Perilla (shiso) Perilla frutescens
Perilla (shiso) (Perilla frutescens) is an annual herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, India and China. It grows 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 0 °C (32 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Perilla (shiso) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Perilla (shiso) at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1 m (20 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 0 °C (32 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–17 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 70 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flower spikes, seeds, sprouts |
| Native to | Southeast Asia, India and China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇻🇳 Vietnam |
| Invasive in | US (southeast and mid-Atlantic states, locally weedy): check local rules before planting |
Is Perilla (shiso) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: whole plant (livestock)
Perilla ketone causes lung injury in grazing livestock; pet toxicity is poorly documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Perilla (shiso)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Perilla (shiso)
- How far apart should I plant Perilla (shiso)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Perilla (shiso) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Perilla (shiso) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Perilla (shiso)?
- It tolerates about 0 °C (32 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Perilla (shiso) flower?
- About 11–17 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Perilla (shiso) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Perilla ketone causes lung injury in grazing livestock; pet toxicity is poorly documented.
- What grows well with Perilla (shiso)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Perilla (shiso). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Green and red-leaved forms differ in colour; flowering is triggered by short days, so leaf harvest slows once spikes form. Self-seeds freely.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare