Perilla

Perilla ‘Tricolor’ is a summer annual grown for its pink, white, and green leaves. A North Carolina State University annual-plant listing names this selection and describes it as an all-summer foliage accent. ## Foliage and placement Use Perilla ‘Tricolor’ in a sunny to partly shaded bed or container with well-drained soil. The exact NCSU listing describes the foliage as pink, white, and green and notes that this selection is more drought tolerant than coleus. The species profile from NC State Extension says Perilla frutescens grows in full sun to partial shade and tolerates heat and dry conditions. [NCSU annual plant profile for Perilla ‘Tricolor’](https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/2013-Annuals-Web.pdf?fwd=no) and [NC State Extension species profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/perilla-frutescens/common-name/beefsteak-plant/). ## Seasonal growing Treat this selection as an annual in climates where it does not survive winter. NC State reports USDA hardiness zones 10–11 for the species; this hardiness range is not a claim that the named selection is perennial in colder places. The annual listing gives approximately 2 feet of height and 12 inches of width; established plants can vary with growing conditions. ## Maintenance Perilla frutescens can self-seed aggressively and is listed as invasive in several southeastern states. Remove flower spikes before seed forms, avoid spreading seed in garden waste, and check local invasive-plant guidance before planting. The University of North Florida Botanical Garden also describes Perilla as a warm-season annual with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.