Britton Shiso
Make your edible landscaping pop with this stunning two-toned shiso, also known as perilla. The deep green leaves have dusky burgundy undersides and an earthy-yet-aromatic flavor reminiscent of star anise, mint, and even cumin. Shiso features prominently in many Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai cuisines; its versatile flavor profile means it can be used in both savory and sweet dishes from pickles to desserts. Bushy habit, as beautiful as a decorative coleus.
NOTE: Shiso can be aggressive in some locations. Here in zone 6A in NY’s Hudson Valley we haven’t had trouble with this variety being invasive, but the states of NJ, PA, VA, WV, MA, TN, KY, and DC do have P. frutescens listed on their states’ invasive species registries, so if you live in one of these states, please abstain from growing this plant. For other locations, we recommend diligently deadheading the flower spikes before they’re able to set seed and self-sow – and, of course, using the delicious leaves with abandon!
