Purple Shiso
Perilla frutescens nankinensisfam. Lamiaceae
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Pl. 01DB — Perilla frutescens nankinensis
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IOverview
Overview
Purple Shiso (Perilla frutescens nankinensis) is a herb belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae and is native to Japan and other regions of East Asia. This plant features purple or red leaves and stems with white or pale purple flowers, growing up to 30-80 cm in height. Native to Japan, it thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil conditions. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, Purple Shiso is both an ornamental and culinary herb, valued for its distinctive flavor in various dishes. Its perennial nature makes it a reliable addition to gardens, while its ability to grow as an annual ensures consistent availability of the plant's parts for use.
Quick answers
What is Purple Shiso?
Purple Shiso (Perilla frutescens nankinensis) is a herb belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae and is native to Japan and other regions of East Asia. This plant features purple or red leaves and stems with white or pale purple flowers, growing up to 30-80 cm in height.
What is Purple Shiso used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Purple Shiso
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditionally used for occasional indigestion, Perilla frutescens nankinensis is recommended as an adjunct in digestive support when prepared as a tea infusion (ESCOP Monograph).
Mechanism not fully characterised in modern literature; traditional attribution predates chemistry. Contains iridoid glycosides typical for the Lamiaceae family, which may help by supporting gut motility and reducing inflammation.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Purple Shiso support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Purple Shiso thrives in full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light or medium in texture. It can grow up to 0.6 meters tall and is both an annual and perennial plant. Propagate via seeds for easy growth. This herb is hardy in temperate regions and is commonly used for its edible leaves and seeds.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Purple Shiso for the first time
8steps
Start with Purple Shiso by planting it in a sunny spot and following these simple steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Purple Shiso seeds, small pots for starting, and a garden bed or large container.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Purple Shiso in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 for containers or garden beds.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost, then transplant seedlings outdoors after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide light shade if temperatures are very warm.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Purple Shiso regularly to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Oil, Colouring, Condiment
Other uses:Essential OiloilFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 16 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 16 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native· 16 introduced
Asia2 regions
native (1)Japan
introduced (1)South Korea
Broader regions
introduced:Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Masachusettes, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina
VIIIGarden companions
1 pair
Garden companions
1 pairPlant near these
These plants help — by repelling pests, fixing nitrogen, attracting pollinators, or sharing space well.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Lamiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Lamiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 01db0a5b-ee94-4e21-859c-11d36b7a1bd5
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