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Tricolor Perilla

Perilla 'Tricolor'

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Tricolor Perilla (Perilla 'Tricolor') at Roger's Gardens

Tricolor Perilla foliage

Tricolor Perilla foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spacing:  12 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade  full shade 

Hardiness Zone:  9b

Description:

Light green new foliage quickly matures to deep burgundy, with bright pink centers; a great garden accent or landscape plant that also works well in mixed containers; performs well in sun or shade

Ornamental Features

Tricolor Perilla's attractive serrated pointy leaves emerge light green in spring, turning burgundy in color with prominent pink stripes and tinges of purple the rest of the year on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth.

Landscape Attributes

Tricolor Perilla is an herbaceous evergreen perennial with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant. The flowers of this plant may actually detract from its ornamental features, so they can be removed as they appear. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Tricolor Perilla is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting
  • Hanging Baskets

Planting & Growing

Tricolor Perilla will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 14 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 12 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It requires an evenly moist well-drained soil for optimal growth, but will die in standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by cuttings; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Tricolor Perilla is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Edging  Garden  Container  Basket 
Applications
Foliage Color 
Ornamental Features