Perilla Magilla
Best ornamental herb for gardeners seeking vibrant color and culinary versatility.
Perilla Magilla, also known as Shiso or Beefsteak Plant, is a striking annual herb prized for its vibrant foliage and aromatic leaves. Its stems are deep violet, contrasting beautifully with leaves ranging from pink to dark wine red, sometimes reaching up to 6 inches across. This plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing up to 4 feet tall. It produces 10-inch spikes of lavender-pink blooms from midsummer through mid-fall, which are highly attractive to butterflies. The aromatic leaves offer a spicy-sweet scent reminiscent of cinnamon or cloves and are used in Asian cuisine for their anise or licorice flavor. It is also noted for its potential use in repelling ticks.
$29.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
1072
/ 2693
#1072 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-31%
Below average
Genus
Perilla
/ Perilla
Who it's for
- Busy homeowners wanting rapid, low-maintenance landscape coverage
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, dramatic foliage for floral arrangements
- Shade-garden owners needing vibrant color in low-light spots
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting to avoid intensive seasonal weeding
- Container gardeners planting delicate, slow-growing companion species
- Cold-climate gardeners needing long-lasting, frost-tolerant perennials
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep violet stems and wine-red foliage create a dramatic garden focal point.
Culinary Versatility
Edible leaves provide a unique anise-like flavor profile for creative home cooking.
Pollinator Attraction
Lavender-pink spikes act as a reliable magnet for local butterfly populations.
Hardiness Range
Exceptional adaptability across zones two through eleven ensures widespread growing success.
Pest Deterrence
Natural tick-repelling properties offer a functional bonus for outdoor garden enthusiasts.
Growth Vigor
Re-seeds freely in warmer climates for a low-maintenance, recurring garden presence.
Key Specs
Genus
Perilla
Species
frutescens
Hardiness Zones
2 - 11
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Moisture Requirement
Moist, well-drained
Bloom Time
Mid Summer to Mid Fall
Mature Height
4 Feet
Features
- Striking foliage with colors ranging from pink to dark wine red.
- Aromatic leaves with a spicy-sweet scent like cinnamon or cloves.
- Blooms from midsummer through mid-fall, attracting numerous butterflies.
- Leaves are edible and used in Asian cuisine, offering anise/licorice flavor.
- Can re-seed freely in mild and warm climates.
- Said to repel ticks when leaves are rubbed on clothing.
What customers say
Customers consistently celebrate the Perilla Magilla for its exceptional garden performance and striking visual appeal. Reviewers frequently note the plant's vigorous growth, quickly filling spaces with its deep purple, ruffled foliage. This robust quality makes it an easy win for gardeners seeking dramatic color and texture without fuss. The plant's rapid establishment and reliable hardiness deliver significant aesthetic value throughout the season, cementing its reputation as a high quality, low maintenance ornamental.
Know before you buy
Yes, the leaves are edible and commonly used in Asian cuisine. They offer a distinct anise or licorice flavor and a spicy-sweet aroma similar to cinnamon or cloves.
Perilla Magilla thrives in full sun, which is essential for developing its deep violet stems and rich wine-red foliage. If planted in too much shade, the leaf color may become less intense.
While Perilla Magilla is technically an annual, it can re-seed itself freely in mild and warm climates. In colder regions, it will not survive the winter, but you may find new seedlings appearing the following spring if the seeds drop.
There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that the aromatic oils in the leaves can help repel ticks. Many gardeners rub the leaves on their clothing while working outdoors as a natural deterrent.
This plant grows up to 4 feet tall, so it is best suited for the back of a border or as a dramatic focal point in a container. Ensure you provide enough space for it to reach its full height and spread without crowding neighboring plants.
Yes, the plant produces 10-inch spikes of lavender-pink blooms from midsummer through mid-fall. These flowers are highly attractive to butterflies, making it a great choice for a pollinator-friendly garden.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$30