Britton Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa ‘Britton’)
Bold, Bicolor Herb with Aromatic Leaves
The Britton Shiso is a stunning bicolor selection of Perilla frutescens with deeply crinkled leaves that are green on top and rich purple underneath. This heat-loving annual herb grows into a bushy, fragrant plant with soft serrated foliage and a bold, ornamental presence in the garden. Its aroma is bright, herbal, and slightly spicy—somewhere between basil, mint, and cinnamon—making it a multifunctional edible that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Shiso thrives in warm weather, grows quickly, and produces abundant leaves throughout the season.
Highly adaptable and vigorous, Britton Shiso performs well in garden beds or containers, adding texture and color to edible landscapes. Its upright habit, unique bicolor leaves, and pollinator-friendly summer blooms make it a standout for both chefs and gardeners.
Cultural & Culinary Significance
Shiso has been cherished for centuries in Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese cuisine. It is used fresh in sushi, sashimi, salads, pickles, rice dishes, and herbal teas. Britton Shiso’s bicolor leaves offer a flavor that’s both refreshing and complex, with notes of anise, basil, and citrus. Traditionally used to wrap foods, flavor broths, and add aromatic depth to fermented dishes, shiso is also valued in herbal traditions for its calming and digestive-supportive properties. Growing Britton Shiso brings a globally beloved culinary herb into everyday reach.
Why Grow Britton Shiso?
- Bicolor green-and-purple leaves with bold, aromatic flavor
- Essential herb in East Asian cuisine—fresh, pickled, or brewed
- Fast-growing, heat-tolerant, and productive all season
- Ornamental foliage adds texture and color to edible gardens
- Perfect for containers, raised beds, and herb gardens
Growing Tips
(Also known as: Shiso, Perilla, Beefsteak Plant, Japanese Basil; botanical synonyms may include Perilla ocymoides in older references)
Grow Britton Shiso in full sun to light shade, in well-drained, moderately fertile soil. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during hot spells, though mature plants tolerate short dry periods. Shiso prefers warm temperatures and grows rapidly once summer heat settles in; protect young seedlings from late frost. Feed lightly with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer to encourage lush leaf production. Pinch back growing tips regularly to maintain a bushy shape and extend the harvest window. Suitable for containers or garden beds, though container-grown plants may need more frequent watering. Provide good air circulation to discourage mildew and monitor for flea beetles on young leaves. Expect harvestable foliage within 4–6 weeks of planting, with peak flavor before flowering.