perilla ‘magilla’

Striking, upright, coleus-like plant with excellent vigor. Relative of the basil family; leaves are very aromatic when crushed giving it medium deer resistance. Its attractive, durable foliage changes color through the growing season from deep green to purple with fuchsia and white markings. Perilla makes an excellent “thriller/filler” in sunny spots in the garden. It can be wintered over as a houseplant.

Grow in sunny or shady areas, well-drained, amended soil. Feed with a slow release fertilizer, Osmocote® or Plant-tone®. Follow label instructions. Deadhead to keep a compact, neat habit. Mulch 2″ to suppress weeds, retain moisture and protect against extremes of soil temperature. This plant can be cut back and wintered over indoors as a houseplant.