant Type: Annual
• Native Range: Southeast Asia
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 2-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-3 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: August to October
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Dry to medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Start seeds indoors 8 to 12 weeks before your region’s average last frost date for an early start. Alternatively, Perilla frutescens can be sown directly into the garden bed once all danger of frost has passed. For best performance, amend the area with rich, humusy, organically-rich soil, optimizing drainage.

Once established, the Beefsteak plant exhibits excellent resistance to both heat and drought, requiring only dry to medium watering levels. Avoid consistently soggy conditions, which can hinder growth. Minimal feeding is generally needed if planting into rich soil.

To encourage a denser, bushier habit, pinch back the stem tips periodically throughout the growing season. Be aware that Perilla frutescens can self-seed prolifically in the garden, so deadheading spent flower spikes is recommended if you wish to control its spread for the following year. In colder zones (below 10), annual removal is necessary, though containers may be brought indoors before frost.

Landscape Uses

The Beefsteak plant is highly adaptable, making it perfect for edging paths or mixing into mixed perennial borders where its foliage can contrast with other textures. Its use as a vegetable or bedding annual is very common, especially in herb gardens where its strong scent can be appreciated up close.

When planting, remember the Perilla frutescens may naturalize or self-seed aggressively in favorable conditions; this should be considered before placing it near sensitive natural habitats. It is also exceptionally effective when grown as a standalone specimen in pots, window boxes, or decorative containers. This allows gardeners in cooler climates to easily move favorite specimens indoors before the first hard freeze.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Perilla frutescens, commonly called beefsteak plant, shiso, or perilla mint, is an upright, bushy annual that is native from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia. It is related to coleus and basil, and has become a very popular foliage annual and salad herb plant, growing up to 3 feet tall with broad, medium-green, aromatic leaves sometimes tinged purple. The deep red leaves of some perilla varieties purportedly resemble the color of uncooked beef, hence the common name.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Drought
• Dry Soil

Potential Problems

Perilla frutescens rarely suffers from serious insect or disease issues, making it a reliable garden addition. The primary concern for gardeners growing the Beefsteak plant is its tendency to self-seed prolifically once flowering has occurred. If you do not want the plant returning in unexpected places next season, deadhead the two-lipped white flowers before they set seed. Otherwise, this hardy herb generally takes care of itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Beefsteak plant suitable for?

The Beefsteak plant is listed as winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 and 11, but it is grown successfully as an annual throughout much wider ranges, including Zones 2 through 9.

How large does Perilla frutescens grow?

This plant typically achieves a height between 1 and 3 feet tall, with a spread generally ranging from 1 to 1.5 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Beefsteak plant need?

For the best performance, Perilla frutescens should be sited in full sun, although it demonstrates good tolerance for light shade while maintaining good heat resistance.

When does Perilla frutescens bloom?

The small, nettle-like white flowers typically appear late in the season, blooming from August through October.

Conclusion

The low-maintenance Beefsteak plant (Perilla frutescens) offers exceptional value through its uniquely aromatic foliage and drought tolerance, thriving even in the heat of summer. Whether used as an edible herb or a textural accent in borders, this plant performs reliably. Check your local frost dates to ensure you start or plant your Perilla frutescens at the optimal time for a full season of growth.

Propagation Tips

The most common method for spreading Perilla frutescens is through its prolific self-seeding capabilities, or by taking stem cuttings. For cuttings, snip healthy, non-flowering stem tips about four inches long. Remove the lower leaves and place the cuttings in moist, loose soil or water until roots develop.

This ease of propagation means gardeners can successfully overwinter favorite stock. If you live where winters are cold, the plant may be dug up and potted in the fall to serve as a houseplant until spring returns, or you can simply harvest seeds.

Companion Planting

Due to its cultural similarities and growth habits, Perilla frutescens companions well with other heat-tolerant herbs and vegetable crops. Consider planting it alongside basil, mints (in containers, to control spread), or tomatoes, as they share similar needs for rich soil and sun. Its height (1-3 ft) makes it an excellent middle-layer plant in a tiered herb garden design.